Beaches throughout the US Virgin Islands are public and accessible to all. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution and be mindful when there are surf advisories. Sundays are a popular family day throughout the island and you’ll find many beaches full of activity. On cruise ship days you’ll also find the West End and Cane Bay beaches fairly busy – but always beautiful.
Blue Flag USVI
The Blue Flag is an environmental award given to beaches and marinas making a special effort to implement sound management with respect to the local environment and nature, and providing users with information on environmental issues. To attain the Blue Flag, beaches and marinas have to comply with a number of strict criteria concerning environmental information and education, environmental management, safety and service facilities, and water quality.
The beach at the Palms at Pelican Cove attained Blue Flag status in December of 2011. I was excited to be a part of this great project, designing the educational signs on the beach to compliment the large Beach Information sign I had designed several years back. The Palms have been excellent stewards of their beach and the environment for many years and I’m so happy for them to be recognized for their efforts.
East End
Jacks & Isaac’s Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on St Croix. This fairly remote beach is never busy and can be accessed by a short 15-minute hike from the parking area just below Point Udall. The hiking path down to the beach is nicely groomed and I’ve headed down with small children with no problem at all. There are no facilities, so bring a small cooler with beverages and snacks. Be sure to bring snorkel gear with you too as this is one of the best snorkeling beaches on island.
West End
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is the most beautiful and pristine beach on St Croix. his pristine wildlife refuge is only accessible from roughly October through April and only on the weekends until 4pm during those months. Why? It is listed as critical nesting habitat for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle. Leatherbacks, hawksbill and green sea turtles nest there undisturbed and in abundance during the summer months. Endangered Least Terns (shore birds) place their eggs in the sand. For this reason, it is closed to the public the majority of the time and carefully monitored. And because of the light impact humans have, it remains one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. There are no facilities, but they have recently paved the once treacherous road out to the beach. Pack a cooler and spend the day – you won’t be disappointed! But remember to carry out what you carry in – Leave only footprints behind. The turtles thank you.
