snorkel beaches Archives | My St Croix Travel Guide Virgin Islands Vacation Blog

March 10, 2016 Filed Under: Beaches, Christiansted Beaches, snorkel beaches

Columbus Cove Beach

Columbus Cove Beach is not only picturesque, but it’s also one of the most archaeologically significant sites on St Croix. Co-managed by the National Park System and the local USVI Government, Columbus Cove was site of Christopher Columbus’ landing in 1493 and encountering a well established and thriving village of Arawak Indians. The beach is part of the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve.

This beach is usually quiet and has some nice snorkeling, especially to the East side at the opening to Salt River Bay. Like many St Croix beaches there are no facilities. Carry in, carry out is key!

Take the road down to Salt River and follow that all the way down to the beach. Along your way, you’ll see the sign for the National Park Contact Station. The Contact Station is open mid-November through June, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 AM-4:00 PM, and by appointment (340) 773-1460. The beach is open year-round dawn to dusk.

The National Park Contact Station sits up on the bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Salt River Bay.

To the East of the beach is the entrance to Salt River Bay. This is the area where Columbus’ men first encountered the inhabitants of the New World. The parking area covers archeological evidence of one of the few Taino ball courts known in the Caribbean. There was a thriving village of Arawak Indians living in the Salt River watershed.

March 10, 2016 Filed Under: Beaches, East End Beaches, snorkel beaches

Chenay Bay Beach

A popular spot for locals, families and tourists Chenay Bay Beach is a lovely spot to spend the afternoon. The main part of the beach runs in front of the resort Chenay Bay Beach Resort and Shoreline at Chenay restaurant (and Beach Bar!). If you want a little more privacy, walk down to the Eastern end. The cove is nice and shallow for kids to play. There are sandy bottom areas easily visible though a lot of the water is lined with seagrass. This is actually a plus as it means there is great snorkeling where you’ll see some of the largest starfish on the island, rays, sea turtles and more. There’s also a lovely view of Green Cay right offshore and you can see Buck Island further out.

Because of the seagrass beds, you’ll often see beautiful, big starfish like this Cushion Sea Star!

March 10, 2016 Filed Under: Beaches, East End Beaches, snorkel beaches

Smugglers Cove

Smugglers Cove Beach is tucked away on the East End and like many of our island’s beaches isn’t well marked other than a dirt road. To get there, take the East End Road and where the road bends towards Divi, stay along the coast towards Cramer’s Park and Point Udall. You will immediately see a dirt road to your left that goes down a slight hill.

During the week, the beach is often quiet and you may have it to yourself. As with any remote spot, don’t leave valuables in your car or alone on the beach.

There are no facilities at Smugglers Cove beach, so bring water and some snacks if you plan to spend the day. This is a beautiful swimming and snorkeling spot with views of Buck Island!

There’s plenty of beach to stretch out and relax with a good book and to catch some rays.

At the West end of the beach are the remnants of an old dock. This is a great spot to get in the water and snorkel to see the smaller fish that congregate around the rocks and ruins. Swim a little further out over the seagrass beds and you’ll see starfish, rays and the occasional sea turtle.

February 2, 2016 Filed Under: Beaches, Christiansted Beaches, snorkel beaches

Palms Pelican Cove | Blue Flag Beach

The Beach at Palms Pelican Cove has a vibrant fringing reef that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. When the water is rough, there is a bit of a rip current to be mindful of but the channel is well marked. It’s also an active sea turtle nesting beach. Bonus – the beach bar at the hotel is just a few steps away!

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.

February 2, 2016 Filed Under: Beaches, East End Beaches, snorkel beaches

Jack and Isaac’s Bay

Jack & Isaac’s Bay are two of the most beautiful beaches on St Croix. These fairly remote beaches are never busy and can only be accessed by a short 15-minute hike from the parking area just below Point Udall. The hiking path down to Jack Bay 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. There are incredible views along the hike, be sure to bring your camera. And don’t forget to bring snorkel gear with you too as this is one of the best snorkeling beaches on island!

November 11, 2015 Filed Under: Beaches, North Shore Beaches, snorkel beaches, Where to Play St Croix

Cane Bay (North Shore)

A popular beach for locals and tourists alike and also one of the best shore dive locations in the Caribbean. Snorkeling is easy and pretty spectacular right off shore. Cane Bay is a great location to spend the day with beach bars like eat@Cane Bay just across the street. You can rent or purchase snorkeling gear onsite from Cane Bay Dive Shop or grab sea kayaks from the folks at Virgin Kayak. The world-famous Cane Bay Wall is only 300 yards off-shore where it drops to over 1400 feet.