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CRUISING TO THE CARIBBEAN:
ST. CROIX USVI ATTRACTIONS:
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St. Croix has a wide variety of beaches. All beaches on the island are open to the public. However, the punlic area only extends 15 feet up from the waterline. Thus, owners of private that adjoins a beach can prohibit beachgoers from using their property. Along the same lines, property owners may prohibit the public from crossing their property to access a beach.
Among the better know beaches in St. Croix are Cane Bay, a small, pretty beach on the northshore that is popular with snorkelers and divers. Not far off shore the depth drops precipitously to 1,000 feet. There is a dive shop and a kayak rental. The current
can be quite strong, however.
Davis Bay (Carambola) is another palm-lined beach that is popular with divers and snorkelers. The bottom is rocky and the current can be strong. It has a restaurant and a bar plus a place to rent snorkeling equipment.
Popular with cruise passengers is Fort Frederik Beach (sometimes called Frederiksted Beach) (above). This small beach is very convenient as it is within walking distance of the cruise ship pier. It has white sand (with some rocks) and a reputation for
good snorkeling.
Another beach with historic associations is the Columbus Landing Beach (left). It has a reputation for being a quiet beach with good snorkeling along its sea grass covered sea floor. Located within the Salt River National Park, facilities at the beach are described as minimal to none.
In contrast, the Beach at Hotel on the Cay offers resort facilities (below). Located in Christiansted harbor, it is accessed via a ferry that runs from the fort area. Beach chairs, water sports equipment, and snorkeling equipment can be rented there. Visitors can also have lunch and drinks beach side.
Among the better know beaches in St. Croix are Cane Bay, a small, pretty beach on the northshore that is popular with snorkelers and divers. Not far off shore the depth drops precipitously to 1,000 feet. There is a dive shop and a kayak rental. The current
can be quite strong, however.
Davis Bay (Carambola) is another palm-lined beach that is popular with divers and snorkelers. The bottom is rocky and the current can be strong. It has a restaurant and a bar plus a place to rent snorkeling equipment.
Popular with cruise passengers is Fort Frederik Beach (sometimes called Frederiksted Beach) (above). This small beach is very convenient as it is within walking distance of the cruise ship pier. It has white sand (with some rocks) and a reputation for
good snorkeling.
Another beach with historic associations is the Columbus Landing Beach (left). It has a reputation for being a quiet beach with good snorkeling along its sea grass covered sea floor. Located within the Salt River National Park, facilities at the beach are described as minimal to none.
In contrast, the Beach at Hotel on the Cay offers resort facilities (below). Located in Christiansted harbor, it is accessed via a ferry that runs from the fort area. Beach chairs, water sports equipment, and snorkeling equipment can be rented there. Visitors can also have lunch and drinks beach side.
As indicated above, St. Croix is known for its snorkeling and diving. The Buck Island National Monument, located off of Christensted preserves what has been called "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." The176-acre island and its surrounding coral reef support a variety of plants, animals and marine life. As a result, it is a renown spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Some cruise ships provide shore excursions to Buck Island. Independent passengers can access the park through one of
the National Park Service's concessionarires. (see National Park Service website)
the National Park Service's concessionarires. (see National Park Service website)
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Cruise destination travel guide - St Croix - St Croix Attractions: Beaches