St. Croix, USVI boasts a different beach for nearly every day of the month. There’s no doubt you’ll find your favorites that you will want to return to again and again, whether it’s for their white sand, their stellar snorkeling, shady palm trees, or the nearest beach bar.
18 St. Croix Beaches to Explore
These are some of our favorite St. Croix beaches (in no particular order). Now it’s up to you to decide where you’ll sink your toes in the sand on your next beach day. Ready to find the best beaches in St. Croix? Check out our list of the 18 Best Beaches in St. Croix that we think could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Turtle Beach, on Buck Island, offers some of the most pristine white sand and the clearest blue water you’ll see from a St. Croix beach. It’s only accessible by boat and is a protected marine park, which makes a visit to Turtle Beach even more special. Weekends, especially Sundays, bring lots of boats to Buck Island. Weekdays tend to be a bit quieter. Buck Island is one of the most popular beaches for snorkeling, as it is home to an incredible coral reef and a variety of marine life.
Check for hours before visiting.
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Beach is a protected wildlife refuge and is the chosen nesting spot for many green, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles on St. Croix. Open seasonally to protect the nests, Sandy Point is a favorite weekend spot for relaxing and socializing on the long stretch of sand and bathing in the warm west-end waters when it is open to the public. his beautiful, secluded beach is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun, but beware there are no facilities since it is first and foremost a wildlife refuge for Turtle Nests – which means this beach also closes for nesting season.
Check for hours before visiting.
Cane Bay Beach
The North Shore’s Cane Bay Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving due to its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral formations, and exciting marine life. A palm tree-lined beach offers shade and nearby restaurants and bars make grabbing a drink or food to enjoy beachside easy and convenient. This beach can get pretty busy on weekends and any day during high season.
Shoys Beach
Accessed by going through the guard shack at Shoys neighborhood, the beach at Shoys feels as though you’re entering a fairytale land. A tree-lined tunnel brings you to a beautiful secluded beach, with views of St. Thomas and St. John on a clear day. It’s a great beach for swimming, relaxing and enjoying some solitude.
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a lively beach on the west end of St. Croix, offering easily accessible food, drinks, volleyball and watersports. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. It’s a great beach for people-watching, especially on weekends or days when a cruise ship is in port. Known for its calm, turquoise waters and soft sand, Rainbow Beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay Beaches
Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay are two separate beaches, both accessed from a single hiking trail on the east end of the island. If you’re looking for an adventure and seclusion, Jack’s Bay is a hidden gem that requires a bit of a hike to reach. They are among the favorite beaches of those who make the trek, though. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the opportunity to explore tide pools and caves.
Mermaid Beach
Located on the grounds of Buccaneer Resort, Mermaid Beach offers gentle sloping sand into clear water, perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sea. Stay out of the sun by lounging under one of many palm trees. Beaches on St. Croix are public, so visitors can access the beach, even if they aren’t staying at the resort. However, coolers and beach chairs are not allowed, and parking at resorts may be restricted. Visitors can purchase food and drinks from the resort restaurant. It tends to be busy during high season and quieter during low season.
Dorsch Beach
Dorsch Beach is a favorite west end beach for locals and visitors. It’s a great all-around beach for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and beachcombing, with a bar and restaurant accessible nearby. Expect crowds and parties on weekends, and a quieter scene on weekdays. Stay until evening for a beautiful sunset.
Protestant Cay Beach
Take a vacation from vacation with a one-minute ferry ride to Protestant Cay – a small island in the Christiansted Harbor. This beach, easily accessed from Christiansted town, has soft, easy to traverse sand and clear water right in the harbor. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the beach bar, as well as umbrella and chair rentals. There’s no fee for beach use, but there is a fee to ride the ferry. It tends to be busy on weekends and during high season, so go early to stake out your spot.
Ha’Penny Beach
On the South Shore of St. Croix, Ha’Penny beach is a popular beach with surfers, dog walkers and shoreline fishermen. Because of its long coastline, Ha’Penny is a favorite spot for early morning and evening strolls, too.
Frederiksted Beach
The easiest beach to access from Frederiksted town, Frederiksted Beach offers stunning sunset views and a good chance of finding sea glass and chaney on the shore. It’s very busy when a cruise ship is in port, but otherwise tends to be relatively quiet, especially during the week.
Tamarind Beach
At Tamarind Reef Resort, Tamarind Beach is a great swimming beach for small children, as the rocks surrounding it typically provide protection from waves and a small area for swimming and soaking. It’s a favorite beach for volleyball, and a great place to watch boats coming and going from the marina. Look for iguanas near the palm trees and mangroves. A nearby restaurant serves food and drinks; personal coolers are not allowed.
Carambola Beach
Carambola Beach, at Carambola Resort, offers beautiful cliffside views and great surf for boogie-boarding enthusiasts. During calmer seas, it has great snorkeling and shore dives. As it is a resort, food and drinks are available on-site, and you should leave your coolers and chairs at home.
Sprat Hall Beach
On the west end, Sprat Hall Beach tends to be a quiet beach, especially during the week, and is great for relaxing under a shady tree and taking a dip in the ocean.
Pelican Cove
Pelican Cove is a narrow mid-island beach that’s perfect for a short walk, relaxation under a palm tree or just to dip your toes in the sand. Surrounded by reef, it offers beautiful views, but is less ideal for swimming.
Chenay Bay Beach
Chenay Bay Beach, with a bar and restaurant nearby, is a long, narrow beach. It’s a great place to watch small sailboats race around on breezy days and to soak in the Caribbean sea.
Grapetree Bay Beach
Grapetree Bay Beach is a long, wide beach located on the eastern coast of St. Croix. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers plenty of space for sunbathing and beach games.
Cramer’s Park Beach
On the east end of the island and easily accessible is Cramer’s Park Beach. It’s a great swimming beach with soft sand and easy slopes into the ocean; check for park hours before going.
Have a specific activity in mind? No matter what kind of beach experience you’re looking for, St. Croix USVI has something to offer. From world-class snorkeling and diving to secluded spots for relaxation, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for your next Caribbean vacation. Explore our selection of the best beaches in St. Croix, with our favorite activities for each:
Best St. Croix Beaches for Snorkeling
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Cane Bay Beach
- Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Best St. Croix Beaches for Relaxation
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Rainbow Beach
- Chenay Bay Beach
Best St. Croix Beaches for Adventure
- Jack’s Bay Beach
- Issac’s Bay Beach
- Ha’Penny Beach
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