LOCATION: Take Route 63 south of Frederiksted.
This is truly one of St. Croix’s most unspoiled spots. Located at the southwestern tip of the island, it provides an ideal nesting ground for the endangered leather-back and green sea turtles that are protected by local environmentalists during the nesting season that runs from early April to early June.
Formerly the Renaissance Resort Beach, this seaside complex’s beach offers a dramatic view of St. John. The locale is notably breezy-if not downright windy- with appropriate wat
The hotel that occupies this beach has recently changed hands and is in the process of a major facelift. The beach is sprawling and very windy at times. You will find water sports rentals, restrooms, and the appropriately named Bay Winds restaurant. An upbeat beach bar is adjacent to the pool and is famous for its Frozen Fudgesicles. Keep in mind this is an all-inclusive property and the emphasis is definitely placed on pleasing its hotel guests.
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A wide variety of vessels will take you from Christiansted to the island, located one mile off the northeast coast. Opportunities for travel range from motorized party boats to sloops, trimarans and even glass-bottom boats.
Its famous Underwater Snorkel Trail gives a close-up view of aquatic life including colorful fish, interesting corals and even turtles. You can also go exploring on a 45-minute walking trail from West Beach. It leads you into the interior through tropical vegetation and up to fabulous views from the island’s highest peak.
From Route 82, a turn onto Route 60 will take you on to Grapetree Beach on the South Shore. This beach is home to the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino. This popular area boasts shade, an exquisite stretch of white sandy beach, resort amenities and calm protected waters.
East of Christiansted on Route 82, just beyond Buccaneer Hotel.
Just beyond Buccaneer Hotel you will find a lively shoreline with a line of lush palm trees known as Shoy Beach. This area is known as a fun place to do some body surfing when the wind is right.
LOCATION: Five minutes east of Christiansted on Route 82.
On the grounds of the world class Buccaneer Hotel you will discover luxurious swimming facilities, tropical cocktails, gourmet food and exquisite shade. Non-guests are charged for parking. There are rafts and beach chairs available for rent.
LOCATION: Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, on the East End of the island.
Those seeking a festive beach experience will find Sapphire Beach to be very appealing. This glorious locale offers a stunning view of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. It is a good spot for windsurfing, and three reef areas just off the shore are great for snorkeling. Amenities include a marina, restaurants and a beachside dive shop, offering rental equipment.
In high season, Sapphire can become downright crowded with sun-worshippers and water sports enthusiasts – even during the week. Part of the appeal is the breathtaking view from the beach. Another is the sophisticated array of water sports activities available for novices to pros. The gift shop carries everything related to beach fun under-the-sun. The hotel also offers a casual seaside restaurant, restrooms, and a friendly, spacious bar that pours everything from colas to exotic frosty concoctions. The adjacent marina is home to day charters of all types. Party with island bands on the beach every Sunday after 2 p.m
[googlemaps addr=’Saphire Beach Virgin Islands’ zoom=’15’ width=’350′ height=’350′]
LOCATION: EAST OF TOWN ON BOLONGO ROAD
The sand is a touch coarse here but the visuals are grand. A barrier reef at the inlet provides continual surf to watch and listen too and slows the surf entering the bay. The hotel has a water sports hut offering all types of water toys or relax on beach chairs on a palm lined beach. Iggies Beach Bar features frosty drinks and a tasty menu of burgers, wraps and salads and a regulation size Volleyball court.
Thanks to the proximity and popularity of the Bolongo Hotel and its colorful beachfront eateries, this location offer the convenience of restrooms,watersports operation and a private dock affords day sails and sunset sails. Information on joining a sail is available at the friendly on-premise gift shop. The volleyball court is a great place to meet up with regulars and tourists. Taxis are available at the hotel entrance.
With Thatch Key just across the Leeward Passage, Coki Beach offers some of the prettiest panoramas on the island. This funky little beach is known for its excellent scuba and snorkeling sites. Brightly painted stalls, beach bars and food stands add local color to this stretch, as does the fact that Coki Beach is among the locals’ favorites.
This exquisitely beautiful cove offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling oportunities. The pristine beach has an on-premise dive shop. Amenities include changing and rest rooms. You will find snack stands, friendly bars and even hair-braiding services. Taxis are usually on hand and the proximity to Coral World, a unique underwater park, is an added plus.
LOCATION: ON THE EAST END AT ROUTE 322 BRANCHING OFF ROUTE 30 IN RED HOOK
At the Elysian Beach Resort sits this gem of a water sports destination. Head out in a sunfish and go exploring or relax under a palm tree on this snow-white beach. Perhaps the only drawback is a bit of a rocky bottom at the water’s edge. Bonnie’s by the Sea is adjacent to the beacdh and welcomes beachgoers to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and refreshments in a casual atmosphere seven days a week.
Although the spotlight is not often placed on this beach at Cowpet Bay, it offers plenty of shade on an attractive beach with handy lounge chairs. The only disadvantage for swimmers is a rocky bottom. The on-premise beach shack has plenty of water sports activities to keep you busy. The popular eatery, Bonnie’s By The Sea, has restrooms and serves up casual meals with cooling cocktails. On Sunday afternoons, enjoy an authentic West Indian pig roast. At night, nearby Robert’s Grill is open for luscious dinners in a romantic atmosphere.