This lush beach is part of the Carambola resort complex but is open for the public to enjoy. At Davis Bay, the dense forest forms a fascinating backdrop against the winding shoreline. It is one of St. Croix’s most picturesque spots and offers some of the island’s best snorkeling.
LOCATION: Take Route 63 north of Frederiksted and travel a short distance beyond Rainbow Beach.
Drive a bit further beyond Rainbow Beach and you will come to Sprat Hall Beach. Here, too, you can enjoy food and drink in a friendly locale that attracts residents and visitors alike. While you are in the area, check out the unique ambiance of Sprat Hall Plantation. It features overnight accommodations, and horseback riding, as well as a fabulous restaurant.
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.
LOCATION: On the East End at Route 322 which branches off from Route 30 in Red Hook.
What a breathtaking spot made all the more enjoyable by a terraced restaurant, bar and water sports rentals. The hotel will charge for the use of a lounge chair but it is well worth it. Snorkeling is best near the rock formations on either end of the beach.
This residential style beach is a quiet spot to soak up the sun and drink in pure tropical ambience. Condo owners and renters are eligible for the use of comfy lounge chairs. Visitors pay a small fee for the privilege, usually $5, but rates can change. Watch for the rocky bottom near the water’s edge. The lovely on-premise restaurant, Blue Moon Cafe, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the day, it caters to the swimsuit set as well as business diners. Restrooms are available and the hotel has a beach shack for water sports rentals.
LOCATION: ON THE WEST END, ACCROSS FROM THE ENTRANCE TO THE REICHOLD CENTER FOR THE ARTS.
Near the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, this peaceful spot livens up on the weekend and often has tasty local food available from vendors. During the week while locals are at work, it’s a great place to relax and swim in tranquil seas.
Facilities are at a bare minimum here. Keep in mind that taxis do not frequent the area either. Drivers park along the brief 2-lane roadway.
The beach is literally part of the UVI campus and the academic facility maintains the natural wonder. On weekends (and sometimes during the week in high season) vendors offer refreshments. In spite of it’s lack of amenities, a large sandy beach and usually lake-water calm seas offer a perfect spot to swim, relax and soak up the sun.
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.
EAST OF TOWN ON BOLONGO ROAD
The name of this locale can be a bit confusing because many islanders know the place better as Limetree. Due to a change in ownership, it is now officially known as Bluebeard’s. This picture-perfect beach runs along a natural cove. It’s a pretty stretch framed by blooming bougainvillea and other tropical foliage where iguanas play hide-and-seek with visitors.
Bluebeard’s (aka Limetree) is the ultimate proof that ‘good things come in small packages.’ If you are looking for a sweet romantic hideaway, this is definitely a beach to consider. The hotel’s on-premise seaside eatery has restroom facilities. Seas are basicly calm and snorkeling is best by the rock at the far end of the beach. Water sports shack has virtually all the basic seaworthy toys.