Four Beaches in St. Croix,
USVI

The United States Virgin Islands consist of three main islands in the Caribbean Ocean which are under territory status of the U.S. This means U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit, making them the tropical paradise that many Americans can easily access and use as a vacation or wedding destination. Here, we highlight four beaches on the island of St. Croix.

The Island

St. Croix is the largest, by land mass, of the main islands - St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix (Water Island is trying to get some love as a main island). It has been going through a rough economic recovery since the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the closure of an oil refining and storage facility, the largest employer on the island. However, you can still find great beaches to indulge at that are quite capable of providing you the relaxing or party vibe you deserve while on vacation.

Most flights arrive onto St. Croix via the STX international airport, located in the southern part of the island. It is small enough to navigate and if coming from the mainland U.S., there is no customs to traverse through. You may either be directed to go through the terminal (currently under renovation) or directly outdoors to the front of the terminal. If the case is latter, head towards the left to reach baggage claim and rental car options.

Rainbow Beach

Located just outside of downtown Fredericksburg, Rainbow Beach has all the offerings you look for in a beach location. The sand is usually combed on a daily basis to remove debris, trash and seagrass that washed in from the previous evening. A local outfit is on-hand to supply beach loungers, chairs and umbrellas. Expect to pay around $20-$25 for a chair and umbrella set, however you can just bring your own towel and relax if you don't want to pay for services. There is no wait staff walking around selling drinks or food, so feel free to bring your own libations and snacks. Should you forget, no worries Mon, the Rhythms Restaurant located at the entrance to the beach has a full bar, makes killer mojitos and has plenty of cold bottled beer, including local brand Leatherback Brewing. The water at this beach tends to be a little darker than at other locations and care should be taken getting in, out and around the waterline. Large boulders of various shapes are in the crash line but they are smooth. Snorkeling opportunities are not the best here, but the northern and southern areas of the beaches are the places where you might spot a turtle or fish. 

The location does not have changing facilities or a restroom outside of the restaurant. There is plenty of parking in a lot across the street, which can get a little muddy when it rains. There is no fee to get on this beach. Music from the restaurant can be heard along the beach, but it does not tend to be overpowering. Several outfits provide jet ski rentals and other motorized water activities.

Protestant Cay Beach

From the boardwalk in Christiansted, you can see the Hotel on the Cay in the middle of the bay almost calling you to come for a visit. At the eastern end of the boardwalk, in front of the King Christiansted Hotel is where you catch the small ferry to the hotel island. Be warned - you are not allowed to bring coolers on the vessel but you can take bags and satchels onboard (contents to be at your choosing). The crossing will take about 10 minutes and should be uneventful. Make sure you snap a few photos of the Christiansted "skyline" when you make your way over. The ferry operates from 7:00am till midnight, island time.

The ferry arrives at a wooden dock that takes you to a small concession building. Here, you pay for your boat crossing and the use of the beach, $5 roundtrip. Should you want lounge chairs and umbrellas, this is where you make your decision and pay. A ticket will be provided that you hand to an attendant that will set up your chairs and umbrella. Expect to pay about $25-$30 for a set up. Head out of the structure and go towards the left to find your happy place.

While the hotel has fallen on rough times, the beach tends to be kept in decent shape. There is a restaurant serving typical island fare and a BBQ smoker providing excellent food options. The restaurant has a full bar and cold beer. The restrooms are located along the side of the restaurant and include changing areas. On the weekends and during several weekdays, live music provides appropriate grooves and tunes to keep your subtle party going, but this is a family-friendly beach with visitors, expatriates and locals alike. The view of the boats in the harbor may be a little off-putting to some, but the activity usually provides for opportunities to spot turtles and rays. For aviation enthusiasts, the floatplane to St. Thomas can be seen coming and going from across the mooring field. Don't expect too many waves, this is a protected area for private and marine vessels.

Carambola/Davis Bay Beach

Attached to the Carambola Hotel complex is the clean Davis Bay Beach, open to the public but fairly unknown unless you stay at the hotel. There is public parking in a lot shared with the hotel workers, located at the end of the road before the guard gate on the left. Non-guests use this lot and walk down the paved driveway or a set of stairs towards the hotel. There are changing facilities and restrooms throughout the complex, but the area by the pool is the most convenient. The best place for accessing the ocean waters is to hit the sea and head to the left. The area will open up to a wider sand area with a volleyball net and limited loungers. There are no umbrellas and there are not services for rentals here. The restaurant has a limited bar food menu which you can carry away to your destination and it has a full bar.

Snorkeling is not the best here, but along the cliff is where fish spotting is best. There are waves here and the undertow can be strong at times. There is no lifeguard. This is a relaxing beach where music is not blasted and one can get lost in a book to the sounds of crashing waves.

North Shore/Cane Bay Beach

The North Shore, especially Cane Bay and neighboring beaches, sees the most activity and there are plenty of reasons why. There is amble access along the white sandy beaches to plop down and chill while enjoying the clear waters of the ocean. Numerous restaurants are in the area to provide you with options for sitting down or taking away. No specific dress code is in play - the is beach life. All of the restaurants offer full bars and outside the Landing Restaurant, there tends to be a beer shack. Music is played from some of the restaurants, especially the Spratnet Beach Bar, but one is never too far away from a more solitude and quiet area. Since this area sees a lot of action, parking may be an issue and driving can be challenging due to wondering (drunk) people walking in the road to replenish their…hydration. There are no easily accessible public changing facilities or restrooms outside the Landing Restaurant. There are also no chair or umbrella rental services.

The crowd is a healthy mix of locals and tourists. The smell of pot can be a little discouraging to families, but with plenty of places along with thin shoreline you are never far away from finding a more comfortable solution. The beach is fairly clean but care should be taken with walking around and looking for a more appropriate spot, as the sand is not always maintained. There are waves here along with undertow issues, however this is a great snorkeling spot on the island. Turtles, fish and sometimes even tiger sharks have been spotted here.

Originally published on June 17, 2022