Snorkeling St Croix, USVI: The Best Places
One of the questions we often hear from travelers is “Where are the best snorkeling spots in St Croix?” Well, we’re here to give you some recommendations!
There are plenty of great spots for snorkeling on St. Croix and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, there’s something for everyone.
Did you know that St Croix is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for snorkelers? With its crystal-clear waters and amazing coral reefs, it’s easy to see why.
If you’re looking for some of the best snorkeling in St Croix, here are a few of our top picks:
Map of Best Snorkeling Spots in St Croix
The Best Snorkeling Spots in St Croix
1. Buck Island Reef National Monument
This spot is a must-visit for any snorkeler looking for things to do in St. Croix. The reef here is home to a variety of marine life, including coral, fish, and turtles. There’s also a shipwreck to explore!
Buck Island Reef National Monument is a 176-acre, uninhabited island located approximately 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix. Buck Island was made a U.S. National Monument in 1961 by John F. Kennedy in an effort to preserve “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.” (JFK)
Buck Island Reef National Monument contains one of only 3 underwater trails in the United States. You can find one of the other underwater trails in US Virgin Islands National Park.
The Buck Island Reef National Monument contains an incredible 4,554 acres of branching elkhorn coral. The barrier reef forms a lagoon area perfect for snorkeling.
With over 250 different fish species calling the reef home, as well as green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, lemon sharks, and juvenile reef sharks, there is no shortage of marine life to be discovered at Buck Island Reef National Monument.
2. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
Another Hidden Gem in the US National Park System, this park is great for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Salt River Bay contains the largest mangrove forest in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs to explore. You’ll find many beautiful species of tropical fish at Salt River Bay.
3. Cane Bay Beach
This is one of the most popular spots on the island for snorkeling. The waves are generally calm here making Cane Bay Beach a great place for families, to hang out, but snorkeling is best for strong swimmers. This is because the “good snorkeling” is offshore here.
About 1/4 mile off the beach there is “the wall” which drop-off that goes from 40 feet to thousands of feet. The wall is excellent for snorkeling and diving. The reef here is teeming with marine life, including fish, coral, and turtles. Sometimes you can get lucky and even see whales or dolphins here!
Cane Bay Snorkeling should definitely be on your St Croix to do list!
4. Frederiksted Pier
The Frederiksted Pier is the best snorkeling spot on St Croix’s west coast. The pier is supported by pillars that are submerged in the sea and are covered with colorful coral that has developed over time. All sorts of brilliant fish and unique sea animals may be observed utilizing this coral as a home. You may even see an Eagle Ray, Squid, or Sea Turtle here!
Be sure to check if there are any ships in port because you aren’t allowed to snorkel at Frederiksted Pier if they are.
5. West Beach
West Beach is a great snorkeling option for families and kids. The water is shallow and fairly calm. West Beach is best snorkeled in calm conditions with little wind, otherwise, the water here becomes murky.
6. Isaac Bay & Jacks Bay Beaches
This is a 300-acre nature preserve. The sanctuary is home to nesting sea turtles and a variety of marine life, including staghorn, elkhorn, and brain corals. The preserve has 400 different types of fish. Snorkelers may explore the area’s healthy underwater ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
These remote beaches can be snorkeling heaven, but you need to be experienced and prepared to visit here. There are no facilities, so you will need to plan ahead and bring everything you need with you.
To reach Isaac Bay, you’ll have to hike about 15 minutes from Point Udall, and to reach Jacks Bay, you’ll have to hike about another 15 minutes past Isaac Bay. The payoff for all the hiking and preparation is pristine conditions and secluded beaches.
These two quiet locations are our favorite St Croix snorkeling beaches.
7. Davis Bay
Davis Bay St Croix can be a wonderful snorkeling location, but it can also have strong currents. Always check the weather conditions before you go. You can call Carambola Beach Resort, to check snorkeling conditions. The best snorkeling can be found near the cliffs.
8. Rainbow Beach
This is a great calm beach that is nice for families. Rainbow Beach is a great place to learn to snorkel or for inexperienced snorkelers to gain confidence. There isn’t as much to see here as in other locations, but the calm waters are nice. You might even see Sea Turtles here!
Rainbow Beach can be very busy when cruise ships are in port.
You should also read “Virgin Gorda Baths”
9. Shoys Beach
This secluded beach is a great place to snorkel in St Croix if you want quiet solitude. The grassy bottom is a great place for turtles, conch, and stingrays.
The beach sits behind a gated community but is not private. You just need to tell the security guards that you want to go to Shoys Beach and they will let you in. Start at the Buccaneer hotel and then leave your car at the parking lot at the end of the road. There is a tunnel through the mangroves that leads to the beach.
10. Butler Bay
Most people associate Butler Bay with diving due to the shipwrecks there. But, if you are a strong swimmer, you can also snorkel here and access one of the shallower shipwrecks. You can also take a snorkel tour here. The shipwreck is about 30 feet down, and the water is clear enough that you can see it from the surface too! Both shipwrecks are marked with buoys, the shallow one being on the left.
11. Tamarind Reef Beach
There is a snorkel trail here on the east end of Tamarind Reef Beach. This is one of the finest snorkel locations on St Croix if the conditions are good. This is another shallow, nice area for families to snorkel and enjoy the wide sandy beach area.
12. Smugglers Cove
Smugglers Cove is a nice beach to spend the day, and a good place to snorkel. The west end of the beach has pieces from an old dock, that has become a haven for marine life. Snorkel here if you don’t want to go far, and you can see small fish. If you head out a bit further you’ll find Rays, Turtles, and more.
When is the best time of year to Snorkel in St Croix?
The best time of year to snorkel in the Virgin Islands is between December and May. The water tends to be the warmest in September and October.
Hurricane Season in the Virgin Islands is August through October. Planning a trip during these months increases your risk of being affected by a hurricane or tropical storm.
Common Questions about snorkeling in St Croix
Is there good snorkeling in St. Croix?
YES! St. Croix is an excellent place to snorkel.
Where can I snorkel in St. Croix?
There are so many incredible places to snorkel in St Croix, but we’ve listed 12 of our favorites! There are places for experts and beginners. We’ve also included snorkeling from beaches in St Croix and open-water snorkel locations.
Can you snorkel Cane Bay Wall?
Yes, you can snorkel and scuba dive the Cane Bay Wall!
Do I need a passport to go to St Croix?
No, if you are an American Citizen, or visiting on a cruise, you do not need a passport to visit St Croix.
St Croix Snorkeling Tips
The best time of year to snorkel in St Croix is between December and May
December through March are the busiest times in St Croix, so look for the more isolated beaches and snorkel spots
Do not touch the reef, turtles, or anything else you see underwater. You can kill or damage a large number of living things with one touch
Only wear reef-safe sunscreen. Apply sunscreen a while before getting in the water to avoid excess oils and perfumes in the water. Wearing a rash guard helps limit the amount of sunscreen you need.
Check for Pier closure and cruise ship schedules before heading to the pier.
Use a dive flag for safety. Be sure and learn more about dive flags, and other beach warning flags before you go.
Snorkel Gear
There are numerous dive rental shops on St Croix if you do not want to bring your own gear. Rental is relatively inexpensive. A few reputable dive shops in St Croix are:
I like to bring my own snorkel gear. I find that by bringing my own I have gear that I know fits and that I like to use. It is also helpful if you are visiting multiple locations on one trip to have your own gear. Snorkel gear is pretty inexpensive and doesn’t take up much room in your luggage.
Here is my favorite snorkel gear
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Rash Guard
- Snorkel Mask, my husband prefers these full-face masks
- Snorkel Fins
- Snorkel Vest
- GoPro
- Underwater Camera
- Dive Flag
St Croix Snorkeling Tours
There are multiple dive shops and tour operators in St Croix that offer snorkeling excursions. You can also take one of these highly recommended tours.
Conclusion: Snorkeling in St Croix
With so many great options for snorkeling, it’s no wonder that St Croix is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean and with plenty of things to do.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, there’s something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your snorkel and fins and head to one of these amazing spots!
I thinkg snorkeling is so relaxing and beautiful! I hope you can go sometime.
This is a great guide! I have never done snorkelling, so I would definitely love to do it one day, and this place seems to be the perfect place to do it 🙂
I always wanted to try snorkeling but I never had the chance! St Croix looks like the perfect place to try this experience and have a nice swim! The place looks like a real paradise and I would love to spend some time there! the photos are phenomenal! thanks for sharing!
This is an epic guide to the best places to snorkel at the US Virgin Islands. So many beauty!
Wow! There are a lot of nice places to go snorkeling here which is great. The water in your photos looks amazing to swim in.
Having grown up near a beach I love snorkelling. I am sure I would enjoy snorkelling here to. Thanks for providing so many spots I could snorkel – one day I hope to get there!
Hi Jane! My husband is not a great swimmer and is not confident in the water. He prefers the full face mask because he can breathe naturally while snorkeling. He doesn’t go underwater much, just puts his head down on the water to look under.
I prefer the traditional masks because I feel more comfortable in them. I think it’s because it’s what I’ve always worn, and am just more used to them. Whereas, my husband, started out with the full mask.
I truly think its preference. I have 3 boys and 2 like one kind and the other a different one.
As far as cameras go, I’ve gotten to where I only take my GoPro. It’s small, lightweight, easy to use and takes excellent quality I have mask where I can attach the GoPro, so that I am totally hands free. You can always “screen shot” an image from your GoPro video later.
The snorkel vests are a great investment, they aren’t expensive and they don’t take up any space at all in your luggage. You can inflate them to your preference, and let air out when you want to dive further under.
I love snorkeling, and go anytime I can, I’ll try to answer any questions you have!
Just wondering why your husband prefers the full face mask and why you prefer the more traditional? I am going proper snorkelling (had a brief go on holidays in the past) later this year and thinking of investing so I’m really interested in your recommendations. Would you suggest camera and Go-pro or is the Go-pro sufficient? Any other tips greatly appreciated!