St. Croix’s Snorkeling Spots That Will Dazzle You
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:
1. Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument is a 176-acre, uninhabited island located approximately 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix. 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. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Smugglers Cove
Virgin Islands National Park
No Passport is needed to visit this incredible park. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
Learn more about Virgin Islands National Park.
Epic Snorkeling in St Croix, USVI
If you are looking for a beautiful snorkeling experience, plus a gorgeous setting to relax in, look no further than St Croix, USVI. You dont need a passport, yet you’ll feel like you are a million miles away from the US.
See the best snorkeling places in St. Croix.
The Ultimate Glow Up
If you’ve never experienced the magic of a bioluminescent bay, you must book a trip to Puerto Rico ASAP. You don’t need a passport, and the beauty and fairytale-like setting of Old San Juan will blow you away.
See more about Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico.
Virgin Gorda Baths
Virgin Gorda Baths are set in Devils Bay National Park on Virgin Gorda, BVI. You can get there by ferry from Tortola, and its a day trip you must take!
