Great Snorkeling Spots in St. Croix

Snorkeling is one of my favorite hobbies.  I addition to watching the sea life, I love to look for shells and chaney (small pieces of broken Danish pottery) in the shallows. There are good snorkeling spots ALL OVER this lovely island. Visit the maps page on my web site, to become familiar with the island of St. Croix.

I guess I enjoy the snorkeling on the west end best of all. Right in front of our condo at Harbour Beach Village (just south of Sandcastles on the Beach) are perfect coral formations and overhangs  - great spots for fish and lobsters to hang out!  If you go in either direction away from the condos, the snorkeling is still wonderful, but the bottom changes.  There are some grassy areas to the south,ideal for spotting turtles!  Last week we saw an ENORMOUS ray.  Wing span of probably 5 - 6 feet!  

There's actually an underwater snorkeling trail on the west end just off of the beach in front of N2 the Blue (best dive shop in St Croix) and Coconuts (best beach bar in St Croix!!!).  And snorkeling off the Frederiksted pier, you may get lucky and see seahorses!  That's a definite "seahorse hangout!"  

Going north, other good snorkeling spots include the beach off of Butler Bay (you'll see a sign and some old stone gates - just after that is a nice beach- park there to snorkel - but don't leave valuables in your car!).  Further north along the west end beach road, stay to the left and you'll be rewarded with great snorkeling at Ham's bay.  You'll see several spots to pull off and park - just make sure to mind your valuables.  Take along one of those waterproof containers for your keys and wallet - if you don't have one - you can pick one up at  N2 the Blue.   Nothing worse than having a perfect beach and snorkeling day ruined by a few punks who get their jollies by breaking into vehicles and stealing your stuff.

Along the North Shore, of course the famous Cane Bay is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Continue on to La Valle and I understand the snorkeling is pretty good in that stretch just after you go left at the Corner Store.  Haven't checked it out yet - but it's supposed to be nice.  And so is the snorkeling right in front of Lobster Reef (restaurant across from Corner Store).   I hear that's a lobster hangout - and the restaurant is a hangout for those of us who like to eat them!  Salt River park (the beach side) has some interesting coral formations and is supposed to have wonderful snorkeling.  I haven't tried that yet, either.   To get there, continue down north shore road and turn left at the marina.  That road dead-ends at the beach - take security precautions here as well.

On the east end of the island there's also some great snorkeling.  Tamarind Reef is really nice.  Past the Buccaneer, turn left into Green Cay.  Follow signs for the Deep End Bar and go to the beach to the right of the bar.  They have an attendant and you can rent chairs, umbrellas, the whole works.   Fewer worries about thievery here, and truly world class snorkeling.  It's a bit difficult to get into the water here - but worth it.

Out east, the water in front of Duggan's Reef restaurant is  supposedly good for snorkeling.  Or, keep heading east and follow signs for the Divi, then turn left on one of the roads and find your way to the beach at Grapetree bay.  There are several spots where you'll see trails to the beach and some parking. Great snorkeling here, too.  The Divi hotel beach is also nice - with all the amenitie of a fine hotel (chairs, bar, etc.).  

Jack & Issac's Bay is supposed to be fabulous for snorkeling (also off of Grapetree Bay- but you have to hike to it).  I'm going to test that one out this week.  I understand it requires a significant hike - but it's supposed to be well worth it.  I'll report back!

And of COURSE  - there's Buck Island!  But for that - you need a boat!

Please feel free to post your comments about other snorkel spots YOU'VE found here on St. Croix!

Sound too good to be true?  Visit my web site on retiring in the Virgin Islands, contact me for a Relocation Package or Answers to Your Questions on Retirement.  We live our dream here in St. Croix - come down and visit!

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758