St. Croix provides amazing beaches, fine dining, exceptional recreational facilities, golf facilities, and casinos. When visiting the island, you are not limited to these activities as there are plenty of adventurous things to do. The island is only 8 miles wide and 23 miles long. However, the landscape is diverse and you will get to see these things when you visit the region. There is a tropical rainforest that is filled with a wide array of fauna and flora. The clear blue waters present the right opportunity for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers who are looking for a different experience in the Caribbean islands. The natural island is unspoiled and you have the chance to see the best of this region as well as go on your snorkeling activities.
Table of Contents
Top snorkeling locations in St. Croix
Smugglers Cove
The smuggler’s cove offers the perfect environment for people who want their privacy and want to snorkel as well. This place is located in the eastern part of the island and it is ideal for swimming diving and snorkeling. The beach is kid-friendly and here whether you are experienced or new to snorkeling then you are at the right place because this area presents you with the right opportunity to explore the area. The smuggler’s cove is located on the east end of the road and you can take the dirt track. You must always have the right gear when visiting this location because there are no rental shops to get or buy snorkeling or swimming equipment.
If you are looking to experience the best environment then the best area is on the old dock structure and here there are a myriad of fish species. You can see seagrass and here turtles, stingrays, parrotfish, and other creatures thrive in this region.
Tamarind Reef
This is a reef that is located closer to the shore and it is an ideal location if you are looking for a spot where you can enjoy your experience without disturbance. You have the chance to see the coral up close in the water and within the beach area, there are tranquil environments where you can relax and unwind in the area. There is a little shop in the area where you can rent snorkeling equipment. whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or an expert snorkeler then this is the right location for you.
Isaacs Bay
This is one of the best locations where you can go and enjoy snorkeling because it presents you with the best opportunity to see what the island has to offer. There is a natural reserve in the area and it is reachable from the shore. Once you are at the beach you will take a short walk that will take you to the large scattered coral in the shallow water. The bay covers a huge area that is protected by the reef and this is where different fish and invertebrate species thrive.
You can explore the bay area and check out different animal species in the area. There is a channel that heads up to the northern side of the area and here there are turtles and other creatures as well. It is important that you always take care when snorkeling in this location because the currents can be very strong and you need to be safe.
Butler Bay Wrecks
The butler bay wrecks are located on the northern part of the island and there is an artificial reef that you can access from the shore. These places are perfect destinations for diving or snorkeling. When you reach this location, you get to explore the deep wrecks and there you will see the clear waters that are booming with a wide array of fish species and invertebrates. It is an ideal location for both beginners and advanced divers.
If you are looking for the perfect location where you can watch different fish species then you are in the right location. The water is clear up to sixty feet and it is a perfect location for snorkeling and diving. There are shops around where you can enjoy a drink and snack after your expedition.
Cane Bay
This is a popular beach that is located in the steep hills and it is an ideal location for your exploration because the views are exquisite and you do not want to miss all the amazing things that you will find in this region. There is a huge reef that covers a large distance and it emanates about 20 feet below since it is ideal for the corals and other fish species to thrive in you will find a huge number of fish species and invertebrates in this area. It is an ideal area whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler.
West beach
This is a tiny rocky region that is located on the southern part of the island and it is known for its high concentration of corals in the region. There is a huge species of fish in this area because the rocks create a perfect breeding ground for the fish. Since this bay is located closer to the shore you are sure that you can enjoy the best meals around the region.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or snorkel expert then this area is perfect for you. The waters are clear up to 50 feet deep. There are multiple condominiums in the region and you can enjoy your stay in the region during your expedition. It is critical that you pick a calm day to go to this region because when you do this you can see deeper into the water.
Davis Bay
When you reach Davis Bay you will see all the features that you have been looking for in a snorkeling destination. Here the water is shallow and deep as well hence presenting you with the best experience that you will ever get. You can park at the resort and walk to the beach. You can snorkel on the far western part where there are cliffs and this is perfect because there is a huge species of fish and invertebrates that thrive in this location.
The reef is 15 feet in the water and this extensive reef drops down to the sea and this is where the sea creatures thrive. When visiting the destination, you should carry your camera because you will check out fishes such as parrotfish, barracuda, stingrays among others. It is also a great spot for diving.
Frederiksted Pier
This is one of the most famous snorkeling locations in St. Croix Island because of the large pier columns which have encouraged the growth of large corals. When these corals thrive, it means that other fish and invertebrate species are thriving as well. Marine life will usually come to this pier because there are huge corals and the pier extends up to 40 feet down. It is a perfect place where you can see different fish species and inveterate. You have the chance to explore down in the sea.
Sand Castle
The sandcastle presents as an ideal location for snorkeling if you are looking for a perfect snorkeling location in St. Croix. Here you will see the coral prairies that are sloping on the flat land in the sea and there is seagrass as well. The corals extend over a large area and it is an ideal location for you to explore the best that this area has to offer. This location is ideal for your snorkeling experience in the region because of the reefs.
Some of the fish and other invertebrates that you are likely to see in this region include turtles, stingrays, barracuda, parrotfish among others. You can swim up to 20 feet deep because this area has clear waters that guarantee you the best views in the waters. It is important to note that the waves from the sea can be very strong hence the need for you to take caution when snorkeling.
Hams Bay
There is a shallow reef that is located in hams bay and it is made up of soft and hard coral as well. This reef has several feet of water and when you walk to this area you can explore the amazing features that it has to offer. Although this reef may be shallow there are a few fish species that usually thrive in this area and it is perfect for beginners as well as advanced snorkelers.
Shoys Beach
Shoys Beach is located in the eastern part of the island and it is an ideal destination where you can go enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and other fun activities. This place is quieter and this allows you to enjoy the best views of the region because calm water guarantees you greater visibility and this is essential during snorkeling. The spot is quieter than all parts of the island. For you to access this island you can go to the buccaneer hotel and here you will be shown the right place that you can get into the area.
Buck island national reef
One of the best things that you can do while on the island is that you get to experience the best of St. Croix and the buck island national reef is the exact location where you can enjoy this. There is an abundance of marine fish, marine life, coral all coming in different textures, colors, and patterns. The barrier reef and a huge coral create a lagoon that is a good environment for a huge fish species to enjoy this area.
It is a perfect environment where you can go snorkeling. The lagoon has a wide array of fish and invertebrate species. The reef covers 4.5 acres hence there are over 250 fish species in the area and a wide array of other marine life such as spotted eagle rays, hawksbill sea turtles, green sea turtles, juvenile reef, and lemon sharks. As you head to the snorkel trail you will see a huge coral formation and here you will find species such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, blue tangs, and barracuda. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast then you know that you are going to have a time of your life when you visit this reef. Take your time in this region and appreciate the amazing sea creatures that are thriving in this region.
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow beach is one of the most famous destinations in St. Croix because the area offers some of the best snorkel areas on the island. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Here you will find facilities as well such as a char, umbrella, clean bathrooms, and beach gear for purchase or rental.
There is a restaurant in the area and it is a perfect place where you can take a drink or food that you should explore. The bar plays some of the best music in the region well. The marine life in this area is buzzing and you should check out the best fish species and invertebrates in the area. If you have children, you can take them to a snorkel session in this area because it is not very deep and you can have a guide who will take you around.
In conclusion, St. Croix is the best snorkeling destination in the Caribbean and you should not miss the opportunity to explore the best of the region during your visit. It is one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean.
