Most of the beaches on St. Croix are clustered around the town of Christiansted. Several others are near the only other town, Frederiksted. All of the beaches are open to the public and those near hotels charge only a small fee for the facilities.

Near Christiansted, the beach at Hotel on the Cay is a nice beach with a restaurant, bar and watersport facilities. The beach at the Buccaneer Hotel is luxurious in the resort style, and Shoy Beach is good for body surfing. Green Cay beach is lovely and secluded. Chenay Bay Beach has a resort and windsurfing facility. Teague Bay and Reef Beach are favorites with a long, sandy stretch and a restaurant. The stretch at Grape Tree Beach is calm and shady. West of Christiansted you'll find a picturesque, winding shoreline where there are more turtles than facilities at Salt River Bay, Cane Bay Beach and Davis Bay Beach.

The best area for snorkeling is around Frederiksted, especially at Rainbow Beach. Sprat Hall Beach is the most luxurious with a bar and restaurant, and Sandy Point is located in a wildlife refuge.

Posted online 07/09/01.