Ready for your next Adventure? There are so many things to do on St Croix! You’ll find the best places and tours that I send to my friends and family when they visit for an authentic island experience.
Monks Bath & Beach
Monk's Bath and Monk's Bath Beach are located on the west end of St Croix in Frederiksted just past Northside Valley. Exploring the shore down to Monk's Bath is a must-do for the more adventurous visitors to St Croix. Finding it is a treasure!
There's a little pull-off across from a house along the narrow part of Emancipation Drive. You'll walk down a slope to what is now a nice little beach area with plenty of rocky spots for some snorkeling if you have a little more experience. Bonus, it's a little out of the way, so you'll likely have the spot to yourself or with just a few friends.
If you're up for a little adventure, walk along the rocky shoreline (head South towards the Pier) to find Monk's Bath. You'll definitely want to wear sneakers or water shoes!
Monk's Bath has a fascinating and fabled history. Many say that it was carved out in the 1600's by Monks of the Knights of Malta who preferred not to waste the limited fresh water on the shore. Additionally, at that time, there were few settlers on St Croix and sickness abounded very likely from dengue or other mosquito-born diseases. So, legend has it that they carved out two Roman-style bath areas to refresh themselves along the shoreline.
Others say that the small square pool was carved out in the mid-1900's to use the coral rock for building a pool at a now abandoned resort.
Either way, it's well worth the adventure! Just be sure to walk carefully through the rocky tide pool areas. Again, you're going to want to wear more sturdy shoes than flip-flops to manage. Make your way along the shoreline past the "blow hole" (you'll hear it even on a calm day, trust me!) which is about the half-way point from the beach. Continue making your way along the rocks and you'll will find it right along the water - it's unmistakable once you find it!
There are a few "steps" carved into the rock to get down into the pool. Be careful, the rocks can be sharp. And you'll want to watch out for sea urchins nestled in the nooks and crannies of the coral rock. (another reason for water shoes). Fresh ocean water washed in through the carved pool. Relax and enjoy!
Pro-tip: These are the exact coordinates of Monk's Bath 17.7583388148106, -64.88956144966738 ... you'll find it listed on Google Maps