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.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Sandy Point is known for soft white sand, great for swimming; good snorkeling if you swim out
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the Caribbean. This protected wildlife refuge is only accessible from the first weekend in September through the last weekend in March and only on the weekends from 10 am until 4 pm during those months. Why?
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is listed as critical nesting habitat for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle. Leatherbacks, hawksbill, and green sea turtles nest there undisturbed and in abundance during the summer months. Endangered Least Terns (shorebirds) place their eggs in the sand. For this reason, it is closed to the public most of the time and carefully monitored. And because of the light impact humans have, it remains one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean.
There are no facilities, but the road into the refuge leads to several parking lots with beach access to the Southside and West. Pack a cooler and spend the day – you won’t be disappointed! Bring beach chairs and a beach tent for shade. You cannot put umbrella poles or stakes in the sand due to potential damage to sea turtle nests. Check out my favorite portable and easy to set up beach tent with attached sand bags. Remember to carry out what you carry in – Leave only footprints behind. The sea turtles and wildlife will thank you.
Fun Facts About Sandy Point
- You’ll fly over Sandy Point on your approach to the Henry Rohlsen Airport (STX) – if seated on the right side of the plane, you’ll have an amazing view of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. If seated on the left, you’ll see the gorgeous West End town of Frederiksted along with the beach and the Frederiksted Pier.
- Have you seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption? The final scene where Morgan Freeman greets Tim Robins in "Mexico" - nope, it's actually Sandy Point! You'll also recognize other St Croix spots throughout the movie if you watch carefully!
- Learn more about the sea turtle research conducted at seaturtleconsensus.com