We were there in August and there are many great beaches to snorkle.

Buck Island, which is a tour is a must to do. It beats everything.

Hello Ernie,

Buccaneer Beach and Chenay Bay are great beaches for families. They both have kayaks and other small watercrafts for rent that older kids might like or parents can take younger kids out. Cane Bay has good snorkeling. I agree with YL the Buck Island trip is worth doing on St. Croix.

--Islander

If you're talking about beaches that tend to have other families, I would add Tamarind Reef Hotel, Divi Carina, Carambola, Shoys, and Cramer's Park.

We visited St. Croix in Sept '03. We stayed 5 nights at the Carambola and loved it; however, I wouldn't recommend it for swimming/snorkling - especially for children. While it was absolutely breathtaking to look at, the waters were rough and had a strong current. Cane Bay would be a wonderful place for the family - and there's a dive shop/resaturant right across the street to have lunch at. Buck Island is also a must do in my opinion.

St. Croix is amazing - you'll have a fabulous time whereever you go!!!

Mandy,

You may have stayed at the Carambola beach hotel during a period of choppy weather. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve seen people swimming.

Ernie,

I missed the snorkeling part of your initial post. You might also try the western shore around Frederiksted.

As the third string beach bum at the Buccaneer, I can recommend our beaches as very family friendly. The Mermaid beach is the better one for swimming and playing in the water. The Grotto beach has a limestone shelf that runs just about the full length of the bay. There are tons of critters that live on and under the shelf. I have seen barracuda (people aren't on their menu), puffer fish, trunk fish, squid, octopus and about a gazillion other types of reef fish there. You're never more than about 10 yards from shore and the water is not more than 6 or 8 feet deep. If you go our about 75 yards from both beaches, there is another reef.

Ric,

Grotto Beach is my private property, so don’t encourage people to trespass!

Seriously, as you walk west from the Buccaneer beach to get to it, isn’t there a sort of scary looking sign that says something like you are leaving the Buccaneer property and are on your own? That sign seems to be working, because I always have Grotto Beach to myself. Sometimes when I walk from there over to the Buccaneer beach, tourists look at me like, What was he doing on that beach? It isn’t safe.

Actually, I’ve always felt safe at Grotto beach and all the beaches on St. Croix.

YL,

Your info was very helpful. We'll be sure to check it out.
Thanks so much for your time.

Regards
Ernie

Why would one not feel safe anyhow?

mandy79,

Thanks so much for your info. Its always good to get help from someone who's been there before

Thanks Again
Ernie

Islander,

Thanks Again for your help. As always right on the money!!!! We'll be sure to follw your advice. The trip is only 6 months away and I can't wait!!!

Regards
Ernie

FormerOhioGuy,

Thanks for the info we'll be sure to check it out!!!!

Rrgards
Ernie

Ric,
Once again, thanks for the info very helpful as always!!!!

And, we'll be sure to keep Grotto Beach our little secret!!! OK!!!

Regards
Ernie

Hello Former Ohio Guy,

Grotto Beach is part of Buccaneer's property. They have rooms basically right next to and above it. There is a pool there with poolside restaurant and I believe the yoga classes are there in the am.

Not sure if you were joking, but just wanted to make sure folks know that it is in fact one of Buccaneers two beaches and is developeled.

--Islander

Islander,

Yes, thank you, I know. I think locals tend to call the far eastern end of the beach (where the resort is) the Buccaneer beach. Ric was referring to the center and western parts of Grotto Beach, where I never see anyone.