The barrier reef is obvious at these beaches, as many of the rocks and coral heads stick up out of the water. The best snorkeling is along the reef. We've even gotten lobsters in about 6 feet of water at the reefs in this area. A few weeks ago we also saw a 10-12 foot nurse shark under a ledge/cave in the barrier reef. Don't be terrified by that. Nurse sharks aren't aggressive. I wouldn't advise poking it in the nose, though!

Great!!! Thanks. I understand that there are times that these areas are closed because of turtle nesting. We'll be down there 6/19-6/29. Do you know if the beaches are open?? My husband and sons LOVE to snorkel and we were hoping we could get over there.
My husband saw a large nurse shark once and the look on his face was hysterical. It is very startling!!
Thanks again for the info. We can't wait to check out STX!!!!!

you may see roped off areas on some beaches around the island to keep people out of known turtle egg nests. Sandy Point is closed from road access until the fall. You can still hike there along the beach or go by boat. Just be very cautious about where you step and don't dig in the sand! There are lots of turtle egg nests there this time of year. I don't think they block off Jack's and Isaac's beaches. You have to hike down to them from the road out to Point Udall and they are rarely heavily populated (empty most days). There is a cut in the barrier reef that makes it possible for boats to come in fairly close to shore there, also.

thank you so much for your responses. They are very helpful. While in Aruba we watched a turtle crawl onto the beach and lay her eggs. It was quite a sight to see. I cannot wait to see STX. We just love to see the out of the way places and have adventures. We love to snorkel and it sounds like Jack and Issacs Bay are just up our alley.

wife and i will be in st. croix about the same time. i have heard that jacks and issacs bay are not always the safest. we have not been to these beaches either., but would love to go. If you might be interested in a joint excursion, drop me an E-mail.

phyl & texas,
Where will you be staying?

JW

Just to clarify--Sandy Point is completely closed during the turtle nesting season (ie April-September). Despite the beach being accesible by boat or foot, people who do so are still liable for the same fines/prosecution that one would be liable to if one went down the road. Any people on the beach, except for those with appropriate permits, are considered trespassers of federal land. Sorry to disappoint. But hey, more of an excuse to come back to the island when the beach is open!

hi Texas

Jacks and Isaacs is very safe, there's always a few other people there ....EXCEPT if you park your rental vehicle near Point Udall it most likely WILL get broken into. (it happens a lot!!) So, either leave your vehicle unlocked and with NO valuables inside, or....drive to the old Grapetree resort, to the end of the road (private homes are located here) and park there. A lot of people use this route, but if you are not familiar with the area you might not be able to find the location. Entering from this location gives you a much longer hike (about 1.6 miles) but...its a very easy one. The hike is worth the absolute beauty and isolation of the beaches.

yes, that's why we approach Jack's and Isaac's from the water and anchor the boat about 150 feet off the beach. We don't have to wonder about what might be going on with our car. I'd rather use my energy snorkeling in the reef than in hiking!

I'd love to, but I don't have a boat. So, we'll have to do the Grapetree route. That is where we stayed in '88. I definitely have to check that out too!!

Chenay Bay. It will be my husband and I with our 2 16 yr old boys.
Looking forward to relaxing but having some adventures too!