Beach near cruise pier

[SnorkelLady]

We’re looking for a beach near the cruise pier that we could walk to. I’ve heard there is a beach to the right (Frederick?) and to the left (Public?). What are they like? We like to snorkel, and relax in chairs in the shade. Which would be better?

[subtchr]

When we were there last week, the beach to the left (as you are looking at the port from the ship) was closed because it had sustained damage (I am assuming erosion?) from recent heavy rains. We had planned to just walk there and have a relaxing day. Here is a pic of the damaged beach from the ship:

 

 

Instead, we took the shuttle ($6 per person round trip) and went to Sandcastle Resort, about a 10 minute ride. It was wonderful, so pretty and relaxing. Some pics:

 

 

 

 

 

[insley]

We just returned from St Croix on our Dec 12 Adventure of the Seas sailing. We got off the ship walked out to the road, turned left and followed the road along the beach for about one mile to Rainbow Beach. It is also close to the Gecko tours site. You enter the beach through the restaurant and voila it is magic!

 

The beach is beautiful including a view of the ship of to the left. While there we rented two chairs, an umbrella and a jet ski for one hour for $100. The young men (Americans from the South) who handle the rentals are with West End Water Sports. They also have kayaks and snorkle gear. Here is the link: http://www.westendwatersports.net/rentals. No need to reserve in advance.

 

The restaurant on the beach is real laid back and there was an entertainer (singer, guitar player). The vibe was sort of a Jimmy Buffet one. Food was good but a bit slow. Drinks and buckets of beer also available. Several ship crew and entertainment also showed up later in the day.

 

All in all it was a nice, relaxing beach day. From what we could see as we exited the ship, there is not much to see or do in Frederickstead.

 

While we were walking back to the ship, we stopped for a minute while our daughter adjusted her sandals. Meanwhile a police cruiser came by, stopped and asked if we were okay. Later the same policeman cruised by again and waved as he headed back to town.

[mosetter]

We took a $6RT shuttle to Rainbow Beach from the cruise pier on Dec 14, but there were a grand total of 4 puffer fish in the water and absolutely nothing else and the visibility was very poor. Not sure if it is normally any better than that, but a couple who were staying in a nearby condo said there really isn't any decent snorkelling on that side of the island. We were very disappointed with the non-existant snorkelling.

 

Monika