For families visiting St. Croix, Jack and Isaac Bays offer a quieter, more natural snorkeling experience away from the crowds. These two connected bays on the island’s eastern tip are known for calm, clear waters, colorful reef life, and a rewarding short hike that feels like part of the adventure. If your family enjoys the outdoors and wants to explore marine life in a peaceful setting, this is one of the best off-the-beaten-path options in St. Croix.
Where Are Jack and Isaac Bays?
Jack and Isaac Bays are located near Point Udall, the easternmost point of the island (and the entire United States). Reaching the snorkeling spot requires a 10- to 15-minute hike from the small parking area at Point Udall. The trail is manageable for kids, though families should wear sturdy shoes and avoid flip-flops.
The hike itself is scenic and enjoyable, winding along grassy slopes with ocean views. While not overly strenuous, it’s enough of a walk to keep these beaches uncrowded—even during peak travel seasons.
What to Expect at the Beach
Both bays are narrow, sandy, and secluded, with very few visitors. Families can usually find a quiet spot to spread out. There is no development in this area—no vendors, restrooms, or restaurants—so visitors should come prepared with water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and anything else they might need for a few hours outdoors.
Shade is limited, so a packable beach tent or umbrella is recommended, especially for younger children or babies. A few trees line the edge of the beach and can offer partial shade, but most of the area is exposed to full sun.
Snorkeling and Swimming at Jack and Isaac Bay Beaches
Jack’s Bay and Isaac’s Bay are two of St. Croix’s most secluded and rewarding beaches for families willing to take a short hike. The water here is usually calm, though parents should be aware that conditions can occasionally become choppy, with some light currents. Both beaches offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, especially for older kids or confident swimmers.
Isaac Bay is the more popular of the two for snorkeling thanks to its deeper water, clearer entry, and fewer rocks and seaweed. The coral reef is home to a wide variety of tropical marine life, so families can expect to spot colorful fish, rays, and other sea creatures close to shore. Snorkel vests are a smart addition if your kids are new to open-water swimming.
Both Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay are part of a protected area maintained by The Nature Conservancy and are also important sea turtle nesting grounds. If you’re visiting during nesting season, it’s important to stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing any nests or hatchlings on the beach.
How to get there:
Drive east on Route 82 toward Point Udall. Just before the Millennium Monument, you’ll see a small parking area on the right. A marked trail leads down to Isaac Bay, and from there, an additional short trail continues to Jack’s Bay. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes—the hike is manageable with kids but unshaded and uneven in places.
Snorkeling Conditions and Marine Life
Just offshore—about 50 yards from the sand—a shallow coral reef creates a natural barrier that keeps the water calm and safe for beginner snorkelers. Inside this protected area, the seagrass and coral attract a variety of sea life. Families may see schools of colorful reef fish, turtles, and even rays depending on the day.
Isaac Bay tends to be the more popular of the two beaches, especially with those making the short hike from Point Udall. But if your family continues walking past Isaac Bay, you’ll reach Jack Bay, which is even more secluded and often completely empty. Both offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, though Jack Bay may appeal to families who want extra space and quiet.
Is It Suitable for Kids?
Yes—with preparation. The hike is not difficult, but it does require some planning. It’s best for families with children old enough to walk 15–20 minutes comfortably and carry a small backpack or towel. The snorkeling itself is beginner-friendly, thanks to the calm, shallow waters inside the reef.
For safety, children should wear flotation vests if they’re not confident swimmers. There are no lifeguards in this area, so parents must supervise closely in the water.
What to Bring
Because there are no facilities, families should plan to bring:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Snacks or lunch
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash guards or sun hats
- A beach umbrella or sunshade
- Snorkeling gear (many tours don’t cover this area, so come equipped)
- Water shoes (the walk to the water may include rocky areas)
Final Thoughts
Snorkeling at Jack and Isaac Bays with kids offers something different: quiet, nature-filled adventure without crowds or commercial activity. The combination of a light hike, soft sand, and calm reef makes this one of the most peaceful and rewarding family outings in St. Croix. It’s perfect for families who want a bit of exploration with their beach day, and who don’t mind going off the beaten path for an experience that feels like a private escape.
