Snorkeling Guide to Shoys Beach St Croix

Shoys Beach, located on the east end of St. Croix, a few miles outside Christiansted, offers a family-friendly snorkeling experience with generally uncrowded conditions and accessible entry points.

One challenge with snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix is the limited parking, which often requires an early arrival to secure a spot and avoid a longer walk while carrying gear. For a comprehensive overview of the island, check our St. Croix family travel guide.

Accessing Shoys Beach: Parking and Approach

Access to Shoys Beach is through the guarded gate of the Buccaneer Resort. You will need to inform the security staff that you are visiting Shoys Beach. Follow the signage towards the designated parking area near the beach.

The parking lot is small, with space for approximately 15-20 vehicles. It typically fills by 9:30 AM on weekdays and earlier on weekends, especially during peak season (December-April). Arriving by 8:30 AM gives the best chance for a closer spot when planning your snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix trip.

From the parking area, expect a walk of about 50-75 yards to the sand. The path transitions from a packed dirt track to loose sand near the beach, with some uneven, rocky sections. This can be challenging if carrying multiple bags, coolers, and small children. An all-terrain stroller can handle the path.

Entering the Water at Shoys Beach

The most family-friendly entry for snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix is on its eastern side. Look for the wide, sandy stretch where the path opens up to the beach. This area is typically free of rocks for the first 10-15 feet.

Entry here is a gentle slope over soft sand, reaching waist-deep (3 feet for an adult) about 20 yards from shore. On calm days, the water surface is flat, with minimal surge. Visibility near shore can be 10-15 feet, improving as you swim further out. Afternoon winds can introduce a chop, reducing visibility to 5-10 feet.

For younger children or beginners, start snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix in the waist-deep water close to the eastern shore where the sand bottom transitions to scattered seagrass. This allows them to adjust to gear and conditions before venturing further. For other snorkeling options, consider snorkeling Cane Bay St. Croix.

The small reef area on the eastern end, while shallow, has occasional sharp coral fragments. Advise children to keep hands and feet clear of the bottom. During low tide, some rocky patches can be exposed, creating a tripping hazard. Always check local beach advisories before entering the water, especially for any potential currents which can occasionally be present further out.

Snorkeling Shoys: Where to Spot Marine Life

From your sandy entry point on the eastern beach, swim straight out about 30-40 yards. The water here will be 6-10 feet deep. You will find a small, scattered reef system that runs roughly parallel to the shoreline. Focus your attention on the edges of these coral patches and any rocky outcroppings when snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix.

• Sergeant Majors: Commonly observed in schools around rocky structures.
• Blue Tangs: Often grazing near the reef.
• Small Lobsters: Look closely under ledges and in crevices in the rocky areas, particularly in depths of 5-8 feet.
• Conch: Found on the sandy and seagrass patches between reef sections.
• Garden Eels: Visible in the sandy areas, retracting quickly if approached.
• Southern Stingrays: Often seen resting on the sandy bottom, particularly in the patches of seagrass, usually in depths of 4-7 feet.
• Parrotfish: Brightly colored, grazing on algae on the coral.

Keep kids within 10 yards of a visible adult. On calm mornings, the water surface stays flat, making it easy to spot children. However, if the afternoon wind picks up, the chop makes small swimmers less visible from shore or the surface. Consider a bright inflatable snorkel vest for younger snorkelers. For another popular snorkeling destination, you might consider snorkeling Buck Island St. Croix with kids.

Shoys Beach Amenities and Shelter

There are no public restrooms directly at Shoys Beach. The nearest restrooms are at the Buccaneer Resort, a walk back up the path and into the resort area. Plan accordingly for small children.

No freshwater showers are available at the beach. Pack extra water for a quick rinse off after snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix.

Natural tree cover is limited. A few mature trees provide patches of shade on the northern end of the beach until approximately 10:30 AM. After this time, the beach is mostly exposed to direct sun. Bringing a portable beach umbrella or pop-up canopy is highly recommended for sun protection.

Pack snacks and drinks. There are no vendors or shops on the beach. For a quick lunch or a cold drink after snorkeling Shoys Beach St Croix, the Buccaneer Resort’s beach bar (Mermaid Restaurant) is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. If you’re looking for more dining options, explore the best family restaurants in St. Croix.

Packing for Shoys Beach

• Water Shoes: The entry includes some rocky patches, and the reef area has sharp coral fragments. Foot protection is important. Consider durable kids’ water shoes.
• Rash Guards & Reef-Safe Sunscreen: With limited natural shade, prolonged sun exposure is likely. Protect skin and marine life.
• Kids’ Snorkel Vests: For younger or less confident swimmers, a flotation vest provides safety and comfort in the shallow reef areas.
• Snorkel Gear: Bring your own quality masks, snorkels, and fins, especially kid-sized sets. Rentals are not available on-site. Find the best kids’ snorkels for your family.
• Portable Shade: A lightweight beach umbrella or pop-up canopy will significantly improve comfort during midday sun exposure.