If you’re visiting St. Croix during a weekend between September and March, we highly recommend that one of your Perfect Days include a visit to Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, but closed during peak sea turtle nesting season (April through August). The beach is a critical nesting habitat for leatherback, green and hawksbill seat turtles, which is why it closes during peak nesting season.
Fun Fact: Sandy Point has the longest continuous beach in the USVI
Sandy Point is a two-mile stretch of sandy beach, comprised of 383 acres, on the southwest corner of St. Croix. There are a variety of activities to be done, including hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, hanging out on the pristine beach, and swimming in the crystal clear water. Birders will delight as there have been more than 100 species of birds documented in the woodland, mangrove, salt pond and beach habitats.
There are no amenities or shade at Sandy Point, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and maybe even a picnic lunch. Given that the area is known for turtle nesting, pick up lunch from Turtle’s Deli (Saturday only) in Frederiksted — it will be one of the very best deli sandwiches you’ve had in your life!
Fun Fact: The last scene of The Shawshank Redemption was filmed at Sandy Point
Note that if you spend time on the beach there are no umbrellas, tents or chairs allowed because there of the risk of disturbing a sea turtle eggs beneath the surface of the sand.
Head to Louie & Nacho’s in Frederiksted for cocktails and tacos after Sandy Point closes. Their balcony offers the perfect view of a breathtaking Caribbean sunset.