Sandy Point

[beachlover98]

Been trying to research Sandy Point and trying to decide whether to visit as I am stopping in St. Croix in both December and January.

 

I don't believe it's closed for turtle nesting at that time but also read that it is only open on the weekends. Does anyone know if that is referring to the Wildlife Refuge being open on weekends or the beach as well?

 

Also, it looks like one can walk there by following the shoreline all the way from Frederiksted. It looks like maybe around 3 miles? Anyone know if that sounds right or if they've ever done it? What about safety?

 

I know it's NOT a beach with shade, chairs, food, etc. and that's fine. Just hoping to get a little more info as to my questions above.

 

Thanks!!

[Lard Greystoke]

Been trying to research Sandy Point and trying to decide whether to visit as I am stopping in St. Croix in both December and January.

 

I don't believe it's closed for turtle nesting at that time but also read that it is only open on the weekends.

 

True. Should be open Sat-Sun both months.

 

Does anyone know if that is referring to the Wildlife Refuge being open on weekends or the beach as well?

 

The Wildlife Refuge comprises the entire peninsula including the beach.

 

Also, it looks like one can walk there by following the shoreline all the way from Frederiksted. It looks like maybe around 3 miles? Anyone know if that sounds right or if they've ever done it? What about safety?

 

I did it. It's an easy paved walk for a while. It's almost all beach from the pier south. As you get into the wildlife area after a mile or two the buildings and pavement fade out. To your left is about fifteen feet of vegetation, then pristine beach, then blue sea.

 

Regarding safety, the odds favor you. Criminals tend to go where there's someone to criminalize. The beach is basically deserted. No prey, no predators.

 

I know it's NOT a beach with shade, chairs, food, etc. and that's fine.

 

Also not a lot of people. I walked all the way around the peninsula - about 4 miles - without seeing one person. There's no pavement, and walking on sand is fatiguing, so be prepared for that.

 

There is a road fifty yards or so into the vegetation which leads to a ranger station. If you get a chance, say hello to Mike Evans who will help you with any questions. He used to do conservation work with Jack Hanna.

 

There is nothing there but nature. Take water and don't leave any trash. Aloha.

[beachlover98]

Been trying to research Sandy Point and trying to decide whether to visit as I am stopping in St. Croix in both December and January.

 

I don't believe it's closed for turtle nesting at that time but also read that it is only open on the weekends.

 

True. Should be open Sat-Sun both months.

 

Does anyone know if that is referring to the Wildlife Refuge being open on weekends or the beach as well?

 

The Wildlife Refuge comprises the entire peninsula including the beach.

 

Also, it looks like one can walk there by following the shoreline all the way from Frederiksted. It looks like maybe around 3 miles? Anyone know if that sounds right or if they've ever done it? What about safety?

 

I did it. It's an easy paved walk for a while. It's almost all beach from the pier south. As you get into the wildlife area after a mile or two the buildings and pavement fade out. To your left is about fifteen feet of vegetation, then pristine beach, then blue sea.

 

Regarding safety, the odds favor you. Criminals tend to go where there's someone to criminalize. The beach is basically deserted. No prey, no predators.

 

I know it's NOT a beach with shade, chairs, food, etc. and that's fine.

 

Also not a lot of people. I walked all the way around the peninsula - about 4 miles - without seeing one person. There's no pavement, and walking on sand is fatiguing, so be prepared for that.

 

There is a road fifty yards or so into the vegetation which leads to a ranger station. If you get a chance, say hello to Mike Evans who will help you with any questions. He used to do conservation work with Jack Hanna.

 

There is nothing there but nature. Take water and don't leave any trash. Aloha.

 

Thanks for your thoughtful responses to my questions. Much appreciated!

 

My visit in December is actually on a Monday. Do you know if that means if I walk down the coastline that I can't walk on the beach or hang out where the beach is part of the Wildlife Refuge? Or does it just mean the ranger station is closed so there would be no one to talk to and nothing to do as part of the refuge?

 

My port stop in January is on a Sunday so may definitely visit then. Would love to visit with the park rangers. By the way, Jack Hanna is awesome! Would love to hear about their conservation work.

[Lard Greystoke]

Thanks for your thoughtful responses to my questions. Much appreciated!

 

My visit in December is actually on a Monday. Do you know if that means if I walk down the coastline that I can't walk on the beach or hang out where the beach is part of the Wildlife Refuge? Or does it just mean the ranger station is closed so there would be no one to talk to and nothing to do as part of the refuge?

 

My port stop in January is on a Sunday so may definitely visit then. Would love to visit with the park rangers. By the way, Jack Hanna is awesome! Would love to hear about their conservation work.

 

As far as I know the whole thing is shut down on weekdays, to prevent wear and tear on the environment. I would recommend January. In the meantime there is plenty of public beach to the north of the port, as well as a number of other attractions on the island.

 

I know a number of people who have worked with Jack Hanna. He does a lot more conservation work than people realize, but is well known within the conservation community.

[Nole0202]

As far as I know the whole thing is shut down on weekdays, to prevent wear and tear on the environment. I would recommend January. In the meantime there is plenty of public beach to the north of the port, as well as a number of other attractions on the island.

 

I know a number of people who have worked with Jack Hanna. He does a lot more conservation work than people realize, but is well known within the conservation community.

 

We where at Sandy Point last December, on a Sunday. It is close to the port and one of the best beaches that we have ever been to (live in Florida and have been to most there).

Please note, we rented a car and drove but several people walked in from port while we were there so you should be able to walk in on Monday with no problem. They said it was a 20 minute walk.