Frederiksted Beach (Fort Frederik Beach)

Frederiksted Beach, also called Fort Frederik Beach, is a public beach in Frederiksted on St. Croix's West End, just north of the cruise ship pier and Fort Frederik on Route 63, across from the ballpark. It is the easiest beach to reach from the pier, a short walk from downtown shops, restaurants and dive shops. The water is calm, clear and shallow, though rocky in places, and snorkelers can see turtles, octopus and reef fish along the rocky patches and the pier; watch for sea urchins. No one may go onto the pier, or snorkel or dive under it, while a cruise ship is in port, and ship days can be crowded. There are restrooms, picnic tables, shade trees and a children's park across the street, with free parking north of the pier and along the beach. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources tests the water here weekly.