Protestant Cay Beach

Protestant Cay is a small island in Christiansted Harbor, just off the downtown waterfront, and its beach is the only one in downtown Christiansted. A small ferry crosses from the end of the boardwalk near Fort Christiansvaern, beside the King Christian Hotel, in about two minutes; GoToStCroix says it runs around the clock, about every 10 minutes, for a small round-trip fee. The Hotel on the Cay occupies the island and asks non-guests to keep to the beach. The water is shallow and usually calm over a sandy bottom, so it suits children, and the north end has snorkeling with starfish, conch and young fish. Palm trees give some shade, chairs and cabanas can be rented, and the hotel runs a beach bar and restaurant. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources found bacteria above its limit here in September and October 2026; check its latest advisory before swimming.