3 Best Sights in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The locus of Buck Island Reef National Monument, this beach is beautiful, but its finest treasures are those you can see when you hop off the boat and adjust your mask, snorkel, and fins to swim over colorful coral and darting fish. Don't know how to snorkel? No problem—the boat crew will have you outfitted and in the water in no time. Take care not to step on those black-pointed spiny sea urchins or touch the mustard-color fire coral, which can cause a nasty burn. Most charter-boat trips start with a snorkel over the lovely reef before a stop at the beach. A hike leads uphill to an overlook for a bird's-eye view of the reef below. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

On the island's breezy North Shore, Cane Bay does not always have gentle waters, but the scuba diving and snorkeling are wondrous. You can see elkhorn and brain corals, and less than 200 yards out is the drop-off called the Cane Bay Wall. Make Cane Bay an all-day destination by combining a dive with food and drinks at the casual bars and restaurants that line the waterfront. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Located inside the entrance to The Buccaneer Hotel, Shoys Beach is a quiet and secluded beach on the island's east end. Enter the shaded entrance encircled by sea grape trees and go swimming in the calm waters, or bring your snorkel gear to catch a glimpse of lobster, small eels, and tropical fish. You’re almost always likely to have the beach to yourself. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; relaxing.