CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has released its weekly water quality report for the territory, confirming that the majority of popular swimming beaches on St. Croix met safety standards during testing conducted from March 16 to March 20, 2026.
While 21 beaches on St. Croix are cleared for swimming and fishing, DPNR officials are warning the public to avoid Cruz Bay on St. John, which failed to meet water quality standards due to high levels of Enterococci bacteria. Additionally, water quality for all St. Thomas beaches is currently unknown after a transport delay prevented the analysis of collected samples.
St. Croix Safe Beaches The following locations are considered safe for recreational use:
- North Shore/East End: Buccaneer, Cane Bay, Chenay Bay, Cramers Park, Pelican Cove (Cormorant), Princess Condo Row, Protestant Cay, and Shoys.
- West End/South Shore: Dorsch Beach, Frederiksted Public Beach, Grapetree Bay, Ha’Penny, Rainbow Beach, Sprat Hall, and Stony Ground.
- Additional Areas: Gentle Winds, New Ft. Louisa Augusta, Prosperity, and Shoy’s.
St. John & Water Island Status
- Safe: Frank Bay, Great Cruz Bay, Johnson Bay, and Oppenheimer Beach on St. John , as well as Honeymoon Beach (Druif) on Water Island.
- Unsafe: Cruz Bay (St. John) exceeds established bacteria thresholds.
Health and Safety Warning DPNR advises that swimming in waters impacted by sewage, stormwater runoff, or large amounts of sargassum poses an elevated health risk. Residents should avoid any area with discolored water or foul odors.
For more information, contact the Division of Environmental Protection at 340-773-1082 in St. Croix or 340-774-3320 in St. Thomas.