FREDERIKSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) released its weekly beach advisory today, revealing a data gap for St. Croix residents looking to hit the water.
According to the report for the week of March 2 to March 6, 2026, no water samples were collected from any beaches on St. Croix or St. John. Consequently, the water quality at popular spots like Cane Bay and Frederiksted Beach is officially classified as “Unknown”.
While 13 beaches on St. Thomas and Honeymoon Beach on Water Island were cleared as safe, Bluebeards and Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas exceeded bacteria thresholds and are considered unsafe.
DPNR officials advise the public to avoid any waters that appear discolored, have foul odors, or are impacted by stormwater runoff, as swimming in contaminated areas can lead to elevated health risks. For more information, residents can contact the Division of Environmental Protection in St. Croix at (340) 773-1082.
🌊 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS BEACH ADVISORY 🌊
Weekly Report: March 2 – March 6, 2026
| STATUS | ISLAND | BEACHES |
| ✅ SAFE | ST. THOMAS | Bolongo Bay • Lindbergh Bay • Brewers Bay • Lindqvist Beach • Coki Point • Magens Bay • Frenchman Bay • Secret Harbor • Hull Bay • Vessup Bay • Limetree Beach |
| ✅ SAFE | WATER ISLAND | Honeymoon Beach (Druif) |
| ❌ UNSAFE | ST. THOMAS | Bluebeards Beach • Sapphire Beach |
| ❓ UNKNOWN | ST. CROIX | ALL BEACHES (No samples collected) |
| ❓ UNKNOWN | ST. JOHN | ALL BEACHES (No samples collected) |
The “Bluebeards” Identification Guide
- Bluebeard’s Beach (The “Condemned” Area): This is the actual beach located on the eastern end of St. Thomas, near the Ritz-Carlton. It is the shoreline for the Bluebeard’s Beach Club and is surrounded by those high-end condos. When DPNR says “Bluebeards Beach,” they are talking about the water quality here.
- Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel: This is the historic property located on a hilltop overlooking Charlotte Amalie. It is nowhere near the water.
- Blackbeard’s Castle: Also located on a hill in Charlotte Amalie (Government Hill). Again, no beach access.
The “Safe” Contrast: Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach is also “Red Flagged” this week. It sits just up the road from Bluebeard’s Beach. By identifying both as unsafe, you are effectively warning the entire “condo row” on the east end that their backyard is a biohazard.
⚠️ ADVISORY: DPNR recommends avoiding any waters that appear discolored, have foul odors, or are impacted by stormwater runoff.
Virgin Islands Free Press’ EXCLUSIVE featured photo of Bluebeard’s beach in St. Thomas courtesy of DPNR.
