Annaly Bay Tide Pools – St. Croix, Virgin Islands

The natural tide pools at Annaly Bay are a must-see of St. Croix.

You can get to the tide pools and Annaly Bay beach by hiking through the jungle on the Trumbull Trail or driving in on the four-wheeling trail (which I haven’t tried). The hike is 2.7 miles long according to the sign at the trailhead, and it’s a little strenuous but well worth it. The last time I hiked in, I passed a couple that was out of breath and astonished at the fact that I was hiking in flip flops. Maybe I’m a little crazy, or maybe it’s all the time I’ve spent in Hawaii (probably both).

To get to the trailhead, go to the Carambola Resort on the North Shore and ask the guard where to go – they’ll tell you where to park and can direct you to the trail if you need help. It will be up on the left past the employee parking. I got a little lost and started walking too far up the hill, but the beginning of the trail is marked with a sign and should be easy to find (see above). The hike twists and turns through the jungle, and there are moments where the trees clear a bit and give way to breathtaking views of the coast. 

I’ve been to the tide pools twice now, and the spot is honestly just pure magic.

I went once in January before I lived in St. Croix and again about two weeks ago for the full moon. Last time, we hiked in during the day, stayed for the sunset, and hiked back out by the light of the moon. I don’t recommend hiking out in the dark, but it was an amazing experience. (If you get lost on the way back like we almost did, don’t blame me). The sunset from the tide pools was unreal, and we got to watch the moon rise over the mountains.

The trail opens up to a beach that is made entirely of smooth rocks instead of sand. The rocks and relatively rough surf don’t make for great swimming conditions, but the sound that the waves make when the tide pulls out against the rocks is amazing. The closest thing I can think of to compare it to is the sound of a rain stick—it’s captivating and takes my breath away every time.

To get to tide pools, you have to climb around the rocky outcrop on the left side of the beach. (You can see it on the right in the picture above). I’ve seen older people and young kids climbing out while we were going in, so I would say it’s pretty accessible. Although we passed a group of people on our way in last time, we had the tide pools and the whole beach to ourselves for the rest of the day. Once you get around the rocks, there is a small beach area in the cove of the tide pools that makes for the perfect spot to chill out and take in the view. 

The tide pools themselves are crystal clear and so much fun to explore. There are two large pools surrounded by rocks on all sides, which gives them a cozy, secluded feel. I spent so much time swimming around with the fish and climbing over the rocks, and it never gets old. There’s even a spot in the far corner of the pools where you can jump off into the water. I’ve seen pictures of the surf coming over the rocks into the tide pools, but it was calm both times I was there and wasn’t dangerous at all.

In summary,

If you’re ever in St. Croix, you need to check out this spot. Even if you’re not big into hiking, the trail is fun and manageable, and the beach and tide pools are worth the effort. (Or drive in on the four-wheeling trail). I’m always surprised when I find out that people who have lived here for years have never bothered to go—they’re missing out!

If you’re not in St. Croix, take this as inspiration to finally explore somewhere near you that you’ve never made it to. We don’t always have to travel far to be adventurous and see new things.