Snorkeling The Pier

February 18, 2024 - By Jill

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It’s finally happening, It’s finally here! We are snorkeling the pier! The weather is beautiful and the bay is calm.

We have been wanting to do this all season and originally didn’t think it was going to work out. Then a small weather window opened up and we jumped on it. You are probably wondering what am I talking about.

I am talking about the Frederiksted Pier on Saint Croix. Let me back up a bit and give you some information to get you up to speed since our last post.

After Dominica

We cruised through several of the islands. Spent about a week in The Saints which we love.

Then up to Saint Martin another spot we love. Spent several weeks between the two countries there waiting for a weather window for Saint Croix.

U.S.V.I.’S

After three weeks it never developed and we decided it was time to keep moving. Next, we sailed over to Saint Thomas USVI.

After being there several weeks and looking to move over to the Spanish Virgin Islands we noticed a small weather window for Saint Croix and decided to go for it.

Frederiksted

So here we are in the beautiful Frederiksted Anchorage of Saint Croix.

Frederiksted is a sleepy town in Saint Croix. When cruise ships aren’t in many of the shops and restaurants/bars are closed. That is the best time for snorkeling the Pier.

The Pier

The pier happens to be the cruise ship pier. It can only be snorkeled or dove where ships aren’t in. which makes sense, it is much too dangerous otherwise.

As luck would have it when we were there, there was only one cruise ship in during the week. The ship was there when we arrived. Perfect, it would be gone by the end of the day.

How to get to the pier

So, if you are staying on land you can go to the beach/rocks next to the pier and wade into the water and snorkel.

If you are coming by boat, you can take your dingy right up to it, tie off, enter the water, and begin your snorkel or dive.

Another option is going with a snorkel or dive group offered onshore. They also offer night dives of the pier which we have heard are spectacular. We didn’t have time for this with our weather window.

Pier Facts

The pier is 1,526 feet long according to Wikipedia.

It is officially named the Ann E. Abramson Pier after the women who spearheaded the rebuilding of the pier after it was destroyed in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo.

It can host the world’s largest cruise ships and even submarines.

At the very end of the pier, it is 90 feet down to the seafloor.

What you need to know

I would say you don’t need to dive the pier, you can see plenty of it just snorkeling which is truly remarkable. There are many places where you can’t snorkel and have to dive. This is the best of both worlds you can see lots of sea life snorkeling or diving.

Depending on the time of year and how long you are in the water it can get cool. You may want to wear swim leggings, a wet suit, or a rashguard. Something for added warmth.

The added gear can also protect you from little jellyfish stings which you may or may not run into.

We did, Dave had swim shorts on and his legs had quite a few stings along with his stomach where his shirt had come up.

It’s a long pier so plan to do several trips or plan a longer snorkel. We snorkeled it twice, the first time we spent 30-45 minutes in the water. The second time we spent over an hour it was fantastic. We ended up getting out because of getting cold.

Don’t forget an underwater camera if you want to share any of what you see. We brought our GoPro the second time. The first time we just enjoyed it and didn’t worry about filming.

We decided to film it because it is probably some of the best sea life we have seen snorkeling. If not the best. It was truly a beautiful experience.

Back on the boat

I have to say this was so worth the trip here. I am thrilled we were able to make it work out and spend a few days here.

The snorkeling was absolutely beautiful. I am including a video below of some of the best outtakes of our snorkel. It by no means does the pier justice. It is so much more spectacular in person.

Well, What are you waiting for? Go book a trip and see it for yourself. If that isn’t possible click on the video below and as always, Enjoy!