Annaly Bay Tide Pools

On the north shore of St Croix the sea breaks hard against rock, and at Annaly Bay a set of natural pools sits behind a ledge that takes the force out of the surf, leaving calm clear water to sit in with waves exploding a few metres away. Getting there is a steep hike of around ninety minutes each way from Carambola, over the ridge and down through dry forest to the shore.

What you actually see

• The tide pools - calm basins behind a ledge with surf breaking beyond.
• The wild north shore - the exposed coast the pools are cut into.
• The ridge hike - the steep route over and down through dry forest.
• The isolation - a shoreline with nothing built anywhere near.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the trail is at its best. Heavy north swell makes the pools dangerous and they should be skipped. Start early to avoid midday heat.

Honest expectations

The hike is steep, hot and rough in both directions and is not a stroll. In big swell the pools are genuinely dangerous and people have been swept. There is no water, shade or facility on the route.

Nearby

Carambola is southwest, and Cane Bay is east.