Jack and Isaac Bay

At the far eastern end of St Croix, past the Point Udall sundial, two bays sit below the headland with no road reaching them: Isaac Bay and Jack Bay, both protected as a preserve and both empty on most days as a direct result. Green turtles and hawksbills nest on the sand, and the reef offshore is in better condition than most around the island because so few people are on it. Getting there means a steep walk down from the road above, twenty minutes or so on loose ground through cactus scrub, and then the same climb back up in the heat.

What you actually see

• Isaac Bay - a protected beach with reef offshore and rarely anyone on it.
• Turtle nesting - green and hawksbill turtles use both bays.
• The snorkelling - reef in better condition than the accessible beaches.
• The walk in - a steep descent through cactus scrub from the road.

When to go

December to April is the dry season. Go early: the walk is exposed and the climb back is hard in midday heat. Turtle nesting season runs roughly from June to November, when the beaches matter most and disturbance matters most too.

Honest expectations

There is no road, no shade, no water and no facility of any kind, and the descent is steep and loose enough that people turn back. Carry everything including water and take all rubbish out. During nesting season, keep off the upper beach and do not dig or disturb marked nests. Getting help here would be slow.

Nearby

Point Udall is at the top of the headland; Christiansted is 40 minutes west.