Chenay Bay Beach, or Southgate Beach, is located between Bungalows on the Bay (formerly the Chenay Bay Beach Resort) and Green Cay Marina on the East End of St. Croix. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and other water sports and activities here. It does have a grassy bottom close to shore, which makes it the perfect environment for starfish, conch and sea turtles. Swimming out along the right side of the bay near the point offers good snorkeling. There is plenty of shade and there are beach chairs to lounge on near the resort. This is a fantastic beach for young children, as the water is shallow and calm.

DETAILS

Chenay Bay (or Southgate) beach stretches from the Green Cay Marina entry east to Bungalows on the Bay (formerly Chenay Bay Beach Resort). It runs along the Southgate Coastal Reserve. The Reserve is located a little over 3 miles east of Christiansted, totals 100 acres and encompasses a coastal salt pond, mangrove forest, beach forest and upland grassland. The pond and surrounding wetlands provide a habitat for many resident and migrant birds including several species classified as threatened or endangered. Three species of sea turtles nest on the beach berm – all are classified as threatened or endangered.

DIRECTIONS

From Southgate Coastal Reserve: Head east out of Christiansted along East End Road (Rt. 82). Turn left at the sign for Southgate Coastal Reserve. Follow this road to the beach and there is some parking near the beach.

From Tamarind Reef Resort: Head east out of Christiansted along East End Road (Rt. 82). Turn left at the sign for Tamarind Reef Resort. Follow this road towards the resort and just before the entry to Green Cay Marina and the resort turn right at the chain link fence entrance. Take the dirt road down to the beach and there is parking along the beach.

AMENITIES

The portion of the beach located at the resort has lounge chairs are available on the beach for resort guests, and restrooms and parking are also are available. For the rest of the beach between Green Cay Marina and the resort, there are no amenities. Be sure to bring whatever you need for comfort and sun protection, including drinking water, chairs, an umbrella, etc.

RESTRICTIONS

The waters at this beach are within the No Take Zone of the St. Croix East End Marine Park. Hook-and-line fishing is only permitted from the beach to 100 ft from shore. All other beach-based fishing (spearfishing, diving for conch) is prohibited. Personal watercraft are also prohibited.