Tucked along the rugged North Shore of St. Croix, the Annaly Bay tide pools are a series of large, naturally sculpted pools carved by the sea itself. One of the island’s most beloved natural wonders, these pools are protected within Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park. Reaching the pools requires a challenging 5-mile round-trip hike—but it’s worth every step.

About Annaly Bay Tide Pools

Created by waves pushing seawater through a narrow crevice in the rocks and into a natural basin, the the main tide pool is the size of a swimming pool and reaches depths of 4–5 feet, making it perfect for floating, cooling off, or simply soaking in the view. Even on calm days, water constantly flows in and out through this opening keeping the pools fresh and clear rather than stagnant.

The surrounding rock walls act as a natural breakwater, shielding the pools from the full force of the Caribbean Sea. When larger swells roll in, waves spill dramatically over the rocks and cascade down like miniature waterfalls into the pools below—an unforgettable sight.  But, the adventure doesn’t stop at the first pool you reach. Continue scrambling west over the rocks and you’ll discover several more hidden pools waiting to be explored. Bring your snorkel gear and you may spot small fish darting through the clear water.

Cautions

Just remember that conditions can change quickly. Depending on the sea state, the pools may be calm and glassy—or alive with waves splashing over the rocks—so always use caution.

Please consider going with a trained guide as the terrain can be quite precarious. Also, be sure to check the wind and sea conditions before taking this adventure.