Paradise Beach
Written by: written by local St Croix residents. Updated regularly.
Paradise Beach on St Croix’s west end sits next to the historic Frederiksted Pier, making it the closest beach to a cruise port in St Croix. Calm turquoise water, gentle entry, and views of moored ships give it a relaxed island-town feel. Locals also call it Fort Frederik Beach because it borders the 18th-century fort of the same name. The sand is light-gold with some coral patches, ideal for casual swimming or snorkeling.
Paradise Beach – Quick Facts
Paradise Beach – Quick Facts
- Location: Frederiksted on the west end of St Croix
- Distance from cruise port: about a 5-minute walk from Frederiksted Pier
- Best for: cruise ship visitors, calm swimming, and easy beach access
- Water conditions: usually calm Caribbean water with minimal waves
- Snorkeling: beginner-friendly spots near shore
- Facilities: beach bars, chair rentals, restrooms, and food nearby
See also: Paradise Beach is one of several easy-access beaches on St. Croix’s west end. For a full comparison of snorkeling spots, calm-water beaches, and the best swimming beaches around the island, see the authoritative St Croix Beaches Guide.
Visitors can rent loungers, find shade under sea-grape trees, and walk to cafés and beach bars like Polly’s at the Pier or Flyer’s. Because the beach sits right in town, no day pass or taxi is required – you can step off the ship and stroll there in minutes. For a livelier scene or water-sports rentals, Rainbow Beach is a short 1½-mile walk north. Paradise Beach remains one of St Croix’s easiest and most accessible spots to enjoy Caribbean sun and sea for a few hours ashore. For other beaches, check out the Full St Croix Beach Guide.
Providers of water sports equipment at Paradise Beach like paddle boards etc. come and go unfortunately so it’s a bit of a crap shoot. Many cruise ship passengers either hike or taxi up 1.5 miles to Rainbow Beach, which has a greater selection of equipment, activities and a great beach restaurant & bar called Rythms at Rainbow beach. Both beaches can get crowded when cruise ships are in port.
If you’ve only got a few hours in St Croix and looking for the best things to do, here is a great guide to 7 Things to Do in Frederiksted.
Videos of Paradise Beach in St Croix
Places to eat nearby Paradise Beach
- Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
- Polly’s at the Pier
- Flyers — check 2026 menu & prices here: Flyer’s Bar and Grill menu St Croix
- Cibone — check 2026 menu & prices here: Cibone St Croix menu
Nearby things to do
- Horseback riding — Cruzan Cowgirls
- Off-road ATV tours — Gecko’s Island Adventures
- Jet skiing
Places to stay
Paradise Beach St Croix – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paradise Beach open to the public?
Yes. Paradise Beach is a public beach with no entry fee, open daily from morning until sunset.
How far is Paradise Beach from the Frederiksted cruise pier?
It’s about a five-minute walk south along the waterfront from the Frederiksted Pier, beside Fort Frederik.
Are there restrooms and food nearby?
Yes. Restrooms, beach bars, and small cafés are available within a few hundred feet of the main swimming area.
Is Paradise Beach good for snorkeling?
Yes. Calm water and small reefs near shore make it a good beginner snorkeling spot.
Photos of St Croix Paradise Beach
Find current weather conditions at National Weather Service.
Nearby related content: Best Places to Stay in St Croix | Frederiksted Town
Visiting Paradise Beach in Frederiksted
photo credits: Vinow.com
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