Pelican Cove BeachU.S. Virgin Islands Beach Guide
Wild north-shore cove reached only by sea
About
Pelican Cove Beach sits on the north shore of Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands, tucked into a sheltered cove that you can only reach by boat. Golden sand meets blue water here, and the reef just offshore makes it a notable snorkeling destination. No facilities, no road, no noise — just the kind of wild, undisturbed shoreline that reminds you why you crossed an ocean. The surrounding waters carry the deep blue of the open Caribbean, and the cove's natural shape keeps things calm enough to explore. It's raw, it's real, and it earns its reputation.
How to get there
Pelican Cove Beach has no road access — you must arrive by sea. The most practical route is the QE IV Ferry Services crossing from Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas to Gallows Bay on Saint Croix, a journey of around 130 minutes, after which you'll need a local boat transfer to reach the cove itself. A seaplane connection is also available for those who want to cut travel time. There is no parking of any kind — this beach exists entirely off the road network.
Who it's for
For couples
Pelican Cove is a genuinely private escape for two — no facilities means no day-tripper infrastructure, and the wild north-shore setting gives the whole visit an away-from-it-all quality that's hard to manufacture. Arrive early, snorkel the reef together, and you'll likely have the golden sand entirely to yourselves.
For families
The boat-only access and complete lack of facilities demand serious preparation. Families who come well-stocked with food, shade gear, and a confirmed return pickup will find the reef and calm blue water genuinely rewarding for older children who snorkel.
Our take
Pelican Cove Beach is not a beach you stumble upon — it takes real effort to get here, and that effort is exactly what keeps it wild. The reef is the reason to come, and the snorkeling lives up to the tags. No facilities means no safety net: you are responsible for your own water, food, and exit plan, and that's not a small thing on a boat-only beach with no signal. Come in the dry season, November through April, when the water is at its clearest and the crossing is most reliable. If you're the type who needs a beach bar and a sun-lounger, this is not your beach. If you want a genuine north-shore cove with golden sand and blue water, it absolutely is.
What to do
The reef at Pelican Cove is the headline act, and snorkeling it should be your first priority. When you're ready to explore beyond the waterline, the Estate Little Princess Plantation is about 1.4 km away and offers a window into Saint Croix's layered history. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, roughly 2.4 km from the beach, is a protected site worth the short trip for anyone interested in the island's natural and cultural heritage. The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Flea Market, also around 1.4 km away, is a local community fixture if you're passing through the area.
The cove entrance framed from the water gives you golden sand, blue sea, and green hillside in a single composition — shoot from a kayak or paddleboard at low sun angle for the cleanest result.
The reef just below the surface rewards an underwater wide-angle shot where light shafts meet coral. For a landscape frame, position yourself at the water's edge looking back toward the cove's natural rock walls.
Where to eat
There are no restaurants, cafés, or food vendors at Pelican Cove Beach — pack everything before you leave the mainland. The nearest option is Chocolate BBQ Place, about 0.9 km away on Saint Croix, which you can visit before or after your boat trip. Treat the beach day as a self-catered adventure and you won't be disappointed.
Where to stay
The closest place to rest your head is Cruzan Princess, just 0.3 km from the cove area, followed by St. C Condos at 0.4 km — both are convenient bases for an early morning departure by boat. For those who prefer a resort setting, Sugar Beach and Club St Croix Beach & Tennis Resort are both within about 2.2 km and offer more amenities.
Photography
The best shots come in the morning when the blue water catches low-angle light and the golden sand glows without harsh midday shadows — frame the cove entrance from the waterline for natural depth. The reef just below the surface makes for compelling underwater photography if you have a waterproof housing; shoot toward the shallows where light filters through cleanly.
Good to know
No facilities exist here whatsoever, so bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection, and a first-aid kit. The reef is the main draw, but treat it with care — touching or standing on coral damages it permanently. The wet season runs May through October, bringing heavier rain and choppier conditions; the dry season from November through April is the far more reliable window for calm water and clear visibility. Plan your return boat pickup before you land — there's no way to call for help if you're stranded without signal.
Map
Nearby places
Chocolate BBQ Place
Cruzan Princess
St. C Condos
Sugar Beach
Club St Croix Beach & Tennis Resort
Estate Little Princess Plantation
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center - Flea Market
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Anon · source · Pexels License
- Photo 2 — Jeffrey Eisen · source · Pexels License
- Photo 3 — Yannick · source · Pexels License
- Photo 4 — Matt Barnard · source · Pexels License