Excerpted from St. John Off The Beaten Track © 2006 Gerald Singer

Great Cruz Bay was originally a relatively shallow bay surrounded by mangrove wet lands with a mud bottom. The bay was dredged and sand was brought in to create the sandy beach that is now there. The depth increases gradually, and there are no sea urchins or reef to worry about. The water is not as clear as in some of the other bays. The bay is generally calm and free from the ground sea or breaking surf that is common on north shore beaches in the winter. The hotel has done an excellent job of landscaping, and the beach and grounds of the hotel are beautiful.

Getting There
Starting at the Texaco Station in Cruz Bay go east 0.9 miles on Route 104. Turn right at the entrance to the Westin Resort. Park in the hotel parking lot and walk to the beach.

Facilities
Day visitors can use the beach, but the facilities such as lounge chairs and beach equipment are for use by Westin guests only. Facilities available to day visitors include water sports rentals, shops, the restaurants and the bar by the pool.

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