Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay

The Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay on St. Croix is a one in a lifetime experience that you and your loved ones will remember forever! If there is one activity on St. Croix that you don’t want to miss, it’s this. People travel the world over to enjoy what you have at your fingertips when you visit St. Croix.

Leave the beaches behind and head toward a hidden spot on St Croix that will land you in a magical place, well worth the journey.

The actual location is a series of natural pools of water that have formed over centuries.  These are tide pools, subject to the ebbs and flows of the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can snorkel, swim, wade and even meditate on life.

Getting there isn’t easy. But once you arrive; once you experience the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay, you will never forget your time here.

Location & Getting There

The Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay are located just east of Annaly Point, on the northwest side of St. Croix near Frederiksted. The secluded location makes this a very private island experience that will be a special memory for you and your family.

There are two ways to reach the tide pools. One is a long, difficult hike. This isn’t for anyone who’s health may be at risk. Even moderately active and young people may have some difficulty due to the rugged terrain and changing elevation throughout.

The second and more comfortable, easy way to get there is to do a jeep tour through the forest with a tour provider. This method is highly recommended for anyone who is older, who has health concerns, or for anyone who simply doesn’t feel like exhausting themselves before being able to enjoy the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay. Check out Tan Tan Tours for more information.

The Hike

The hike to Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay is not for the faint-hearted. The first thing to know is that there’s no cell service. Only physically healthy people should opt for hiking into the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay.

Duration: Half day-Full day
Length: 2.5 miles each way
Difficulty: Hard

Wear comfortable hiking shoes with sturdy ankle support. Bring a backpack with water and food and first aid supplies, just in case. Bring sunblock because the sun can be scorching and there is little to no shade once you arrive. Finally, be prepared to spend the whole day and take your time. Remember that if you hike in, you have to hike out. Leave valuables at home. Even in this day and age, a disposable camera is a smart idea, because if it’s lost along the way, at least you won’t have lost your phone.

The terrain is rough and steep, uphill and downhill. Even those with hiking experience might find this method to be a challenge. The trail begins at the Carambola Beach Resort.

Jeep Tour (alternative to Hike)

Now, the jeep tour to the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay is highly under-rated. You’ll be soooo glad you chose this option. Not only is it easier for those while health issues, but it’s faster. That means more time enjoying yourself and less time hiking to get there.

There’s a lot of fun with the jeep tour to Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay. You’ll be in the jeep on a steep incline and decline as you reach the tide pools. It will be bumpy and exhilarating. The jeep is open (think Jurassive Park), and you’ll be going off-roading. Don’t let your pride prevent you from enjoying this transportation method to the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay. Remember, you’ll have more energy to expend at the tide pools than those who have to hike their way out!

Tide Pools

The tide pools at Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay are not only for wading. You can dip in and the water could be as high as your shoulders.

Tide pools are isolated areas of water that might only exist when the tide is high. As such, it makes sense to track the tides at the Carambola Tide Pools at Annaly Bay to be sure you arrive when the tides are high. If you are taking a jeep tour in, your tour guide will tell you when is the best time to go.

Good to Know Info

There are no amenities here. Bring your own food and water and sun protection. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended for climbing over rocks and wading into the tide pools. However, the hike itself will require sturdy hiking shoes.

It's recommended to start your hike in the morning and avoid high tide. When we hiked here, we started the hike at 10AM which ended up being the perfect time.