Frederiksted Pier, cruise ship pier in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Frederiksted Pier is a long dock extending into the ocean that serves as a ship docking point and a popular snorkeling and diving location. The structure features coral-covered pylons that create an underwater environment full of fish and sea creatures.

The original pier was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and ravaged again by Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. Part of the old structure was used as landfill for the current platform, while most of it was removed and sunk two miles north in 110-foot-deep water at a dive site called Armageddon. Remains of the old pier still stand, covered with decades of coral growth and sponges.

The pier hosts the Coconut Cup, an internationally recognized stand-up paddleboarding competition, and swimming competitions are also held off it. Local dive shops such as Ne2une Scuba, St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures and Adventures in Diving STX run trips from the pier, and the public beach beside it is used by residents and visitors for strolls and views.

The pier is located right in the center of Frederiksted town along Strand Street with parking available nearby, making it easy to access. Entry into the water is possible from a small sandy beach on the left side or over rocks, and wearing diving booties and sturdy fins is recommended to protect your feet from slippery surfaces and barnacles.

Night divers report encountering octopuses, lobsters, and other sea creatures that are more active after dark, revealing a completely different underwater world. This nocturnal activity creates an exciting alternative to daytime snorkeling and shows the hidden life beneath the pier.