Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
CONTACT: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator 
jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov 
 
Friday, August 14, 2026 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
BEACH ADVISORY 
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) advises the public that its 
Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program continues to conduct weekly assessments of 
water quality at popular swimming beaches throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 
program evaluates water quality by testing for Enterococci bacteria and measuring 
turbidity, an indicator of water clarity. 
During the week of August 10-14, 2026, DPNR collected and analyzed water samples from 
31 designated beaches across the Territory. 
Based on the laboratory results, the following beaches met established water quality 
standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing: 
 
 
St. Croix 
 
Chenay Bay 
Grapetree Beach 
Rainbow Beach 
Prosperity Beach 
Ha’Penny Beach 
Shoy’s Beach 
Cramers Park 
New Ft. Louise Augusta  
Stony Ground 
Dorsch Beach 
Pelican Cove (Comorant) 
Buccaneer Beach 
Fredriksted Public Beach 
Princess Condo Row 
Sprat Hall 
Gentle Winds  
Protestant Cay 
 
GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
--------0-------- 
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 
            4611 Tutu Park Mall  
 
              45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted 
            Suite 300  
 
                                       St. Croix, VI 00840 
            St. Thomas, VI  00802                                                       (340) 773-1082 
            (340) 774-3320   
 
                                                    dpnr.vi.gov 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following beach does not meet water quality standards because it exceeds the 
established Enterococci bacteria threshold and is therefore considered unsafe for swimming 
or fishing:   
• Cane Bay on St. Croix. 
 
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches: 
• Water Bay on St. Thomas 
• All beaches on St. John. 
 
Therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown. 
Please be advised that swimming in waters impacted by sewage, stormwater runoff, or 
excessive accumulations of sargassum may pose an increased risk to public health due to 
elevated levels of bacteria and other contaminants. The public is urged to avoid areas 
affected by sewage discharges, stormwater runoff from guts, puddles, and drainage basins, 
as well as waters with large quantities of sargassum, visible discoloration, or foul odors. 
DPNR remains committed to monitoring the Territory's recreational waters to help protect 
public health and will continue to provide updated advisories as necessary. Residents and 
visitors are encouraged to stay informed by following DPNR announcements regarding 
beach water quality conditions. 
For additional information regarding water quality, please contact the Division of 
Environmental Protection at (340) 773-1082 on St. Croix or (340) 774-3320 on St. Thomas. 
 
 
 
St. Thomas 
 
Secret Harbor 
Lindbergh Bay 
Vessup Bay 
Lindqvist Beach 
Brewers Bay 
Bolongo Bay 
Frenchman’s Bay 
Magens Bay 
Bluebeards Beach 
Coki Point 
Hull Bay 
 
Sapphire Beach 
Vessup Bay 
 
Water Island 
  Honeymoon Beach