Grootpan Bay
Grootpan Bay beach is an off-the-beaten-path location with dramatic terrain.
Getting there:
From Cruz Bay – take Rte 20 ( North Shore Road) or Centerline toward Coral Bay. At the “T” in Coral Bay take a right onto Rte 107 south. You’ll travel about 4 miles. The access road is just after Salt Pond on your left. The road splits twice – stay left twice. The road isn’t well maintained – but that’s probably why this beach is less visited than other locations.
Grootpan Bay beach
This beach doesn’t get many visitors – and it’s a shame! Although the beach is a mix of sand and pebble – the rugged location is an amazing place to spend an afternoon/day. The best part of the beach is just as you enter – the further you go the less sand and more stones. Accessing the water is easy – but watch for sea urchins. The bay is deep and waves can sometimes be heavy.
Snorkeling is best just off the east and center of the shoreline in 5′ to 25 feet of water. The left side is pretty barren and the far side is deeper water and exposed to moderate to heavy waves. The sea life here is abundant and mostly undisturbed – with large outcroppings of coral and sea fans. You’ll likely see large schools of fish including tangs, yellowtail snapper, jacks and even Lionfish! The coral is a nice mix of hard and soft coral. Plenty of sea fans, colorful sponges and tunicates. And the grassy bottom is home to Queen Conch and rays.
