Sandy Point NWR | Southeast Region

aerial image

Michael Evans
Refuge Manager

Federal Building
3013 Estate Golden Rock
Suite 167 Christiansted, VI 00820-4355 (340) 773-4554
FAX: (340) 773-4554
E-mail: caribbeanisland@fws.gov

Directions to Refuge

Fact Sheet

Refuge Facts

Established: 1984.
Acres: 327.
Location: the refuge is located at the southwest end of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, just south of Frederiksted.
Administered under Caribbean Island NWR office.

Natural History

Sandy Point has the largest beach area in the Virgin Islands.
It also hosts the largest nesting population of leatherback sea turtles (largest sea turtle in the world) under United States jurisdiction.
The peninsula that forms the refuge has stable geologic formations, but the beach is highly dynamic.
Plant diversity is low because of salt stress.

Financial Impact of Refuge

Two-person permanent staff, three-person season staff.
11,000 visitors annually.

Refuge Objectives

To provide habitat and protection for threatened and endangered species, with particular emphasis on the leatherback sea turtle.
To foster a sense of public commitment and understanding for sea turtles and the need for protection by providing opportunities for environmental education, interpretation, and compatible wildlife-oriented recreation.
To support the Service’s commitment to implement and carry out sea turtle recovery plans.
To provide habitat for a natural diversity of plant and wildlife species.

Management Tools

Law enforcement.
Wildlife surveys.
Environmental education.

Public Use Opportunities

Hiking, wildlife observation, and nature photography (the refuge is open 10:00 am-4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, closed at all other times).

Calendar of Events

April-August: During the leatherback nesting season, Earthwatch volunteers assist with data collection and nest relocation (from erosion zones).

Questions and Answers

Is there any plan to increase staffing at the refuge to protect nesting leatherback sea turtles?

The refuge currently has one full-time manager. An additional permanent position and seasonal positions have been included in the President’s 1999 proposed budget.

Is the refuge a good place for birdwatching?

Yes. Over 100 species have been recorded on the refuge, including the brown pelican, black-necked stilt and black-whiskered vireo.

Are any other national wildlife refuges close to Sandy Point?

Green Cay is an island refuge off the north coast of St. Croix; however, it is closed to the public due to fragile habitat and easily-disturbed wildlife.

Return to: Caribbean Islands, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Offices

Discover American's Best Kept Secret National Wildlife Refuge banner