The Frederiksted Pier is one of St. Croix’s most iconic sites and an attraction that everyone visiting St. Croix should see. The Pier, named the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, is in the heart of Frederiksted town on the West End.  The town was settled in the late 1600s and has a fascinating history that has spanned seven governments, slavery and emancipation, fireburn, industrialization. The Frederiksted Pier was constructed in the early 1900s, and reconstructed after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 as it appears today. In early 2000s, a multi-million dollar revitalization of the waterfront park and pier transformed the historic Frederiksted waterfront and Pier into the charming port it is today.
The facility was named in honor of Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson of St. Croix by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in honor of the former USVI Public Works Commissioner and VIPA Board Member who was responsible for much of the rejuvenation of the Frederiksted area. The Virgin Islands Port Authority is tasked with managing the gateways to the United States Virgin Islands and its Economy, including the Pier.
Here are some great reasons to make the Frederiksted Pier a must on your visit to St. Croix:
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The snorkeling around the rocky foot of the pier is really very good, teeming with blue tang and other tropical reef fish and juveniles. The Frederiksted Pier’s biggest claim to fame is that it is considered one of the best micro-dive locations in the world. Simply put, the diving is incredible, day or night. You’ll see a lot of colorful fish, octopus, seahorses, squid, pufferfish, and other amazing creatures as you slowly drift between the pilings. Divers often do a ‘giant-stride’ off the Frederiksted Pier into 20 feet of water, but the very tip of the pier is as deep as 90 feet.
Cruise Ships
This is where cruise ships dock when they visit the port of St. Croix. It is the only port on St. Croix deep enough to birth the mega cruise ships. St. Croix averages approximately 1-2 cruise ships per week during the peak winter season. On days when ships are in port, the Frederiksted Pier is closed to the public. Only passengers and crew on board, with proper ID, will be able to pass the security checkpoint. Cruise ship days are a great time to visit the area regardless of access to the pier. Streets are full of vendors selling local crafts, jewelry, and St. Croix souvenirs.
Sailing and Boat Charters
From the Northern side of the Pier, guests can board sailing and boat charters offering fun day trips and even better sunset sails. In fact, the West End of St. Croix is known for having the elusive “green flash” at sundown! Take a tiki boat tour or hop aboard Lyric Sails for a sunset cruise featuring live music onboard.
Special Events
The Frederiksted Pier also plays host to special and annual events such as the Dolphin’s Sea Swim, and the Independence Day fireworks show. However, access to the Pier is closed to the public unless such an event is coordinated with VI Port Authority.
Old Cargo Crane
According to VI Port Authority: “The historic cargo crane in Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, dates back to the island’s colonial period. Known as a wharf or port crane, it was vital for loading and unloading cargo from ships in the harbor, as large vessels couldn’t access the dock directly. Instead, lighters were used to transfer goods, and the crane facilitated the handling of essential exports like sugar and rum, highlighting the island’s significance in maritime trade. Originally built in 1751 by the Danish West India and Guinea Company to boost regional commerce, the pier underwent a major revitalization in the early 2000s, moving the crane to its current site. The crane stands as a historic landmark, attracting visitors and serving as a testament to St. Croix’s vibrant maritime history.”
Restrictions
Access is restricted when there is a cruise ship in port, only ship passengers and crew are allowed onto the pier. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming around the pier is not allowed when there is a ship docked both for your safety and for the security of the ship.
