Best Beaches in St. Thomas
By Karen Elowitt, Local Expert, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is blessed with some of the best and most picturesque beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you want to sunbathe, do watersports, go snorkeling, or just have a quiet picnic, there's a beach that fits the bill.
However, the best beaches on St. Thomas are often the most crowded ones, because perfection brings popularity. Magens Bay Beach, for example, is truly stunning, but also a magnet for families and the cruise ship crowd, and as a result is often filled dune-to-dune with beachgoers. And tiny Coki Beach, near Coral World, is a great place to relax, and an even better place to snorkel. But... Read more »
1- Type: Beaches, Outdoor Activities, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
Local Expert Tip: "You can watch some of the Rolex regatta races from this beach, during the month of April."
2- Type: Beaches, Outdoor Activities
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
This hidden gem in St. Thomas's east end is a favorite of locals and watersports enthusiasts. It's actually... Read more »
3- Type: Beaches, Water Sports
- Neighborhood: Magens Bay
Local Expert Tip: "After a day at Magens, stop at the Udder Delite Dairy Bar just up the road for a refreshing liquor-spiked milkshake. It's an island favorite."
4- Type: Beaches, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
Local Expert Tip: "When you go snorkeling at the far west end of the cove, look for the two sea turtles who live in the water right near the rocky point."
5Lindquist Beach / Smith Bay Park
- Type: Beaches
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
Local Expert Tip: "Don't forget to bring a few $$ with you - it costs $2 per person to get in."
6- Type: Beaches
- Neighborhood: Water Island / Hassel Island
Local Expert Tip: "To get there, take the water taxi from Crown Bay marina (not the ferry port) and walk straight uphill from the dock, then at the crest of the hill turn right and walk downhill for about five minutes."
7- Type: Beaches, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
Local Expert Tip: "This beach can get crowded with locals and tourists alike in high season, so don't expect a tranquil, quiet experience. Sometimes people will try to sell you things, toddlers will have temper tantrums, and the music may be a bit on the loud side. The key is to just go with the flow, or don't go."
8- Type: Beaches
- Neighborhood: St. John - North Shore
Local Expert Tip: "Though this beach is officially "no dogs allowed," this rule is rarely enforced. As a result you'll see lots of happy pooches getting some R&R alongside their owners. So if you don't like dogs at all, you may want to skip this beach."
9- Type: Beaches, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Water Sports
- Neighborhood: East End / Red Hook
This family-friendly beach is part of the Sapphire Beach Resort complex, near the east end of St. Thomas.... Read more »
10- Type: Beaches, Water Sports
- Neighborhood: Greater Charlotte Amalie
Local Expert Tip: "A fun way to access the beach is via the glass elevator near the hotel's main entrance. From there it's a somewhat long walk along cliffs and through the tennis courts. Alternatively, you can drive past the hotel and down the road if you want to park directly by the beach."
