St. Thomas is one of four major islands that make up the US Virgin Islands. With plenty of shopping, dining, and sightseeing to fill your day, it’s no wonder it’s the busiest island of the group. However, since we’re more lovers of the sun, sand, and sea, we’re here with a small list of our favorite beaches. The island has over 40 pieces of paradise, but since vacations don’t last forever, here’s our list of the top 5 beauties you have to see for yourself:
MAGENS BAY
Beach Vibe: Idyllic (but also a tourist hot spot)
Entry fee: $5 per person for non-residents
Location: North side
Magens Bay is truly a beautiful sight. The island shields this bay from the Atlantic Ocean making the water of this North side beach calm and glass-like. At just under a mile long, there’s plenty of white sand to relax on and ample shady spots when you need a break from the sun. Amenities include restroom facilities, a beach bar/concession stand, parking, chair rentals, kayak and boat rentals, and a cute boutique for souvenirs and sunscreen. A helpful tip if you’re lodging on island is to plan your trip when cruise ships are not docked. It could mean the difference between a relaxing day at the beach, or the Coney Island experience.
Click the link if you want to know the cruise ship schedule: vinow.com/cruise/ship-
LINDQUIST BEACH
Beach Vibe: Off the beaten path
Entry Fee: $5 per person for non-residents
Location: East End
Lindquist Beach (aka Smith Bay Beach) is a very relaxing beach with hypnotizing bands of blue and green water. If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds on a busy cruise ship day, this location is a great option. However, if you’re someone who enjoys an abundance of amenities, you might be disappointed. Although there are no food and drink concessions or chair rental stands, there are restroom facilities, and at times, island entrepreneurs bring stacks of beach chairs to rent out to visitors. Shade can be scarce, so make sure to bring sunscreen. The west side is a bit rocky which can make for some fun exploring, and snorkeling is great the farther off shore you head out.
COKI
Beach Vibe: Party
Entry fee: None
Location: East End
If you’re looking for ample amenities and a lively scene, this beach spot has it all. Chair and activity rentals, plenty of food and drinks, music, and even fish feeding can be found on this somewhat smaller beach. (Side note: feeding the fish is not the best idea since they use dog biscuits, not actual fish food, which is not healthy for the fish.) As with Magens Bay, this beach is quite the tourist hot spot. If there’s a cruise ship docked, either get there early or avoid at all costs, as you will almost definitely not be able to claim a spot of sand to call your own.
Click the link if you want to know the cruise ship schedule: vinow.com/cruise/ship-
SECRET HARBOR
Beach Vibe: Chill, Resort
Entry Fee: None
Location: East End
Although Secret Harbor Resort has made this beach home, it isn’t as crowded as you would think. The waters are calm and the snorkeling is great. The resort offers chairs to the their guests, and rentals to non-guests as well. Cruzan Beach Club serves up some delicious food and drinks, and has been known to have a steel pan musician play reggae and calypso hits during their happy hour.
SAPPHIRE BEACH
Beach Vibe: Snorkeling/Sports
Fee: None
Location: East End
Sapphire beach, like all beaches on St. Thomas, is a beautiful stretch of sand complete with clear blue water. The area is home to several lodging communities which can make it less relaxing and a bit more crowded. However, if you want to trade in your beach bum card and instead take the day to snorkel, kayak, jet ski, or parasail, then you’re in the right place. The waters tend to be more wavy as well, which can be a fun change of pace from the typical calm Caribbean waters. If you forget to pack a lunch you will not go hungry, as there are a few places to pick from for food and drinks. And in case you don’t feel like laying out directly on the sand, chair rental locations can be found throughout the area, so you can sit back, relax, and take in the view of the water and St. John in the distance.