Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, St. Thomas presents a tapestry of stunning beach escapes waiting to be explored.
From the serene shores of Lindquist Beach to the vibrant marine life at Brewers Bay Beach, each coastal haven offers a unique experience. Whether you prefer secluded coves or bustling beachfront scenes, the island’s beaches cater to a variety of tastes.
Even better, all of the beaches in St. Thomas are public, and they’re located a short drive from the island’s tourist hub, Charlotte Amalie. Looking for the best beaches on St. Thomas? These are some of the most breathtaking all across St. Thomas, from Magens Bay, to Red Hook and the South Coast.
With crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes, St. Thomas’ shores hold a promise of relaxation and adventure. So, pack your sunscreen and prepare to embark on a journey of coastal discovery that promises to ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Best Beaches in St. Thomas
- Smith Bay Beach Park & Eco Reserve
- Honeymoon Beach
- Sapphire Beach
- Magen’s Bay Beach
- Buck Island
- Coki Point Beach
- Brewer’s Bay Beach
- Hull Bay Beach
- Lindberg Bay Beach
- Vessup Bay Beach
- Dorothea Beach
The best 7 beaches on St Thomas, US Virgin Islands: snorkel, splash, and relax
Here are the best beaches the island has to offer, from the famous strips of sand featured on all the travel sites to the secret beaches locals visit to escape the crowds.
Lindquist Beach
Lindquist Beach, nestled within Smith Bay Park on St. Thomas’s north coast, offers an idyllic escape with its soft white sands and tranquil waters shielded by rocky outcroppings. This secluded paradise provides the perfect setting for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, allowing visitors to bask in the beauty of the surrounding islands.
For a nominal fee of $2, guests can enjoy the pristine beach and its calm atmosphere. The beach’s location within Smith Bay Park adds an extra layer of natural charm, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds.
Whether relaxing on the shore or exploring the gentle waves, Lindquist Beach promises a serene and rejuvenating experience.
Coki Point Beach
Nestled on the northeast corner of St. Thomas, Coki Point Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and marine adventures. Visitors to Coki Point Beach can enjoy:
- Snorkeling in the pristine waters
- Exploring marine life at Coral World
- Relaxing on the soft, sandy beach
- Sampling local cuisine at beach bars
- Soaking in the lively Caribbean ambiance
With its lush green hills and lively setting, Coki Point Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Just a short distance from Charlotte Amalie, this beach is a must-visit for those seeking an exciting seaside escape on St. Thomas.
Sapphire Beach
Located on the east end of St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach offers a picturesque setting for a variety of water activities and relaxation. The beach features white sands and sea grape tree groves, providing shade for visitors.
Sapphire Beach is known for its excellent conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy the amenities of Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, which include dining options and snorkeling gear rental. Access to Sapphire Beach is convenient, with buses or taxis available from Charlotte Amalie.
| Activities | Features | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Windsurfing | White sands | Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina |
| Kayaking | Sea grape tree groves | Dining options |
| Snorkeling | Snorkeling gear rental |
See more: Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Travel
Secret Harbour Beach
Serving as another serene retreat on the picturesque island of St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach entices visitors with its tranquil ambiance and inviting turquoise waters. This hidden gem offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
- Secluded location ideal for quiet relaxation
- Calm blue waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling
- Coconut palms providing shade and a tropical feel
- Nearby restaurant offering delicious dining options
- Beach bar for refreshing drinks and cocktails
Secret Harbour Beach is located about a 30-minute drive from Charlotte Amalie, making it a convenient yet peaceful destination for a day of unwinding by the sea.
Little Magens Bay
Little Magens Bay, a secluded shoreline on St. Thomas’ Peterborg Peninsula, beckons travelers with its pristine white sands and tranquil atmosphere. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding.
Little Magens Bay is known for its scenic beauty, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the beach while taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Notably, it is a clothing-optional beach, adding to its allure for those seeking a liberating experience.
Just a 10-minute drive north of Charlotte Amalie, Little Magens Bay provides a serene escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
Brewers Bay Beach
Nestled close to the airport on St. Thomas, Brewers Bay Beach offers easy accessibility and a diverse marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. The beach is family-friendly with shallow waters and is surrounded by lush green hills and rocky outcrops.
Accessible via a short drive from downtown Charlotte Amalie, Brewers Bay Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a day by the sea.
- Shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling
- Lush green hills creating a picturesque backdrop
- Diverse marine life for underwater exploration
- Family-friendly atmosphere with space for picnics and relaxation
- Convenient amenities nearby for a comfortable beach day
Vessup Bay Beach
Located on the east end of St. Thomas near Red Hook, Vessup Bay Beach offers visitors classic Caribbean charm with its stunning views of nearby St. John, sapphire waters, and white sands. The beach, approximately 25 minutes from Charlotte Amalie, is a picturesque spot for relaxation and water activities.
Here, visitors can bask in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
| Features | Activities | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Views of St. John | Swimming | Nearby restaurants |
| Sapphire waters | Sunbathing | |
| White sands | Snorkeling |
Grand Beach
Grand Beach on the north side of St. Thomas in Smith Bay is renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, stunning sand, and popularity among residents for its ideal setting for various water sports activities. The beach offers a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, and other water sports activities.
With easy access from Charlotte Amalie, Grand Beach is a must-visit destination for those looking to relax on the soft sand or explore the crystal-clear waters. Additionally, the beach provides opportunities for observing marine life and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
- Ideal for snorkeling
- Perfect for windsurfing
- Crystal-clear waters
- Soft sand for relaxation
- Popular spot for water sports
What is the prettiest beach on St Thomas?
St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is renowned for its stunning beaches. One of the most widely regarded as the prettiest beach on St. Thomas is Magens Bay Beach. Here’s why it’s often considered the top choice:
- Scenic Beauty: Magens Bay Beach boasts a breathtaking crescent-shaped shoreline with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The surrounding lush hillsides provide a stunning backdrop, making it a picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities.
- Calmer Waters: The bay’s gentle waves and protected cove make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, especially for families and less experienced swimmers. The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Facilities and Amenities: Magens Bay Beach offers a range of amenities, including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and beach chair/umbrella rentals. There’s also a beachside bar and grill where you can grab refreshments and snacks.
- Natural Surroundings: Beyond its beauty, Magens Bay Beach is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and coconut palm trees, providing plenty of shade for those seeking relief from the sun.
- Accessibility: Magens Bay Beach is easily accessible from Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
While Magens Bay Beach is often considered the prettiest on St. Thomas, the island boasts several other beautiful beaches worth exploring, such as Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Secret Harbor Beach, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
Best hidden beaches on St Thomas
St. Thomas offers several hidden gems when it comes to beaches, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty in more secluded settings. Here are five of the best hidden beaches on St. Thomas:
- Limetree Beach (Bluebeard’s Beach): Located on the southeastern coast of St. Thomas, Limetree Beach is often overlooked by tourists, making it a hidden gem. It features soft sand, calm waters ideal for swimming, and excellent snorkeling opportunities along the rocky shoreline. Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a beach bar.
- Hull Bay Beach: Tucked away on the island’s north shore, Hull Bay Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a quieter beach experience. The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, with golden sand, swaying palm trees, and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a popular spot for surfing during the winter months.
- Secret Harbor Beach: Situated on the east end of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach is a secluded haven surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs. The beach offers calm, protected waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a coral reef teeming with marine life just offshore. Visitors can rent water sports equipment and enjoy dining at the beachfront restaurant.
- Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Beach): While not entirely hidden, Lindquist Beach is a bit off the beaten path, offering a quieter alternative to some of the more popular beaches on the island. It features powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and excellent swimming conditions. Facilities are limited, so it’s best to bring your own supplies.
- Vessup Bay Beach: Nestled on the southeastern coast of St. Thomas near Red Hook, Vessup Bay Beach is a tranquil and secluded spot favored by locals. It offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as well as stunning views of nearby islands. The beach is relatively undeveloped, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.
These hidden beaches on St. Thomas offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s natural beauty and pristine coastline away from the crowds, making them perfect for those seeking a peaceful and secluded beach experience.
See more: Best Hikes in Western Mass
How many beaches are on St Thomas?
St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is blessed with numerous stunning beaches. While the exact number of beaches may vary depending on how you define a beach and whether you include smaller coves and hidden spots, there are approximately 40 beaches on the island.
These beaches range from popular and easily accessible ones like Magens Bay Beach and Sapphire Beach to more secluded and lesser-known gems. Each beach offers its own unique beauty, whether it’s soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, or vibrant marine life, making St. Thomas a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Can you swim in the water in St Thomas?
Yes, you can absolutely swim in the waters around St. Thomas. The island is surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean Sea, which offers warm temperatures year-round and clear, inviting waters. St. Thomas is renowned for its picturesque beaches and excellent swimming conditions.
However, as with swimming in any natural body of water, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of any potential hazards.
Always swim in designated swimming areas where lifeguards are present, and be mindful of any posted warnings, such as strong currents or marine life hazards. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid swimming alone and to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Overall, swimming in the waters around St. Thomas can be a delightful and refreshing experience, whether you’re enjoying the calm, sheltered bays or exploring the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling.
Are There Any Beachfront Resorts or Hotels Near Lindquist Beach?
Yes, there are beachfront resorts and hotels near Lindquist Beach. Visitors can enjoy luxurious accommodations with direct access to the soft white sands and calm waters. These establishments offer a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty.
Is There a Designated Area for Non-Motorized Water Sports at Coki Point Beach?
At Coki Point Beach, visitors can enjoy non-motorized water sports such as snorkeling and marine adventures at Coral World. The beach’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant atmosphere with beach bars, and lush green hills make it a popular spot for recreational activities.
Are There Any Hiking Trails or Nature Walks Near Sapphire Beach?
Near Sapphire Beach, visitors can explore the scenic nature trails of Lindquist Beach Park, offering a serene environment with lush greenery and beautiful vistas. These trails provide a perfect complement to the beach experience.
Can Visitors Rent Beach Chairs and Umbrellas at Secret Harbour Beach?
Yes, visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at Secret Harbour Beach. The beach offers these amenities for a comfortable and relaxing experience, allowing guests to enjoy the calm blue waters and coconut palm surroundings with added convenience.
Is There a Designated Area for Picnics or Barbecues at Little Magens Bay?
At Little Magens Bay, visitors can enjoy picnics and barbecues in designated areas. This secluded beach on the Peterborg Peninsula offers white sands, scenic beauty, and the option for clothing-optional relaxation. Ideal for a quiet retreat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Thomas offers a diverse range of stunning beach escapes that cater to every preference, from tranquil coves to lively beach bars.
With crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, each coastal gem provides a unique blend of tranquility and adventure.
Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or seeking peaceful relaxation, the beaches of St. Thomas offer a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Explore the natural beauty and allure of these coastal havens on your next visit to the island.