10 Best St. Thomas Beaches to Visit on Vacation
If you’re planning a trip to the USVI, then you’ll likely want to know where the best St. Thomas beaches are. I’ve been to the island plenty of times and am excited to share all about them!
The beaches in St. Thomas vary from quiet and secluded to full of amenities and bustling with people. The best one for you depends on your needs and what you enjoy on vacation.
Some also require an entrance fee, while others are completely free. We’ll go through who each beach is best for as well as things to know before you go.
Whether you’re visiting St. Thomas for the day or spending a week on the island, here are some of the top beaches that should be on your list.
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Best St. Thomas Beaches
St. Thomas is known for having stunning beaches with a lively atmosphere and Magens Bay is arguably the most well-known.
However, there are plenty of other beaches to check out while you’re here. You’ll want to include at least a few of these on your St. Thomas itinerary.
While there are lists that include more beaches, these are the top ones located on the island of St. Thomas itself.
1. Coki Beach
The crystal clear water, great amenities, and proximity to Red Hook make this one of the most popular beaches on the East End.
It’s located right next to Coral World Ocean Park (one of the best things to do in St. Thomas) so easy to combine the two for a St. Thomas day trip. There is a place to rent snorkel equipment, beach bar & restaurant, plus umbrella and chair rentals.
The water is so clear that you don’t really need a snorkel mask but it makes things more fun and interesting. I’ve eaten at the restaurant here, Catch of the Day, a couple of times and it’s always been delicious.
There are also restrooms here, little shops, and a few other places to grab a bite to eat like Dushi’s by the Sea (located by the road) and Mama’s Meat Pies.
One thing to know – I’ve been told by many people that you don’t want to be out here after dark so just keep that in mind when planning your day.
We’ve stayed at the Margaritaville Resort a couple times now and it’s in easy walking distance from Coki Beach so this is our go-to spot. If you’re wondering where to stay in St. Thomas, I highly recommend Margaritaville.
2. Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach is a stunning choice on the East End with exceptional views that’s often pretty busy due to the three different resorts nearby: Sapphire Beach Resort, Sapphire Village, and Crystal Cove.
These are some of the best places to stay in St. Thomas because of the beautiful beach here and other amenities.
Despite being popular, one of its big wins is that it’s free to access, with free parking and a convenient taxi stand for those who didn’t rent a car and aren’t staying on site.
There’s no need to lug around your beach gear, as you’ll find all kinds of rentals available – think umbrellas, noodles, and snorkel bobs plus watersports.
The marina here is also very popular as many St. Thomas boat tours leave from Sapphire Beach Marina.
When hunger strikes, you’ve got options right on the sand, including The Beach Bar at Sapphire Beach for drinks and bar food and The Beach Buzz for coffee and quick breakfast items.
Sudi’s Bar & Grill is another restaurant located a little ways off the beach in Sapphire Village. If you have a car, this is also very close to the restaurants in Red Hook.
You’ll also find public restrooms and beach showers here which makes things more comfortable. The bay is also very calm so it’s popular with families.
3. Lindquist Beach
Another beach on the East End, Lindquist Beach is for you if you don’t need any amenities and want to enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s part of Smith Bay Park which is a beautiful protected preserve.
Lindquist Beach is a bit of a local spot that charges a nominal $5 per person entrance fee, and parking is just $2 – cash only.
The hours for the beach are from 8am – 5pm, making it perfect for a full day relaxing in the sun. If you’re an underwater enthusiast, the sides of the beach near the rocks offer a decent snorkeling experience or you can swim further out from the beach if you are comfortable.
Although the beach lacks the bustling restaurants or beach bars found at other locations, it offers a set of basic facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. There are occasional chair and umbrella rentals, but they’re not always available.
Lindquist Beach is an ideal spot for anyone looking for solitude, natural beauty, and clean facilities.
4. Magens Bay Beach
One of the most famous beaches in St. Thomas, Magens Bay is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
While it is definitely beautiful, if you don’t like being on a crowded beach then this one isn’t for you. It is the most crowded when cruise ships are in port so you’ll want to check the cruise schedule before visiting.
Tyler and I visited and it definitely wasn’t our scene, but we avoid crowds at all costs. If you like lots of people and a lively atmosphere then this is for you.
The entrance near the concession stand is the most crowded area and you can escape the most concentrated parts if you walk down the beach a little ways.
The concession stand at Magens Bay serves up a few different food options like pizza, burgers, and hot dogs and of course, they have a full bar.
Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear are all available for rent but if you want to carry your chair and umbrella to a secluded spot down the beach, you’ll have to do that yourself.
They do have public bathrooms and showers here but they aren’t the cleanest.
As I said, Magens Bay is known for its beauty so if its on your bucket list, then absolutely check it out.
5. Hull Bay Beach
Located on the north side of the island, Hull Bay Beach offers a quieter and more secluded experience compared to other beaches in St. Thomas.
It’s most well-known for its surfing and is very popular with locals. There is no entrance fee and a convenient dirt lot for parking.
Pro tip: Make sure you enter “Hull Bay Beach” or “Hideaway at Hull Bay” in your GPS instead of just “Hull Bay” if you are driving. Using just “Hull Bay” will send you to the wrong place.
If you are taking a taxi, make sure you arrange for a return taxi before they drop you off because taxis aren’t readily available in this area.
The scenic panorama of small fishing boats moored in the bay makes this a truly picturesque beach and you’ll likely see fishing boats coming and going as there is a boat ramp here.
While the shoreline is a bit rocky with small pebbles and the waves can be rough, you can wear water shoes to stay comfortable.
There are no public restrooms, or chair and umbrella rentals, so make sure you come prepared. If you get hungry, there are two restaurants – the Shack at the Hideaway and Nomad Bar & Grille – conveniently located across the road.
For the adventurous, a dive shop across the street rents snorkel equipment, surfboards, and paddleboards. The snorkeling here is decent, but it’s worth noting it’s more suitable for good swimmers.
If you’re seeking a beach that offers both tranquility and a bit of adventure, Hull Bay Beach is a great choice.
6. Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay Beach is located on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands and offers some of the calmest waters on the island.
The airport is located right next the the beach so you can also watch planes take off while you are lounging here.
Free admission and parking make it an easy and affordable choice for beachgoers. It’s not the typical tourist hotspot, so you can expect quiet weekdays, although it becomes a popular choice for locals during weekends and attracts a bit more of a crowd on cruise ship days.
There are no rentals available so you’ll have to bring all your own gear, but there are typically a couple of food trucks set up nearby where you can get food and drinks like water or soda.
The clear waters of the beach are home to green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, offering a spectacular sight for those lucky enough to spot them. These are wild animals though, so no guarantees you will see any.
If you do want to try your hand at snorkeling here, the seagrass on the left side of the beach is a popular hang out spot for them.
If you’re relying on taxis for transportation, remember to arrange for a pick-up time since they’re not readily available in the area.
7. Lindbergh Bay Beach
Lindbergh Bay Beach is a convenient and picturesque spot for those only in St. Thomas for a short time as it’s situated right between the airport and the cruise ship docks in Charlotte Amalie.
It can be easily reached by taxi, making it an excellent choice if you don’t have a car available. If you do have a car, I would recommend heading to a different beach. The beach has public restrooms and showers available, adding to the convenience.
One of the standout features here is the variety of water sports rentals. Not only can you rent snorkels, kayaks, and paddleboards, but Lindbergh Bay Beach is also one of the few places on the island where you can rent jet skis.
Watersports are really popular here as one of the best kayaking tours in St. Thomas is led from Emerald Beach Resort.
There are also restaurants available at the Emerald Beach Resort like the Emerald Beach Bar, Caribbean Fusion, and Emerald Cafe.
8. Secret Harbour Beach
Tucked away in a quiet corner of St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach is a serene retreat for both locals and visitors.
The calm, crystal-clear waters make it perfect for swimming, and if you’re into snorkeling, the bay is a designated marine sanctuary.
The rocks on the right side are a great spot to try but some people also find wildlife on the left side out past the floating raft.
Parking is pretty limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. As part of the Secret Harbour Resort, the beach offers a well-stocked bar and a restaurant with delicious options.
You can bring your own chairs and umbrellas or rent them on-site for convenience, and restrooms are available for use.
All these amenities and natural beauty combine to make Secret Harbour Beach one of the best beaches in St. Thomas.
9. Mermaid’s Chair
Mermaid’s Chair is an absolute must for anyone in search of an adventure. However, this beach is a little different as it’s located in a gated community on the west side of the island.
You’ll have to park your vehicle in a dirt pull-off in front of the community’s gate but parking is very limited here. Once you have a spot, you’ll check in at the gate and they’ll take your photo.
The journey to Mermaid’s Chair is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike, best tackled in the early morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Keep in mind the Preserve at Botany Bay is open for visitors from 7 am to 5 pm.
The majority of the hike will have you walking through the community’s streets, but leads you to one of the most secluded St. Thomas beaches.
Plan to visit at low tide because there is a sand bar that you can walk across to get the full experience.
Remember to pack plenty of water as facilities are non-existent, and prepare for the strenuous hike back, especially in the heat. There are no bathrooms, showers, food vendors, etc and no shade on this hike.
This challenging hike may not be for everyone, but the reward of reaching Mermaid’s Chair is worth every step.
10. Limetree Beach
Limetree Beach is just southeast of Charlotte Amalie and you’ll find the Limetree Beach Resort here which used to be known as Bluebeard’s Beach Club.
This beach is a bit rocky at the shoreline, so water shoes are highly recommended to get in the water. There are bathrooms available plus chair rentals and umbrellas are on offer for those who want to lounge in the sun.
If you’re into watersports, check out the rental booth – but be aware it’s not always open. You can grab a quick bite at the pool bar or get a larger meal at the on-site restaurant, Lanai.
Limetree Beach is about a 15-minute drive from both Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, so I would only visit if you plan on spending a good amount of time at the beach.
Bonus: Honeymoon Beach
Since Honeymoon Beach is technically on Water Island and not St. Thomas, I didn’t want to include it in the actual count of St. Thomas beaches.
You must either take a 10 minute ferry ride over to Water Island or you can visit by taking one of the tours in St. Thomas over to the island. If you take the ferry, you can either rent a golf cart to get to the beach or Dinghy’s Beach Bar runs shuttles from the ferry to the beach.
Dinghy’s is a bit of a one-stop-shop for your beach needs as you can rent snorkel gear and other watersport items, order delicious food and drinks, and rent beach chairs or hammocks here.
This is one of the best spots for snorkeling which is why many of the tours come here. While there is a lively bar scene and music playing from Dinghy’s, this is also a popular beach for families.
Best Beaches in St. Thomas for Snorkeling
If you don’t love to just lounge on the beach, then you’ll want to rent some snorkeling equipment as the snorkeling in St. Thomas is pretty dang good.
For the best snorkeling opportunities, these are the beaches you should visit:
- Secret Harbour Beach (designated marine sanctuary)
- Coki Beach (easy snorkeling)
- Brewers Bay (sea turtles often spotted)
- Lindquist Beach (seagrass beds)
Look for sea grass, rocks along the sides of the beach, or coral offshore. Be careful and know your swimming abilities as it can be dangerous if you get too far away from the beach.
How to Get to St. Thomas Beaches
If you don’t have a car, then you’ll want to take a taxi to Megans Bay Beach, Lindbergh Bay, Coki, Sapphire, Secret Harbour, or Limetree.
All of these beaches have taxi stands where you can easily get a taxi for your return trip. If you want to head more off the beaten path, then make sure you arrange for return pick up or get their card.
If you have a car, then you may want to visit Lindquist, Hull Bay, or Brewers Bay but only if you don’t need lots of amenities. The easily accessible beaches will have the most amenities.
Finally, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Honeymoon Beach at Water Island then either rent a golf cart or take the shuttle.
St. Thomas Beaches Map
Wrap Up: Best Beaches in St. Thomas
Whether you’re looking to relax all day or have an epic adventure, there are some pretty amazing beaches in St. Thomas, and you can find one that will fit your tastes.
Each beach has its own vibe, but make sure that it has the right amenities for you. You’ll also want to check whether the water is typically calm and if the beach is sandy or rocky.
These all play into how comfortable you’ll be once you get there. If you’re staying at one of the resorts, then you’ll likely have the option of the beach at your resort as well.
Have a wonderful time lounging in the sun in St. Thomas!
