Nestled in the Caribbean, St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands is a paradise for beach lovers with its stunning turquoise waters, soft white sands, and vibrant marine life. However, not all beaches are created equal on this island, which spans just about 32 square miles. Here’s your guide to the top beaches to visit in St. Thomas and one that might be better left off your itinerary.
### Where to Go:
#### 1. Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach is often listed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This heart-shaped bay offers over a mile of powdery white sand and calm, crystal clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Surrounded by lush green hills, it also has amenities like lifeguards, snack bars, restrooms with showers, and picnic tables making it ideal for families.
#### 2. Coki Point Beach
If you are looking for vibrant underwater life right off the shore, Coki Point Beach is the place to go. The water here is exceptionally clear which makes it excellent for snorkeling. The beach also features numerous small stands offering snacks and drinks along with snorkel gear rentals so you can explore its underwater trails populated by colorful fish and corals.
#### 3. Trunk Bay (Over on St. John)
Though not technically on St. Thomas but rather on the nearby island of St. John (accessible by a short ferry ride), Trunk Bay is worth mentioning due to its iconic status and breathtaking beauty. It features a marked underwater trail for snorkeling and often has calmer waters perfect for beginners or younger swimmers.
#### 4. Secret Harbour
Located at Benner Bay, Secret Harbour offers serene settings with its fine sandy beach tucked away in a quiet cove surrounded by palm trees – ideal for those looking for peace or privacy during their beach day outings. The calm waters here are excellent for swimming or paddleboarding.
### One to Avoid:
#### Sapphire Beach – During Cruise Ship Days
While Sapphire Beach itself boasts beautiful views of neighboring islands along with powdery sand and clear waters making it generally recommendable – it’s pivotal to note that it can become overwhelmingly crowded when cruise ships are docked on the island particularly because it’s close proximity makes it an easy choice for cruise tourists looking to spend a day at the beach.
On days when multiple cruise ships arrive simultaneously (which can be checked ahead using online schedules), Sapphire Beach might lose its charm as the influx of visitors could detract from your experience significantly due to overcrowding.
### Planning Your Visit:
When visiting any beach in St.Thomas:
– Always check local weather conditions.
– Be mindful of environmental conservation efforts by avoiding touching marine life while snorkeling or diving.
– It’s a good idea to arrive early at popular spots like Magens Bay or Trunk Bay especially during peak tourist season.
– Consider accessibility options as some beaches might require hikes or boat rides.
St.Thomas offers an array of stunning beaches each with unique characteristics appealing to different types of travelers whether you’re an avid snorkeler enthusiast photographer family group couple seeking solitude or adventurer looking at less frequented spots always consider environmental impact observe local regulations ensure that these beautiful locations remain pristine future generations enjoy too!