St. Thomas is famous for its beautiful beaches, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether your cruise ship stops in St. Thomas (USVI) for a day or you’re planning a more extended vacation, a day on a Caribbean beach is unforgettable. But with so many stunning beach locations, how do you know which beaches are worth visiting during your vacation?
The most famous beach on St. Thomas is Magens Bay Beach. This stunning stretch of white sand is at the base of a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by lush mountainsides. However, other popular beaches, like Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach, Honeymoon Beach, and Secret Harbour Beach, offer a wide range of activities.
In this guide, I’ve reviewed the best beaches in St. Thomas if you’re visiting as part of an eastern Caribbean cruise or staying longer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Whether you want to relax on the sand, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or try water sports like sailing or kayaking, St. Thomas has something for everyone.
Additionally, I’ll provide tips on transportation, beach amenities, and must-see attractions near each beach to help you make the most of your day in port.
How to Plan a Beach Day in St. Thomas
When choosing to spend a beach day on a cruise stop in St. Thomas, it’s vital to consider the season.
The best time to visit the Caribbean is during the dry season, from December through May. This period means warm days, little rainfall, and pristine waters. However, this is also the peak season when beaches are busy, and cruise tickets are more expensive. In this St. Thomas beach review, I’ve mentioned some beaches off the beaten track to avoid crowds during peak cruise season.
The wet season—June through November—usually means fewer crowded beaches. However, it would be best to plan for unexpected disruptions due to tropical downpours and storms.
Why Spend a Beach Day in St. Thomas (USVI)?
Beaches in St. Thomas offer one of the best ways to spend a Caribbean vacation. All beaches have public access and may have a nominal entrance fee. Usually, the beaches have facilities like changing rooms, showers, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. You could also rent snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks.
The beauty of the island’s coastline is one of the main reasons to spend a beach day in St. Thomas. You can walk on the powdery white sand, marvel at the calm turquoise waters, and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy vistas of nearby cays and tropical islands.
Map of the Best Beaches in St. Thomas
The Best Beaches to Visit on a Cruise to St. Thomas
The choice of beach on St. Thomas depends on several factors. The ever-popular Magens Bay Beach has calm waters, ideal for swimming and kids. However, it’s not ideal for snorkeling. Alternatively, Coki Beach has stunning coral reefs and colorful marine life, perfect for snorkeling or diving. In contrast, Lindquist Beach is beautiful and quiet.
Best Beaches Close to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
If you have limited time in port, you may want to choose a beach closer to Charlotte Amalie. Here are two popular beaches within a 10-minute drive from the cruise terminal.
Morningstar Beach
Morningstar Beach is one of the closest beaches to the Havensight Cruise Pier in St. Thomas. It has soft, white sand, crystal-clear waters, and views of cruise ships. Facilities at the beach include paddle boats, kayaks, and jet skis. You can also hire sun loungers, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear from the nearby hotel.
Visitors to the beach say it is typically quiet, has clear water, and offers good snorkeling opportunities. However, it lacks the amenities of some of the better beaches in St. Thomas.
To make the most of your day, you can purchase an all-inclusive day pass at the hotel. This provides access to beach chairs, a swimming pool, cocktails, and free WiFi. However, costs for food and water sports rentals are additional.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 2 miles (3.2 km), 10 minutes
- Amenities: Bathrooms, limited showering facilities, lounge chairs, umbrellas
- Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding
- Food and Beverages: The hotel serves food and drink, however, the prices are high
- Atmosphere: Relatively quiet
Limetree Beach
Limetree Beach is a small, secluded beach 3 miles (4.8 km) from Charlotte Amalie. Despite being part of a resort, public access to the beach is free. The beach is generally quiet, and cruise passengers usually head to Magens Bay or other beaches. Limetree Beach offers pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Limetree Beach is known for its calm and shallow waters, which make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is also less crowded than some of the more popular beaches on the island, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing day in port. However, the beach chairs and umbrellas are for resort guests.
There is also a beach cafe selling fast food, snacks, and drinks.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 3 miles (4.8 km), 15 minutes
- Amenities: Bathrooms and limited showering facilities
- Activities: Snorkeling and swimming
- Food and Beverages: Beachfront bar
- Atmosphere: Relatively quiet, even on cruise days
The Best St. Thomas Beaches: Northside
The best beaches in St. Thomas are on the island’s north and eastern sides. Magens Bay is where more cruise passengers flock. However, plenty of superb beaches north of Charlotte Amalie are worth visiting.
Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach is often hailed as one of the best beaches in St. Thomas. This picturesque beach is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers looking to soak up the sun. The beach and seafloor are soft white sand, with a gentle decline as you wade deeper into the turquoise water.
Magens Bay has some of the calmest waters on the island. It’s ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Because of its popularity, the beach has plenty of amenities. These include water sports rentals, beach chairs, changing rooms, and saltwater showers. There are also nature trails for hiking around the bay.
Magens Beach is one of the few beaches that charges for entry. Admission is $5 for anyone aged 12 and over. Magens Bay is not the best location for snorkeling as it lacks a coral reef and seagrass environments. However, it’s one of the best beaches in St. Thomas for swimming. Sometimes, you can spot turtles and stingrays while paddle boarding or kayaking.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 5 miles (8 km), 20 minutes
- Amenities: Restrooms, a bar, lounge rentals, water-sports rentals, disabled access, and lifeguards
- Activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach sports, and hiking
- Food and Beverages: Bar and cafe serve food
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the beach and floating beach wheelchairs are available
- Atmosphere: Fun and relaxed and a great place for families
Lindquist Beach at Smith Bay Park & Eco Reserve
Lindquist Beach at Smith Bay is a calm, secluded beach that seems to miss the crowds. This hidden gem offers pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The entrance fee is $5, and you get access to clean bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
Lindquist Beach is the perfect escape to relax and unwind on a Caribbean island. There are no food options on the beach, only a nearby restaurant. Even though there are no umbrellas, plenty of sea grape trees provide natural shade. Many visitors rate Lindquist Beach as cleaner, quieter, and more relaxed than Magens Bay.
In addition to the beach, Smith Bay also has an eco-reserve that manages birds, plants, and marine life.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 6 miles (9.6 km), 25 minutes
- Amenities: Bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching, and eco-reserve trails
- Food and Beverages: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, natural beach with opportunities for exploration and relaxation
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay Beach is a crowd-free beach on the north side of St Thomas. It’s ideal for relaxing during a cruise day or vacation as it has few visitors. The small sand beach has a rustic, natural feel and has not been heavily commercialized. It has a rocky seafloor, so you need water shoes to swim.
This small, picturesque beach nestled between rolling hills and lush vegetation is a peaceful and tranquil setting. A reef just offshore makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling to explore the colorful marine life. You’ll also notice fishing boats used by local fishermen.
There are few facilities at Hull Bay Beach and no chairs. However, a nearby dive shop rents surfboards, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Additionally, a bar and restaurant serve lunch, refreshments, and snacks. If you want to experience authentic St. Thomas, Hull Beach is a good choice.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 5 miles (8 km), 20 minutes
- Amenities: Dive shop, two bars, and a restaurant
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding
- Food and Beverages: Buy lunch at the beachfront restaurant
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and tranquil without any cruise passenger crowds
Dorothea Beach
Dorothea Beach is a hidden gem on the north side of St Thomas. The beach is uncommercialized and lined with swaying palm trees surrounded by lush green hills. The secluded beach offers the ideal opportunity to escape the cruise crowds and relax. No amenities are available.
Most people envisage Dorothea Beach as a typical Caribbean beach. The unpopulated beach has sand and rocks, with sea grape trees and palms providing shade. Tourists describe the beach as the perfect place to meditate, think, or seek inspiration. It’s an ideal destination if you want to escape the commotion and crowded beaches associated with cruise days in port.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 6 miles (9.6 km), 22 minutes
- Amenities: None
- Activities: None
- Food and Beverages: None
- Atmosphere: Inspiring and tranquil away from people
Neltjeberg Bay Beach
Neltjeberg Bay Beach is off the beaten track and ideal for escaping the cruise crowds of Charlotte Amalie. This secluded beach offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and relaxing on a day in port. The beach has a soft, sandy shoreline and good swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palm trees, creating a tropical oasis. However, getting there is tricky. Access to the beach is a bumpy dirt road. If you are there on a weekday, you will probably be the only person there. So, if you want to escape civilization for a few hours, head to Neltjeberg Bay.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 7 miles (11.2 km), 30 minutes
- Amenities: None
- Activities: None
- Food and Beverages: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, deserted beach
Beaches on St. Thomas East End
The beaches at the east end of St. Thomas are the most popular and some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Coki Point Beach
The beach at Coki Point is one of the best on St. Thomas for snorkeling and diving. It is famous for its lively vibe and fun atmosphere. The beach is mostly soft sand with a few pebbles. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and relax with a rum cocktail while listening to reggae music.
Several tour operators run day excursions to the beach, or you can take a taxi, which takes 20 minutes. The seafloor has a gradual incline, making it ideal for swimming. There is also a spectacular reef to explore that is teeming with friendly fish. Several bars and restaurants line the beachfront.
Coki Beach is also an excellent destination for visiting Coral World Ocean Park. You can read more about this in my shore excursion guide of St. Thomas. Entrance to the beach is free.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 5 miles (8 km), 20 minutes
- Amenities: Restrooms, changing facilities, water-sports rental, snorkeling gear, lockers, waiting staff on the beach
- Activities: Swimming, diving, partying, water sports
- Food and Beverages: A plethora of cafes and bars serving local meat and seafood specialties
- Atmosphere: Lively, party atmosphere, especially if several cruise ships are in port
Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Situated at Pretty Klip Point on the island’s east side, the beach features a vibrant reef ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Sea grape trees line the shore, providing natural shade. Available facilities include lounge chairs, windsurfing, kayaking, and additional snorkeling in the nearby coral reefs.
Sapphire Beach is regarded as one of the best in St. Thomas. From the shoreline, you get views of cays and St. John. Several beachfront bars and restaurants serve refreshing cocktails and lunch. Because it’s in a large cove, the calm waters and gentle waves make it ideal for families with children.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 6 miles (9.6 km), 25 minutes
- Amenities: Beach chair rentals, water sports equipment, beachfront bar, restrooms, showers
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skis, sunbathing
- Food and Beverages: Beachfront bar serving cocktails and light snacks
- Atmosphere: Relaxing, family-friendly beach with calm waters
Secret Harbour Beach
Secret Harbour Beach is a stunning white sand beach nestled in a protected bay. The beach is lined with palms, many of which have hammocks suspended between them. The tranquil waters and sandy seafloor make it perfect for swimming, and the rocky coastline is ideal for snorkeling and viewing marine life.
Located on the island’s east end, Secret Harbour Beach is easily accessible from the cruise pier in Charlotte Amalie. The beach offers amenities such as beach chair rentals and water sports equipment. There is also a floating raft in the bay where you can sunbathe or dive into the crystal-clear waters.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 7 miles (11.2 km), 25 minutes
- Amenities: Beach chair rentals, water sports equipment, beachfront restaurant, restrooms, showers
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, floating raft
- Food and Beverages: Beachfront restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, secluded beach with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea
Vessup Bay Beach
Vessup Bay Beach on the east end of St Thomas is a beautiful, undeveloped stretch of sandy shoreline. At the tranquil beach, you can enjoy pristine white sand and calm blue waters, which are perfect for swimming. You can also enjoy stunning views of nearby islands and the Caribbean Sea.
The beach has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the more popular beaches on the island. Therefore, if you want to escape the crowds, take the 20-minute drive east to Vessup Bay or Red Hook. However, you can expect to find beach barbeques, parties, and music on weekends.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 7 miles (11.2 km), 25 minutes
- Amenities: Nearby Red Hook has shops, bars, and restaurants
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, fishing
- Food and Beverages: There are none at the beach, so head to Red Hook for what you need
- Atmosphere: Fun, party-like at the weekends, and tranquil on weekdays
Turquoise Beach
Turquoise Beach offers one of the most luxurious beach days on your Caribbean cruise.
Located at the island’s east end in the Great Bay, Turquoise Beach is part of the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas Beach Resort. A day pass gives you access to the stunning beach, beach towels, showers, restrooms, poolside service, and free WiFi. There is also a spa, restaurant, and play area for kids.
Turquoise Bay Beach also has public access if you want to avoid the expense of a beach resort. There is a water sports club where you can rent snorkel equipment, and sea grape trees provide some natural shade.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 7 miles (11.2 km), 25 minutes
- Amenities: Depends on if you purchase a day pass at the resort
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, boat rentals,
- Food and Beverages: Restaurants and bars are close to the beach
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly
Beaches on St. Thomas West End
St. Thomas has many beautiful beaches on the west end of the island. These are also characterized by pristine sandy shores, clear turquoise waters, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Brewer’s Bay Beach
Brewer’s Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in St. Thomas for peace and quiet. Located 5 miles (8 km) east of Charlotte Amalie, the stunning shoreline also has some of the calmest waters in the Caribbean. The wide secluded beach is lined by sea grape trees and palms, giving it a distinctly tropical vibe.
The sand on Brewer’s Bay Beach is mostly soft and fine, however overall it’s a combination of both fine and coarse sand, as well as small rocks. Brewer’s Bay also attracts green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, which you can encounter when snorkeling among the sea grass on the left side of the bay.
Admission is free, and you can get to Brewer’s Bay Beach by taxi or local bus. If you want to escape the commotion of crowds of cruisers, Brewer’s Beach is a great choice.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 5 miles (8 km), 20 minutes
- Amenities: Bathrooms
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving
- Food and Beverages: Some food trucks on the beach serving Caribbean cuisine
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and tranquil—even the planes landing at Cyril E. King Airport don’t spoil the sereness of the beach
Lindbergh Bay Beach
Lindbergh Bay Beach—also called Emerald Beach—has some of the finest and whitest sand in St Thomas. This exquisite beach is mostly deserted, even on the busiest cruise days. The best features of the beach are its fine white sand, sparkling waters, sun loungers, and parasols. You can also hire pedal boats, kayaks, or jet skis.
Lindbergh Beach is also close to Emerald Beach Resort for lunch and refreshments. The beach offers excellent water access and has a smooth, sandy bottom. It’s great for swimming but doesn’t have good snorkeling opportunities. For a memorable experience, you can also hire a floating cabana to relax for the entire day.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: 4 miles (6.4 km), 20 minutes
- Amenities: Restrooms, sun loungers, parasols
- Activities: Swimming, pedal boats, jet skis, windsurfing, jet-powered bodyboards
- Food and Beverages: Several restaurants and bars provide snacks, lunch, and refreshments
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, quiet, and peaceful
Beautiful Beaches on Islands Near St. Thomas
One of the best ways to enjoy a beach day during a cruise stop to St. Thomas is by arranging an excursion to one of the nearby islands. A trip to St. John, Water Island, or Buck Island lets you bask in the tranquility of the Caribbean away from the crowds.
Honeymoon Beach: St. John’s Island
Honeymoon Beach on the nearby island of St. John is one of the Caribbean’s most secluded and picturesque beaches. The beach is an idyllic tropical paradise with brilliant white sand, clear shallow waters, and palm trees. You can also enjoy views of nearby cays and St. Thomas with lush green hills behind.
The best way to get to the beach is to book a shore excursion. There is a short 20-minute ferry ride from Red Hook on St. Thomas. Some excursions to St. John leave from the cruise ship terminal in Charlotte Amalie. This makes it convenient to enjoy a peaceful and beautiful beach experience.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: Day excursions last between 4 and 6 hours
- Amenities: Restrooms, beach chairs, attendant service
- Activities: Snorkeling and swimming
- Food and Beverages: Limited food options, only deli sandwiches and two bars
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and relaxing
Maho Bay Beach, St. John
If you plan a beach excursion to St. John, Maho Beach is one of the prettiest in the Virgin Islands. This spectacular beach has everything you want from a Caribbean beach—arching palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery.
Maho Bay Beach is located within the Virgin Islands National Park. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. It’s common to spot sea turtles or stingrays while exploring the reefs at the edges of the bay or the seagrasses just off the beach.
To get to Maho Bay Beach, you can take a ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and then a taxi to the beach. Some cruise lines also offer excursions to this beautiful spot. Keep in mind that facilities are limited at Maho Bay.
- Distance from St. Thomas Cruise Port: Excursions last 4 to 6 hours
- Amenities: Bathrooms and covered picnic pavilions
- Activities: Swimming and snorkeling
- Food and Beverages: Limited snacks and refreshments
- Atmosphere: Tranquil and quiet
Honeymoon Beach: Water Island
Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a stunning palm tree-lined stretch of white sand and crystal-clear azure waters. Often hailed as one of the best beaches for cruisers on a day in port in St. Thomas, it’s the perfect location to relax under the Caribbean sun. The beach offers free beach chairs, excellent swimming opportunities, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
To get to Honeymoon Beach, take a ferry from Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas. Some cruise lines also offer excursions to Water Island that include a stop at this beautiful beach. Facilities at Honeymoon Beach include restrooms, sun loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas.
- Distance from Crown Bay Marina: 10-minute ferry ride
- Amenities: Free lounge chairs, bathrooms, snorkel gear rental, paddleboards
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and kayaking
- Food and Beverages: Two beach bars
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and informal
Beaches in St. Thomas: FAQs
Can you rent chairs and umbrellas at Magens Bay?
Rental facilities are available at Magens Bay if you want to use beach chairs and umbrellas for a comfortable beach experience. It costs $20 per chair, with one umbrella between two chairs. You can also rent beach towels if necessary.
How much does it cost to go to Magens Bay?
The taxi fare to Magens Bay is $15 per person and takes around 20 minutes. It’s important to know that there is no public transport to the bay. You should also remember that the entry admission fee for the beach is $5 per adult.
Which is better, Coki Beach or Magens Bay?
Both beaches have their own charm. Magens Bay is known for its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, which are ideal for relaxation and swimming. It has relatively shallow, calm waters and is safe for kids. Coki Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences for activities and atmosphere.
Is Magens Bay one of the most beautiful beaches in the world?
The one-mile stretch of beach at Magens Bay is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Reasons why Magens Bay is worth visiting include the lush mountains around the bay, 15 acres of mangroves, coconut groves, and tranquil, crystal-clear blue waters. There are also hiking trails around the bay.
How far is Magens Bay from the cruise terminal?
Magens Bay is 5 miles (8 km) from the cruise pier and only accessible by taxi or car or pre-arranged shore excursion.
How do you get around St Thomas from the cruise port?
Several transportation options are available at the cruise terminal in St. Thomas. The most popular transport option is taxis. They are relatively cheap, reliable, and ideal if this is your first time on the island. You can also take local buses to some of the most popular destinations. However, you must have good knowledge of the local bus services.
Shore excursions booked with an online tour operator or through your cruise ship include transport in air-conditioned minibuses.
What is the prettiest beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Many visitors to St. Thomas USVI rate Lindquist Bay Beach as the most beautiful of the Archipelago. Despite the beauty of Magens Beach, Lindquist Beach rates higher because it is just as stunning but less crowded on cruise days. You also get better views over nearby cays and islands.
Which side of St. Thomas has better beaches?
The best beaches in St. Thomas are on the northern and eastern coasts. From the iconic Magens Bay to Coki Beach and around to Secret Harbour Beach, the island features stunning bays and coves with secluded beaches and calm, crystal-clear waters.
Does Charlotte Amalie have a beach?
Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, does not have a beach in the town. The half-moon-shaped bay is a deep-water harbor with two cruise piers on either side. The closest beaches to the city are Morningstar Beach, 2 miles (3.2 km) to the east, and Lindbergh Bay Beach, 4 miles (6.4 km) to the west.
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