Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beaches
The East End holds the bulk of St Thomas' popular resort beaches. Sapphire and Coki are
the amenity-laden favorites. We've listed the following beaches starting from southeast and
moving around the point to the northeast. Expect to pay between $12 and $15 per person
for a taxi to reach them from Charlotte Amalie.
Secret Harbour
RESORT BEACH
This west-facing beach in front of the eponymous resort could hardly be more tranquil. It
is protected from breezes as well as waves, and the water remains shallow a long way off-
shore. The resort has a water-sports operation, and this is one of the best places to learn to
windsurf. You will find great snorkeling off the rocks here. A platform floats in the middle
of the bay that children enjoy swimming to and jumping off.
Vessup Beach
WINDSURFING BEACH
To reach this long, broad strand overlooking St John and the BVI, follow a dirt road around
the south side of the harbor at Red Hook until you reach Vessup Bay Marina. Park here and
walk east. The beach is just 100 yards away. Serious windsurfers love this spot, as do a lot
of continentals and travelers who have come to roost around Red Hook. The Latitude 18
bar and restaurant is at the marina, and one of the best sailboarding operations on the island
- West Indies Windsurfing - works off the beach.
Vessup has been part of a land dispute, and the government recently gave the OK to let
it be developed. Stay tuned for how this plays out.
Sapphire Beach
RESORT BEACH
The Sapphire Beach Resort just off Smith Bay Rd is perhaps the most welcoming of all
the island's resorts to transient beach visitors. On weekends, you will find a mix of resort
guests (lots of families with young children), continentals and West Indians from the island.
The beach volleyball games here can get spirited, as can the party scene on Sunday after-
noon, when the resort brings in live bands. The beach affords a great view of St John, Jost
Van Dyke and Tortola. An offshore reef slows the wave action and presents good snorkel-
ing opportunities.
