Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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THE
best
BEACHES
Many Caribbean islands have only rocky beaches or beaches made of black volcanic
sand (which heats up fast in the noonday sun), but those in the Virgin Islands are
known for their fine white sand. Best of all, every beach in the Virgin Islands is free
(except for Magens Bay in St. Thomas) and open to the public, although in some
cases you'll have to walk across the grounds of a resort (or arrive by private boat) to
reach them.
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Magens Bay Beach
(St. Thomas): This half-mile loop of pebble-free sand, boasting
remarkably calm waters, is by far the most popular and picturesque beach in the
U.S. Virgin Islands. Two peninsulas protect the shore from erosion and strong
waves, making Magens an ideal spot for swimming. Expect a lively crowd in the
high season. See p. 81.
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Sapphire Beach
(St. Thomas): This is one of the finest beaches on St. Thomas,
and a favorite with windsurfers. Come here for some of St. Thomas's best shore
snorkeling and diving (off Pettyklip Point). And don't worry about equipment—
watersports concessions abound here. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view
of St. John and other islands. See p. 82.
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Trunk Bay
(St. John): This beach, which is protected by the U.S. National Park
Service, is a favorite with cruise-ship passengers. It's famous for its underwater
snorkeling trail and is consistently ranked in magazine polls as one of the top 10
Caribbean beaches. See p. 128.
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Caneel Bay
(St. John): Site of a famous resort, Caneel Bay is a string of seven
beaches stretching around Durloe Point to Hawksnest Caneel. Rosewood Hotels,
which operates Caneel Bay Resort, admits day guests. See p. 128.
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Sandy Point
(St. Croix): The biggest beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sandy Point
lies in the southwestern part of St. Croix, directly to the west of Alexander Hamil-
ton Airport. Its waters are shallow and calm. Because the beach is a protected
reserve and a nesting spot for endangered sea turtles, it's open to the public only
on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm. See p. 167.
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Cane Garden Bay
(Tortola): The most popular beach in the British Virgin Islands,
and a close rival to Magens Bay on St. Thomas (see above) for scenic beauty, is
Cane Garden Bay. Its translucent waters and sugar-white sands are reason enough
to visit Tortola. Happily, it's the closest beach to Road Town, the capital. See p. 192.
THE
best
SNORKELING SPOTS
The islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas are among the finest places to
snorkel in the Caribbean. Because of their historic shipwreck sites, the B.V.I. contain
some of the best diving in the Caribbean, but their snorkeling spots can't quite com-
pare to those in the U.S.V.I. Here are some of the best spots:
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Coki Point Beach
(St. Thomas): On the north shore of St. Thomas, Coki Point
offers superb year-round snorkeling. Especially enticing are the coral ledges near
Coral World's underwater tower. See p. 85.
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Leinster Bay
(St. John): Easily accessible Leinster Bay, on the northern shore of
St. John, offers calm, clear, uncrowded waters teeming with sea life. See p. 130.
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Haulover Bay
(St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than
Leinster and is often deserted. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges,
walls, nooks, and sandy areas set close together. See p. 130.
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