Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coki Point Beach,
in the northeast near Coral World, is good but often very
crowded with both singles and families. It's noted for its warm, crystal-clear water,
ideal for swimming and snorkeling; you'll see thousands of rainbow-hued fish swim-
ming among the beautiful corals. Vendors even sell small bags of fish food, so you can
feed the sea creatures while you're snorkeling. From the beach, there's a panoramic
view of offshore Thatch Cay. Concessions can arrange everything from water-skiing
to parasailing. A Vitrans East End bus runs to Smith Bay and lets you off at the gate
to Coral World and Coki. Watch out for pickpockets.
Also on the north side of the island is luscious
Grand Beach,
one of St. Thomas's
most beautiful, attracting families and couples. It opens onto Smith Bay and is near
Coral World. Many watersports are available here. The beach is right off Route 38.
The East End
Small and special,
Secret Harbour
is near a collection of condos and has long been
favored by singles of either sex and by those of all sexual persuasions. With its white
sand and coconut palms, it's the epitome of Caribbean charm. The snorkeling near
the rocks is some of the best on the island. No public transportation stops here, but
it's an easy taxi ride east of Charlotte Amalie heading toward Red Hook.
Sapphire Beach
is set against the backdrop of the Sapphire Beach Resort and
Marina, where you can have lunch or order drinks. Like Magens Bay Beach, this
good, wide, safe beach is one of the most frequented by families. There are good
views of offshore cays and St. John, and a large reef is close to the shore. Windsurfers
like this beach a lot. Snorkeling gear and lounge chairs can be rented. Take the Vit-
rans East End bus from Charlotte Amalie, via Red Hook. Ask to be let off at the
entrance to Sapphire Bay; it's not too far a walk from here to the water.
White-sand
Lindquist Beach
isn't a long strip, but it's one of the island's prettiest
beaches. It's between Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa and the Sapphire Beach
Resort. Many films and TV commercials have used this photogenic beach as a back-
drop. It's not likely to be crowded, as it's not very well known. Couples in the know
retreat here for sun and romance.
The South Coast
Morning Star
—also known as Frenchman's Bay Beach—is near the Frenchman's
Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, about 2 miles east of Charlotte Amalie.
Here, among the hip, savvy, often young crowds (many of whom are gay singles and
couples), you can don your skimpiest bikini. Sailboats, snorkeling equipment, and
lounge chairs are available for rent. The beach is easily reached by a cliff-front eleva-
tor at Frenchman's Reef.
Limetree Beach,
set against a backdrop of sea-grape trees
and shady palms, also lures the hip folk. On this serene spread, you can bask in the
sun and even feed hibiscus blossoms to the friendly iguanas. Snorkeling gear, lounge
and beach chairs, towels, and drinks are available. There's no public transportation,
but the beach can easily be reached by taxi from Charlotte Amalie.
West of Charlotte Amalie
Near the University of the Virgin Islands, in the southwest,
Brewers Bay
is one of the
island's most popular beaches for families. The strip of white coral sand is almost as
long as the beach at Magens Bay. Unfortunately, this isn't a good place for snorkeling.
Vendors here sell light meals and drinks. From Charlotte Amalie, take the Fortuna bus
heading west; get off at the edge of Brewers Bay, across from the Reichhold Center.
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