Ultimate guide to the 12 most popular beaches for cruise passengers to St Thomas, Charlotte Amalie (USVI): location of the best beaches, how to get there, taxi fares, all services and amenities offered
St Thomas boasts some of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean. Considering that the island is relatively small, all beaches are close enough to the where cruise ship docks - Crown Bay, Havensight, or Tender Pier in Charlotte Amalie.
All beaches can easily be explored by taxi, which is the most efficient and affordable way to enjoy a memorable time splashing in the translucent waters of St Thomas.
Magens Beach
Photo by Jack Creasy creative commons
Some beaches, like Magens Bay are so famous that at times can get a bit crowded but there many more for the cruise traveler to enjoy a memorable time. Read our review about the best things to do on a cruise to St Thomas to discover the top attractions and highlights of the island.
Top Beaches - A to Z
Bluebeard's Beach
Next to the Ritz Carlton (Turtle Cove is the resort's own beach), Bluebeard's Beach has a public access just after the main entrance. It has wonderful scenery, is quiet with calm waters and a fair breeze inviting windsurfers. Snorkeling is just OK as there are many areas with sea grass.
Bluebeard's Beach
Photo by Management
| WHERE | East Coast - Grand Bay |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | At Ritz Carlton - dive shop, restaurant, restrooms, windsurfing, snorkeling. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 10.00 per person |
| Website: | Ritz Carlton Site |
Bolongo Bay
Quite beach on a wonderful bay relatively close to the Havensight Cruise Port with palm umbrellas and hammocks on coconut trees for a shaded day. Both food and beverages are available at restaurant/bar. Very good snorkeling, specially in the rocky areas. Kayaking, water bikes, windsurfing and most water sports equipment rentals are available.
Iggies Beach Bar
Photo by Management
| WHERE | South Coast - Bolongo Bay |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | Water sports equipment rentals; beach games; restaurant; parking; restrooms; Bolongo Bay Resort is at walking distance. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 10.00 per person |
| Website: | Bolongo Bay Resort Site |
Brewer's Beach
Located west of the airport and relatively close to the Crown Bay Cruise Port, Brewer's bay is a long strip of white, soft coral sand. Although it has calm waters is not the best for snorkeling. Palm trees provide good shade. Roadside vendors sell local delicacies, snacks and drinks. Brewer's Beach is one of the most popular beaches with locals on weekends - it is quieter on weekdays.
| WHERE | West Coast - close to airport |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | Parking. Roadside food vendors. Restrooms. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 8.00 per person |
Coki Beach
One of the most famous beaches in St. Thomas it can get crowded with residents and cruise ship passengers. Known for its clear, clam waters and its excellent snorkeling - the corals full of colorful fish are one of its highlights. There isn't much natural shade but umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent, as well as local food, burgers, snacks and drinks. Beach concessions offer all types of water sports from diving and water-skiing to para-sailing, snorkel gear, t-shirts, hair braiding, you name it.
Coki Beach
Photo by Management
| WHERE | Northeast Coast - Near Coral World |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | Parking (can be full on weekends). All sorts of beach concessions. Restrooms. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 10.00 per person |
NOTES: Being very close to Coral World, the cruise ship passenger can easily visit both.
Lindberg Beach
Also know as Emerald Beach, it is located south of the airport and a short drive from Crown Bay Cruise Port. Although there are two resorts on the bay - Emerald Beach Resort and Island Beachcomber Hotel - the beach is very quiet, with calm waters and natural shade (palm trees). Far from good for snorkeling, beach concessions offer kayaks, diving, peddle boats, windsurfing and vendors serve light meals, snacks and drinks.
Lindberg Beach
Photo by Management
| WHERE | West Coast - close to airport |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | Parking. Restrooms. Water sports. Food and drinks vendors. Resorts: Emerald Beach and Island Beachcomber. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 8.00 per person |
| Website: | www.islandbeachcomber.net |
NOTES: There is a small playground for those with young children.
Morningstar Beach
On the East coast, this white sand beach is very popular with families and very good for snorkeling - specially in the reef close to the shore. Naturally shaded by sea-grapes and palm trees, water sports are available at the Sapphire Beach Resort - para-sailing and wind surfing are very popular. Besides the restaurant at this resort, beach vendors offer snacks and drinks.
Morningstar Beach
Photo by Management
| WHERE | Southeast Coast - close to the Havensight Cruise Port. |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE |
| Amenities: | Parking. Restaurant and Bar. Water sports. Restrooms. |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 6.00 per person |
| Website: | Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort Site |
Sapphire Beach
On the East coast, this white sand beach is very popular with families and very good for snorkeling - specially in the reef close to the shore. Naturally shaded by sea-grapes and palm trees, waters-ports are available at the Sapphire Beach Resort - para-sailing and wind surfing are very popular. Besides the restaurant at this resort, beach vendors offer snacks and drinks.
Sapphire Beach
Photo by Management
| WHERE | East Coast - South of Coral World |
|---|---|
| Entrance: | FREE - public beach |
| Amenities: | Parking. Restrooms. Water sports. Food and drinks vendors. Resort: Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina |
| Getting There: | Taxi - US$ 10.00 per person |
| Website: | Sapphire Beach Resort |
NOTES: Close enough to Coral World, the cruise ship passenger can visit both.
Lesser Known and Off Track Beaches
Hull Bay
Off the beaten track, quiet, tranquil small beach, shaded by sea-grape trees. No amenities but there is a local restaurant across the street.
Hull Bay Beach
Photo by Management
| Where and How: | North Coast - West of Magens Bay | Getting There: Taxi - US$ 10.00 per person |
|---|---|
| Resort Website: | www.hullbayhideaway.com |
Limetree Beach
Quiet, small beach shaded by palm and sea-grape trees. Umbrellas, lounge chairs, towels and drinks are available.
Limetree Beach
Photo by Management
| Where and How: | South Coast - 2 miles from Havensight. Getting there: Taxi - US$ 8.00 per person |
|---|---|
| Resort Website: | Bluebeard's Beach Club |
Lindquist Beach
Pristine, quiet, unknown, small and soft white sand beach with few amenities good for snorkeling, aka Smith Bay Beach. US$ 2.00 admission fee.
Lindquist Beach
Photo by Management
| Where and How: | Where: East Coast between Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and the Sapphire Beach Resort | Getting There: Taxi - US$ 12.00 per person |
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Vessup Bay
This pristine long bay is an off the beaten track delight with very few amenities besides a concessionaire with water sports.
Vessup Beach
Photo by Management
| Where and How: | East Coast near Red Hook | Getting There: US$ 10.00 per person |
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