15 Best Beaches in St Thomas You Have to See to Believe
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first beach getaway, St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands should be high on your list. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this white-sanded, turquoise paradise multiple times, and it’s time I share my insider knowledge.
Famous for their beauty, clear waters, and extraordinarily vibrant coral reefs, the beaches in St Thomas are a dream come true for any beach enthusiast.
They offer more than just a spot for relaxation – think fun-filled activities, local attractions, and thrilling water sports.
You certainly don’t want to finish your vacation and realize you’ve missed the best ones!
Let me take you on a tour of the most stunning St Thomas beaches, based on my own travels and local insights I’ve learned along the way. Get ready to add them to your must-visit list for your upcoming St Thomas adventure!
17 Best Beaches in St Thomas
1. Magen’s Bay Beach
Magen’s Bay is undoubtedly one of the most coveted attractions on the island of St. Thomas. And in my opinion, you could call this the best beach in St Thomas. Great views, calm waters, and a quiet atmosphere will greet you at Magen’s Bay.
The beach boasts pristine, crystal-clear waters that make for an outstanding snorkeling experience.
The marine life around Magen’s is fascinating – with turtles and stingrays swimming around, you’ll be able to witness the natural wonders of this underwater world without even having to put your snorkeling gear on! However, I prefer snorkeling at Coki Beach!
Whether you’re keen to swim or relax on the powdery sand, Magen’s Bay is an absolute must-visit when you’re on the island.
Fun fact, some honeymoon scenes from the Twilight movies were filmed at Magen’s Bay. You’ll also find the majority of beachfront villas along Magen’s.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: This beach has beautiful island energy and the clearest water on a calm day.
⭐This beach tour will take you to Magen’s Bay
2. Lindbergh Bay Beach
One of the most beautiful white sand beaches on St Thomas! I know I say that a lot, but this one is beautiful and convenient.
You can’t miss this one when you’re heading out of the airport. If I can swing an afternoon flight, I always try to stop by this beach since it’s so close to the airport – less than two miles. Lindbergh Bay Beach is the beach closest to the cruise ship port and has activities for the whole family. There’s even a hotel nearby.
The water is crystal clear and there are no rocks offshore, making it a great spot to hang around in the water all day.
There’s also a bar on the east end of the beach! Play around with some water sports or take a short trip to Charlotte Amalie downtown before or after visiting Lindberge Bay Beach.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Watersports and sandy bottoms
3. Lindquist Beach
There is an incredible hidden gem of a beach in St. Thomas – my favorite on the island! Lindqvist Beach, if you prefer, boasts a small paid parking lot, aquamarine waters, shady areas, and picnic tables. You can even rent beach chairs to make the day even more comfortable.
You can go snorkeling here, but you have to swim pretty far out, so I don’t recommend going with a guide or buddy. Keep an eye out for interesting creatures like barracudas, octopuses, eels, and even sharks when you get further from shore.
The sand will feel like a cloud under your feet, so it’s an ideal spot to lounge around for the day and enjoy a picnic.
Whenever I’m in St. Thomas, this continues to be my top pick for the best beach! I will go however far I need out of my way to get to Lindquist Beach and you should too.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Turquoise waters and soft sands, a park for hanging and enjoying the company of your travel pals!
3. Limestone Beach
This beach is a rockier one, so come prepared with water shoes or be careful walking in. It’s a quiet area, so if you have some beach chairs that can withstand the rocks, settle in for a picnic in between snorkel runs!
4. Neltjeberg Bay
Neltjeberg is another fun, adventure of a beach on St Thomas. You can only get to it via hike or boat.
The hike is through another beach (Dorothea Beach), so enjoy the views and the rock formations on the way! Since it’s a more off-the-beaten-path area, you’ll probably have the shore to yourself.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: There are so many fun ways to access this beach, try them all out and see what you enjoy the most!
5. Coki Beach
Looking for the perfect family beach to start your vacation? Look no further than Coki Beach. The water is crystal clear and filled with tropical fish, making it a top snorkeling spot. Plus, with nearby local hangs, shops, restaurants, and beach bars, Coki Beach at Coki Point is sure to please everyone.
And did I mention that Coral World Ocean Park is located right in Coki Beach? Don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty of St Thomas in its prime. Pack up your beach bag and head to Coki Beach St Thomas.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: A fan favorite filled with activities! Feel energized and excited to experience the joys of St Thomas.
⭐Take a PADI Scuba Course and open dive at Coki Beach
6. Secret Harbor Beach
With its rocky walls and double reef just offshore, Secret Harbor Beach is an underwater paradise perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. Because of the double reef offshore, it also happens to be one of my favorite snorkeling beaches.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, you’ll love exploring the vibrant marine life in the crystal clear waters.
Plus, the beach has fantastic amenities with Secret Harbor Beach Resort on-site, including rentals and restaurants, making it the ultimate destination for a fun-filled day in the sun!
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: For the awesome snorkeling, of course! A double reef is as cool as a double rainbow!
7. Bolongo Bay Beach
This sandy bay shore is located right on the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All-Inclusive. Not surprisingly, you could spend a whole week here and be happy!
This beach is perfect for everything you’ll want for a beach day – watersports, snorkeling, enjoying the island breeze, or grabbing a sailboat for a day trip.
There are also plenty of coconut and palm trees to provide shade on hot summer days – which really come in handy when I’m visiting during the hotter months like July and August.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: All-inclusive beach feel for when you want a “staycation” full of amenities without having to leave the hotel property!
8. Honeymoon Beach
The calm waters and beautiful coral reefs make this a great stop for, you guessed it, a honeymoon stop on your Caribbean trip.
It’s a secluded beach on Water Island – the fourth Virgin Island. You’ll have to take a quick, ferry ride or a snorkel tour to Honeymoon Beach. The Water Island Ferry leaves from Crown Bay. And trust me, it’s worth it!
Plan to spend the whole day here with your loved ones. This peaceful beach offers seclusion and privacy, unlike any others. After all, it’s on an even smaller island off the coast of St Thomas.
Most water tours in St Thomas and St John make a stop at Honeymoon as it’s one of the best beaches in US Virgin Islands. Note that this is different than St John’s Honeymoon Beach, one of the best beaches in St John.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Perfect day out at one of the most romantic spots in the US Virgin Islands!
⭐ Snorkel & swim: semi private tour to Water Island/Honeymoon Beach
9. Sapphire Beach
Welcome to Sapphire Beach – one of the most popular spots for snorkeling! Right next to Pettyklip Point’s reef, the shallow waters grant you easy access to the beautiful coral reefs and hundreds of fish swimming below you.
Of course, don’t forget to never touch or step on those reefs – be particularly careful in these shallow waters.
Not only that but on a clear day, you can even witness some stunning views of the majestic St. John from the shoreline.
We must warn you, though – the waters around here might not always be the calmest – on windier days it’s a popular spot for local windsurfers.
But with plenty of rental shops (you can rent chairs but not umbrellas), restaurants, and the Sapphire Beach Resort around, you’ll find everything you need to bask in the Caribbean sun and relax in this tropical paradise.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: For the snorkeling and views. You’ll never get bored of watching locals do their thing in the clear waters!
10. Hull Bay
Catch up with the locals at Hull Bay. This little slice of secluded beach is one of the best beaches St Thomas.
You’ll find fishermen all year round enjoying this beach. If you find yourself here in the winter, enjoy the surfers taking advantage of the winter winds on this side of the island.
There’s also some great coral in Hull Bay for snorkeling!
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Great coral reefs and surfing. You’ll be able to catch up and interact with St Thomas locals at Hull Bay
11. Limetree Beach
Grab your water shoes! Limetree Beach is perfect for putting your feet up and relaxing with no distractions. You likely won’t see many people or vendors around here, so if seclusion is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
The water here is not as clear as other beaches and can get a bit windy, making it a great place to cool down if the USVI sun is draining you!
The walk into the water is rocky (water shoes are recommended) and the slight waves can make the water a bit murky.
There is a restaurant located close to the beach for lunch, daytime drinks, and sunset viewing.
Search for quick-drying Tevas sandals for hiking and rocky waters.
12. Santa Maria Bay
This serene, hidden gem is easily one of the best beaches St Thomas. You’ll take a quick, 1-mile, roundtrip hike – usually takes me about 20 minutes, I move slow in the heat – to a beach where the water is calm and blue. There’s a reef nearby making it a great spot for snorkeling.
You’ll have to make your way through some overgrown vegetation to get to this secluded gem, so don’t forget your bug spray!
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: We love an adventure. The more work it takes to get there, the fewer people you’ll probably find!
13. Brewers Bay Beach
This quiet beach is right next to the airport and a great local hangout. If you venture out, you’ll find some good snorkeling and marine life. Brewers Bay is located next to the University of Virgin Islands, so you might find a younger crowd here on the weekends.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Fun Hikes; close to the airport if you have a few hours to spare before your flight!
14. Morningstar Beach
Morningstar Beach has unfortunately been closed since the hurricane in 2017 + construction was put on hold since March 2020. But, it’s recently reopened! Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef is one of the top resorts on the island and gives you access to this incredible beach!
It’s been fairly isolated aside from residential use in some areas for the last few years. With the resort open again, this is the perfect time to go take advantage of the untouched and newly reopened beach!
15. Long-Bay Beach
This is more of a marina than a beach, but it’s 100% worth visiting. Long Bay Beach is at Yacht Haven Grande – this is where you can watch the sailboats, ships, and yachts breeze in and out around Long Bay.
This is a busy and populated area, best for boat-watching. It’s located just around the corner from downtown Charlotte Amalie, so you’ll find plenty to do around this little beach stop.
❤️ WHY WE LOVE IT: Experience giant yachts and sailboats coming in and out of the harbor all day. Great to keep little ones occupied and boat lovers intrigued. Not your average “lay out all day” beach.
Best Beaches for Snorkeling in St Thomas
- Coki Beach – the best one and my favorite by far. The water is so clear you honestly don’t even need snorkel gear to see the schools of fish hopping through the water.
- Secret Harbor Beach – double reef offshore!!
- Magen’s Bay Beach
- Lindquist Beach (with a buddy or guide, not for beginners)
Best Beaches for Families
- Brewer’s Bay
- Lindquist Beach
What to bring to St Thomas best beaches
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in most Caribbean islands. Be aware that just because it says “reef-safe” doesn’t mean it is! Check the reef-safe.org guide.
• SNORKEL GEAR
Your own snorkel set comes in handy if you prefer not to have to use the provided equipment during your snorkel tour. Sometimes, provided equipment doesn’t fit right and it affects my ability to snorkel. Also, you can snorkel everywhere in the Caribbean islands, so I never go without my own set.
• QUICK DRYING SAND FREE TOWEL
Quick drying sand free towel so you don’t have to worry about packing wet towels and carrying them around the island. Plus, everyone hates the sand that sticks around after the beach – and these get rid of a little bit of that problem.
GoPro!
Although phones often have great built-in cameras these days, a GoPro can be really helpful for recording memories without having to worry about your phone all day!
Floating Waterproof Phone Case
If you don’t want to commit to a GoPro, a waterproof and floating phone case will do the trick! I love being able to capture memories on land and in the water!
✔️ Water shoes! Many shorelines can be rocky and home to sea urchins. Be careful and protect your fee
Sea Bands or Dramamine
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want sea bands or some motion sickness relief. Dramamine Non-Drowsy with Natural Ginger is my go-to for planes, cruises, and boats.
WATER WATER AND MORE WATER!
Don’t get dehydrated. These beaches can get HOT. Especially if you’re hopping around beaches all day. You’ll need it.
WATER SHOES!
A lot of the shorelines in the Virgin Islands happen to be rocky and stone-filled. You can go for any good pair of water shoes, but I prefer these quick dry Tevas because I can hike, swim, and sightsee in them regardless of the terrain.
How to Get Around St Thomas
Most of these beaches are spread throughout the whole island, so you won’t be able to get to them without a car.
The best way to get around St Thomas is to get a rental car!
Rental cars will cost you between $100-$200/day, depending on whether you want a sedan or a 4-wheel drive.
⭐I’d suggest reserving a rental car from Expedia before you arrive! Check out the best rates for cars here.
Pro Tip: It’s a small island with minimal rentals, so reserve your car ASAP!
Can You Get to the Beaches in St Thomas Without a Car?
Taxis are prevalent throughout the island. You’ll be able to hop in a taxi at your hotel and get to any of the most popular beaches.
If you’re planning to hop around beaches all day, taxi costs can add up quickly. Taxis in St Thomas will charge per person, and there isn’t always a set cost to where you’re going.
Plan to pay about $8-$15 per person. If you’re heading from one end of the island to another, costs may get up to $20 or so. Always negotiate the price before you get in the car!
You can also take a tour around the island to see multiple beaches and popular attractions at once.
Best Time to Visit St Thomas
The best time to visit St Thomas is from January to April. These are the dryest months on the islands.
The wettest months run during hurricane season from June 1 to November 30 with rain peaking from August to October.
Where to Stay in St Thomas
Red Hook, Magens Bay St Thomas, and Charlotte Amalie are some of the most popular places to stay in St Thomas.
Whether you’re on a budget or treating yourself to a luxury vacation, you’ll find hotels, villas, and resorts perfect for you and your crew.
The Ritz Carlton St Thomas is my favorite splurge hotel and The Green Iguana Hote is my favorite “island vibes” hotel, but there are so many options!
St. Thomas Beaches FAQ
Best Beaches St Thomas Virgin Islands Summary
You can’t go wrong with the beaches in the US Virgin Islands. They are all incredibly serene and many of the best beaches on St Thomas offer seclusion you can only get in the Caribbean!
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Beach Hopping Sightseeing Tour
✓ St Thomas lookout point
✓ Two of the best beaches on the island
USVI takes pride in keeping its beaches clean and marine life protected. Always remember to treat their beaches the way you do your own home.
Plan the rest of your trip to St Thomas
