Best Beaches in St Thomas
St Thomas is a sailor’s dream. With lush hills, coral reefs, and calm turquoise waters, it offers the ideal mix of natural beauty and laid-back island charm. Whether you want to drop anchor in a quiet cove, snorkel vibrant reefs, or sunbathe with a cocktail in hand, these are the best beaches in St Thomas to make the most of your yacht charter.
Procida’s Best Beaches at a Glance
1. Hull Bay
Perfect for: Switching Off
If you’re looking for a secluded beach where you can escape the hustle and bustle of life, you’ll fall in love with the tranquility of Hull Bay. Tucked away on St Thomas’ northern coast, this hidden gem is the perfect addition to any St Thomas sailing itinerary as it offers exceptional natural beauty, turquoise waters and brilliant snorkeling opportunities. Feel your cares melt away as you sunbathe, swim and explore crystalline waters at one of the best beaches in St Thomas.
Practical Information:
- Hull Bay is less populated than some of the other beaches on St Thomas, so you can relax, unwind and switch off from the world. If you’re looking for a more lively, sociable setting, head over to Sapphire Beach or Magen’s Bay.
- There are plenty of food options around Hull Bay, serving the very best of Caribbean cuisine, including fresh seafood. Some of the most popular places to eat include The Shack, Hull Bay Hideaway and Fish Bar.
- Be mindful that umbrellas and chairs aren’t available to rent at Hull Bay so you’ll need to bring your own, or find a shady spot and set your down on the powdery white sand.
2. Sapphire Beach
Perfect for: Families
Setting sail on a family yacht charter and looking for a beach that caters to everyone’s needs? Sapphire Beach has everything, from gorgeous views and soft, white sand to shallow waters and gentle waves that make it ideal for young adventurers wanting to try snorkeling for the first time. A large, spacious beach, you’ll have plenty of room for the whole family without feeling overcrowded. This beach is just one of the reasons that St Thomas is one of the best places to sail in the Caribbean for families.
Practical Information:
- Sapphire Beach boasts breathtaking views of nearby St John. Why not sail across to explore after spending the morning snorkeling and swimming?
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at Sapphire Beach. Several vendors offer this service so prices vary, but the cost for two beach chairs and an umbrella is around $40.
- There are sea grape trees along the beach which offer natural shade for those wanting to keep out of the sun.
- There are great facilities at Sapphire Beach, from bathrooms to beach bars and restaurants. At Sapphire Beach Bar, you can get everything from cocktails to tacos and light bites.
3. Magen’s Bay
Perfect for: Sunbathers
Renowned for being one of the best beaches in St Thomas and one of the best beaches in the USVI, Magen’s Bay offers a taste of Caribbean paradise. Perfectly situated on the north coast of St Thomas, Magen’s Bay is one of the longest beaches on the island. The length of the sandy beach, along with its unique horseshoe shape means it doesn’t get overcrowded so that you can spend hours soaking up the sun in peace.
- To protect the beach and local environment so that you can experience its natural beauty, there’s a $7 admission fee per person. Learn more about how you can protect the environment when you’re on vacation with our tips for eco-friendly sailing.
- If you’re a fan of movies and pop culture, Magen’s Bay is a must-visit attraction as it was one of the filming locations of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.
- You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, snorkels and other equipment to make your beach day even more special.
4. Morningstar Beach
Perfect for: Couples
Nestled on the south coast of St Thomas, is a picturesque paradise for couples looking to relax on an intimate sailing vacation. For adventurous couples, Morningstar Beach is one of the best beaches in St Thomas because it offers the perfect conditions for snorkeling amongst vibrant marine life as there are lots of rocks and natural formations in the water for you to explore. The best part? Morningstar Beach is just a 14 minute drive away from Charlotte Amalie, the USVI’s capital, so you can soak up the island’s rich history and immerse yourself in local culture.
Practical Information:
- There are plenty of places to enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks, with restaurants such as Salt Shack and bars like Sand Bar lining the beach.
- There is some free parking available near Morningstar Beach, although it is limited so you need to be quick.
- Morningstar Beach is only a couple of kilometres away from other beautiful beaches, bays and coves, including Frenchman Bay so you can spend the morning relaxing at one before exploring the other in the afternoon.
- This is one of the best beaches in St Thomas for sun lovers as there’s little shade. If you prefer to stay out of the sun, it’s a good idea to bring your own umbrella as only guests at the nearby resort are able to rent them.
5. Coki Point Beach
Perfect for: Marine Life Lovers
Soft sand, colorful fish and turquoise waters, there’s nowhere more enchanting than Coki Point Beach. If you love uncovering underwater treasures and coming face to face with an abundance of vibrant marine life, Coki Point Beach is a must-visit during your St Thomas sailing vacation. With exceptional visibility and calm waves, this beach offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in St Thomas.
Practical Information:
- Coki Point Beach is right next to Coral World Ocean Park, the ultimate attraction for families and lovers of marine life. Visit the Dolphin Sea Sanctuary, watch sea lions swim and make magical memories that will last a lifetime.
- Chairs are available to rent for $7 each and you can also rent umbrellas for $13 to keep you shaded in the sizzling sun.
- Coki Point Beach is a 20 minute drive away from Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands.
- Parking is available at Coki Point Beach for $5.
FAQs
Are the beaches in St. Thomas swimmable?
Yes, the beaches in St Thomas are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and other watersports. Some beaches have shallow water which is perfect for younger children, such as Sapphire Beach, while others are deeper which makes them great for adventurers.
What is the prettiest beach in St. Thomas?
The prettiest beach in St Thomas is often considered to be Magen’s Bay because of its golden sands, crystal clear waters and gorgeous tropical backdrop.
Which side of St. Thomas has better beaches?
The East end of St Thomas has the best beaches because of the variety it offers for different types of travelers. Home to the highest number of beaches on St Thomas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from secluded bays to sociable hotspots. No matter where you stay on St Thomas, you’re never far from stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and beach bars.
Discover St Thomas with The Moorings
From breathtaking views at Sapphire Beach to aquatic adventures at Coki Point Beach, there’s a beautiful cove, bay or beach to suit everyone in St Thomas. Whether you’re planning on setting sail with family on a power charter or taking the helm as a couple on a bareboat sailing charter, St Thomas offers a slice of paradise.
Build a quote and book your St Thomas sailing vacation with The Moorings to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. Our state-of-the-art yachts and experienced crew create a smooth, stylish sailing charter so you can focus relaxing, unwinding and uncovering St Thomas’ best kept secrets.
You May Also Like:
- Guide to chartering in the US Virgin Islands
- Where to Sail in the Caribbean
- Best Beaches in St Thomas
- Best Diving in St Thomas
Contributor
ameliamiles
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