Category: Beaches

LOCATION: NORTHEAST SIDE OF THE ISLAND ADJACENT TO THE ENTRANCE OF CORAL WORLD

With Thatch Key just across the Leeward Passage, Coki Beach offers some of the prettiest panoramas on the island. This funky little beach is known for its excellent scuba and snorkeling sites. Brightly painted stalls, beach bars and food stands add local color to this stretch, as does the fact that Coki Beach is among the locals’ favorites. 

This exquisitely beautiful cove offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling oportunities. The pristine beach has an on-premise dive shop. Amenities include changing and rest rooms. You will find snack stands, friendly bars and even hair-braiding services. Taxis are usually on hand and the proximity to Coral World, a unique underwater park, is an added plus.

LOCATION:  ON THE EAST END AT ROUTE 322 BRANCHING OFF ROUTE 30 IN RED HOOK

At the Elysian Beach Resort sits this gem of a water sports destination.  Head out in a sunfish and go exploring or relax under a palm tree on this snow-white beach.  Perhaps the only drawback is a bit of a rocky bottom at the water’s edge.  Bonnie’s by the Sea is adjacent to the beacdh and welcomes beachgoers to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and refreshments in a casual atmosphere seven days a week. 

Although the spotlight is not often placed on this beach at Cowpet Bay, it offers plenty of shade on an attractive beach with handy lounge chairs. The only disadvantage for swimmers is a rocky bottom. The on-premise beach shack has plenty of water sports activities to keep you busy. The popular eatery, Bonnie’s By The Sea, has restrooms and serves up casual meals with cooling cocktails. On Sunday afternoons, enjoy an authentic West Indian pig roast. At night, nearby Robert’s Grill is open for luscious dinners in a romantic atmosphere.

EAST OF TOWN ON BOLONGO ROAD

The name of this locale can be a bit confusing because many islanders know the place better as Limetree. Due to a change in ownership, it is now officially known as Bluebeard’s. This picture-perfect beach runs along a natural cove. It’s a pretty stretch framed by blooming bougainvillea and other tropical foliage where iguanas play hide-and-seek with visitors. 

Bluebeard’s (aka Limetree) is the ultimate proof that ‘good things come in small packages.’ If you are looking for a sweet romantic hideaway, this is definitely a beach to consider. The hotel’s on-premise seaside eatery has restroom facilities. Seas are basicly calm and snorkeling is best by the rock at the far end of the beach. Water sports shack has virtually all the basic seaworthy toys. 

LOCATION: At the end of tree-shaded Route 35 on St. Thomas’ north shore.

Deeded to the island as a public park, this beach has made many of the world’s “most beautiful” lists. It’s as breathtaking when seen from the perspective of the road above, as from the shore or from the warm and clear waters. You may see couples getting married at the shoreline as well as family picnickers around a table. Restrooms, showers and dressing areas add to the overall comfort and convenience of the public park.

One inside tip for those seeking seclusion is to make your way to the western end of the beach. It is less crowded and offers some of the better snorkeling opportunities at Magens Bay. Of course, to take in the full beauty of this place, step back and watch how the perfect waters are framed by green mountainous peaks on the east and west horizons.

Clearly THE destination for all beach lovers, Magens offers powdery white sand beach, a flat sand bottom and peaceful seas. The rocky areas on each end of the mile-long, heart shaped cove afford the best snorkeling. Everyone from early morning walkers to cruise ship day trippers seem drawn to world renowned Magens Bay.  Services available include covered picnic tables, showers, dressing rooms, a boutique, snack bar, pizzeria, full-service bar and snorkeling and small sailboat rentals. Admission is $1 per car, $3 per adult and 25 cents per child under 12. Taxis are plentiful throughout the day.