LOCATION: Take Route 63 north of Frederiksted and travel a short distance beyond Rainbow Beach.
Drive a bit further beyond Rainbow Beach and you will come to Sprat Hall Beach. Here, too, you can enjoy food and drink in a friendly locale that attracts residents and visitors alike. While you are in the area, check out the unique ambiance of Sprat Hall Plantation. It features overnight accommodations, and horseback riding, as well as a fabulous restaurant.
LOCATION: Take Route 63 south of Frederiksted.
This is truly one of St. Croix’s most unspoiled spots. Located at the southwestern tip of the island, it provides an ideal nesting ground for the endangered leather-back and green sea turtles that are protected by local environmentalists during the nesting season that runs from early April to early June.
Formerly the Renaissance Resort Beach, this seaside complex’s beach offers a dramatic view of St. John. The locale is notably breezy-if not downright windy- with appropriate wat
The hotel that occupies this beach has recently changed hands and is in the process of a major facelift. The beach is sprawling and very windy at times. You will find water sports rentals, restrooms, and the appropriately named Bay Winds restaurant. An upbeat beach bar is adjacent to the pool and is famous for its Frozen Fudgesicles. Keep in mind this is an all-inclusive property and the emphasis is definitely placed on pleasing its hotel guests.
[googlemaps addr=’Grand Bay Palace Beach Virgin Islands’ zoom=”15″ width=’350′ height=’350′]
LOCATION: Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, on the East End of the island.
Those seeking a festive beach experience will find Sapphire Beach to be very appealing. This glorious locale offers a stunning view of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. It is a good spot for windsurfing, and three reef areas just off the shore are great for snorkeling. Amenities include a marina, restaurants and a beachside dive shop, offering rental equipment.
In high season, Sapphire can become downright crowded with sun-worshippers and water sports enthusiasts – even during the week. Part of the appeal is the breathtaking view from the beach. Another is the sophisticated array of water sports activities available for novices to pros. The gift shop carries everything related to beach fun under-the-sun. The hotel also offers a casual seaside restaurant, restrooms, and a friendly, spacious bar that pours everything from colas to exotic frosty concoctions. The adjacent marina is home to day charters of all types. Party with island bands on the beach every Sunday after 2 p.m
[googlemaps addr=’Saphire Beach Virgin Islands’ zoom=’15’ width=’350′ height=’350′]
LOCATION: EAST OF TOWN ON BOLONGO ROAD
The sand is a touch coarse here but the visuals are grand. A barrier reef at the inlet provides continual surf to watch and listen too and slows the surf entering the bay. The hotel has a water sports hut offering all types of water toys or relax on beach chairs on a palm lined beach. Iggies Beach Bar features frosty drinks and a tasty menu of burgers, wraps and salads and a regulation size Volleyball court.
Thanks to the proximity and popularity of the Bolongo Hotel and its colorful beachfront eateries, this location offer the convenience of restrooms,watersports operation and a private dock affords day sails and sunset sails. Information on joining a sail is available at the friendly on-premise gift shop. The volleyball court is a great place to meet up with regulars and tourists. Taxis are available at the hotel entrance.
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.
LOCATION: ON THE NORTH SHORE AT THE END OF HULL BAY ROAD JUST WEST OF MAGENS BAY.
A relatively quiet beach (except during fishing tournaments) this northern shore bas serves as a local anchoage. The rougher waters at the bay’s western tip attract surfers. Along the shaded beach the water is usually placid and pleasant. You can usually find parking near the water’s edge-except on weekends in season.
Although serious surfing is a relative rarity on St. Thomas, when you hear the words “Surf’s Up” you can bet the cry is coving from Hull Bay. The beach is rocky but generally appealing to outdoor types. Bring the kids and the dogs. Taxis are usually not available. Hull Bay Hideaway is right there with convenient restrooms and a casual beach bar restaurant featuring famous “Arthur burgers.” If you want a ‘stay all day’ hangout, this is it!
[googlemaps addr=’Hull Bay Virgin Islands’ zoom=’15’ width=’350′ height=’350′]