LOCATION: Seven miles east of Christiansted on route 82 at the Reef Beach entrance.
This refreshing seaside stop offers a long stretch of sunny beach as well as a restaurant and bar. It is situated opposite the entrance to the Reef Condominiums.
Tag: Beaches
LOCATION: From Route 82, turn onto Route 60 on the South Shore and turn in just beyond Grapetree Beach.
Just beyond Grapetree and the Divi, this well-known beach is a favorite with residents and tourists in-the-know. You will find expansive picnic areas and plenty of places for the kids to romp.
LOCATION: Heading west and then north of Christiansted on Route 75 will bring you to the Little Princess region, a long stretch of beach dotted with resorts. Traveling farther west on Route 75 and turning north on Route 80, you will arrive at Salt River Bay
Care to mix a bit of history with your seaside pleasures? Then you are sure to enjoy relaxing at Salt River Bay. This is where Columbus anchored in 1493 and it is designated a national park. You will usually see wind surfers enjoying the fairly active seas off this beach. However, keep in mind this beach offers no facilities.
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′]
LOCATION: AIRPORT ROAD
Closest to the airport, yet a world away, this delightful oasis offers the added convenience of several adjacent hotels including the Island Beachcomber, Emerald Beach and Carib Beach. Bear in mind your reverie will be regularly challenged by the sounds of commercial and private planes taking off and landing at nearby Cyril E. King airport.
Three hotels and Walkers’ By The Sea share this ultra-calm shoreline. The bay is named after famed aviator Charles Lindbergh who is said to have landed his aircraft in the area on several occasions. It’s a sweet spot to walk along the water’s edge and take in the tropical sights. Snorkeling is usually disappointing at best but Carib Beach hotel offers a dive center. Friendly restaurants and bars with restroom facilities are available.
LOCATION: Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort.
Morningstar provides everything you need for beach fun and comfort. Hire a lounge chair and umbrella for the day and sit back with a cool drink from one of the bars. If you are more adventurous, rent snorkeling gear and explore the reefs at either end of the beach. For a little more action, you can sharpen your skills on a Sunfish or learn to windsurf from a certified instructor.
This is a spot where locals-in-the-know often come and “play tourist.” Enjoy everything from a properly concocted frozen drink to the luxury of comfy rentable lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. You have two handy beach bars and snacks from the restaurant. The fully stocked state-of-the-art water sports center even has professional instructors on hand. Enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing and other water toys. Get in the swim or just sit back and watch the world go by. Ample parking and taxis are available.
LOCATION: On the East End at Route 322 which branches off from Route 30 in Red Hook.
What a breathtaking spot made all the more enjoyable by a terraced restaurant, bar and water sports rentals. The hotel will charge for the use of a lounge chair but it is well worth it. Snorkeling is best near the rock formations on either end of the beach.
This residential style beach is a quiet spot to soak up the sun and drink in pure tropical ambience. Condo owners and renters are eligible for the use of comfy lounge chairs. Visitors pay a small fee for the privilege, usually $5, but rates can change. Watch for the rocky bottom near the water’s edge. The lovely on-premise restaurant, Blue Moon Cafe, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the day, it caters to the swimsuit set as well as business diners. Restrooms are available and the hotel has a beach shack for water sports rentals.
LOCATION: ON THE WEST END, ACCROSS FROM THE ENTRANCE TO THE REICHOLD CENTER FOR THE ARTS.
Near the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, this peaceful spot livens up on the weekend and often has tasty local food available from vendors. During the week while locals are at work, it’s a great place to relax and swim in tranquil seas.
Facilities are at a bare minimum here. Keep in mind that taxis do not frequent the area either. Drivers park along the brief 2-lane roadway.
The beach is literally part of the UVI campus and the academic facility maintains the natural wonder. On weekends (and sometimes during the week in high season) vendors offer refreshments. In spite of it’s lack of amenities, a large sandy beach and usually lake-water calm seas offer a perfect spot to swim, relax and soak up the sun.
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
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