Best St. Thomas Beaches

• Magens Bay Beach
• Lindquist Beach
• Sapphire Beach
• Brewers Bay Beach
• Secret Harbour Beach
• Coki Point Beach
• Hull Bay Beach

Magens Bay Beach

St. Thomas beaches recognized as some of the top beaches in the world include Magens Bay Beach, thanks to its postcard-perfect setting of turquoise waters, shimmery white sand and lush tropical vegetation. Rent snorkel gear from Magens Bay Beach Club — as well as beach chairs and private cabanas — or stand-up paddleboards and kayaks (both single and double) from Magens Bay Yak Shak Watersports. Then, set out to explore the calm waters, watching for graceful sea turtles, colorful angelfish and diving brown pelicans. On land, hike through a variety of island ecosystems that shelter singing birds on the Discovery Nature Trail and make a stop at the Magens Bay Arboretum. Or take off on the Fitness Trail that features four different exercise stations. Munch on mahi-mahi tacos paired with a frozen piña colada at Fairchild’s Beach Bar & Grill, located right on Magens Bay Beach.

Lindquist Beach

With its signature pink-hued sand, cobalt waters and shady sea grape trees, Lindquist Beach is a serene oasis in Smith Bay Park, a 21-acre nature preserve. Bring your own snorkel and beach gear, and pack a lunch, before heading out to this laid-back beach (there are no on-site concessions or rental facilities). Snorkel the crystal-clear waters that teem with sea turtles, stingrays and schools of tropical fish. Or just dip in and take a relaxing swim. Eat your lunch at a picnic table or under a shaded pavilion. Then, kick back on the beach with a good summer read.

Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach guarantees a good time, whether you want to snorkel through an underwater wonderland or dance on the sand with a drink in hand. Rent snorkel gear, paddleboards, beach chairs and sand toys from Sapphire Provisioning, located near the beach. Then, snorkel out to the shallow brain coral reef swirling with marine life like gliding rays, curious sea turtles and neon parrotfish. The two-story Sapphire Beach Bar offers great views of the glittering Caribbean Sea, casual eats like coconut shrimp and cheeseburgers, and a menu of tropical drinks that includes fruity daiquiris. Catch live bands on Sunday afternoons, as well as the monthly Full Moon Party featuring a DJ, fire dancers and moko jumbies.

Brewers Bay Beach

Known as one of the calmest St. Thomas beaches, Brewers Bay Beach is popular with both locals and visitors — it’s close to the University of the Virgin Islands campus and just minutes from Cyril E. King Airport. A sandy seafloor makes it great for swimming. Bring your own gear (there are no on-site rentals) to snorkel with the green and hawksbill turtles that forage in the seagrass beds around the bay. Or play Frisbee on the wide, pristine shore that’s perfect for beach games. For a snack, check out the food trucks parked nearby, serving local dishes like pates and johnny cakes.

Secret Harbour Beach

Its status as a marine sanctuary makes Secret Harbour Beach the perfect place to sun, swim and snorkel. Rent snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and beach chairs from the Aqua Action Dive Center, located at the Secret Harbour Beach Resort. Just off the beach you’ll encounter a variety of sea life, including corals, octopus, sea turtles and tropical fish. Aqua Action Dive Center hosts guided half- and full-day snorkel tours that start off in the reef-protected Secret Harbour cove, a perfect spot for beginners. Or just relax on the beach and sunbathe on the anchored raft. Don’t miss lunch at Secret Harbour Beach Resort’s The Patio at Sunset Grille, where the pizza and sandwiches come with a spectacular waterfront view.

Coki Point Beach

Adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park, Coki Point Beach is a perfect locale for beginner snorkelers and casual swimmers. The shallow, clear waters are home to myriad marine life, including sea turtles and technicolor fish that dart in and out of the coral reefs. Rent snorkel gear and beach chairs from Sandy Spot. Or go on a SNUBA excursion — a hybrid of scuba diving and snorkeling — led by a guide from Coral World Ocean Park that explores Coki Point. Dine on the beach at Catch of the Day, where fresh seafood like red snapper, grouper and shrimp is caught locally.

Hull Bay Beach

Hull Bay Beach is a hidden gem on St. Thomas’ North Shore. Less crowded than other beaches, it offers good snorkeling among patch reefs and through small caves, where you’ll spy lobster, rays and large fish that lurk in the deeper waters. St. Thomas Scuba & Snorkel Adventures rents snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and surfboards (the rough Atlantic waters make Hull Bay Beach one of the best places to surf on the island). On land, hike the easy 1.7-mile Hull Bay Trail that follows the rocky shoreline. Grab a bite to eat at The Shack at The Hideway, a beachside bistro serving up live music and seafood bites like conch fritters and fish tacos. Be sure to order a craft cocktail — The Rum Down mixes Mount Gay Rum with cinnamon-ginger, lemon juice, simple syrup and a seasonal Hideaway Farm fruit puree. The Shack is operated by The Hideaway at Hull Bay, a luxe retreat located just steps from Hull Bay Beach.

More to Explore on St. Thomas

St. Thomas sightseeing: Things to do and see

Best snorkeling on St. Thomas: Top spots & tours

St. Thomas hotels: Where to rest & recharge

Scuba diving on St. Thomas: Best spots & tours