We don’t mean to brag, but the combination of white sand, warm water and abundant wildlife makes our beaches some of the best in the world. We’re not the only ones who think so - Travel and Leisure just named the U.S. Virgin Islands one of their 50 Places to Visit in 2023! We always recommend that our guests allow enough time to visit many of St. Thomas’s 40 beaches…but if they have to choose just a few? We’ve listed our two favorite beaches on the island. Here are our must-sees:
Sydnee’s Favorite: Magens Bay Beach
The Facts: Magens Bay Beach is a 1.5-mile long beach on St. Thomas’s north side. As we’ve mentioned before, it’s a great place for families or for anyone looking to relax in the gentle waves and enjoy a full array of amenities - including restrooms, concessions and beach gear rentals. For many years this stunning beach was privately owned, until it was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by financier Arthur S. Fairchild in 1946. Today, the beach is the island’s destination of choice for many locals and tourists alike!
Know Before You Go: There’s a non-resident daily fee of $5 per person to access the beach. Children under 12 are free. Don’t stress about packing all your beach gear - you can rent lounge chairs, paddleboards and more on site.
Insider Tip: Check out the beach bar and cafe for lunch (Sydnee recommends the pizza or the chicken fingers.) This is one of the best spots on the island to look for sea turtles, so bring your snorkel gear and keep your eyes peeled. If you’re really lucky, you might even find yourself sharing the bay with a friendly pod of dolphins!
To Visit: For easy access to Magens Bay, check out our northside villas: Sherpenjewel, Yellowbird, Blue Horizons or Valley Road.
Brooke’s Favorite: Sapphire Beach
The Facts: This East End beach is known for its white sand, beautiful views and world-class snorkeling. There’s a little something for everyone here - multiple dining options, shopping - even water sports like parasailing and kiteboarding.
Know Before You Go: If you’d like to relax in the shade, stick to the right side of the beach where the sea grape trees will give you cover from the sun. The right side of the beach also offers the best snorkeling - fish, squid and rays like to take cover near the rocky ledge. Reef-safe sunscreen is a must at Sapphire and all of the island’s beaches. You can bring it from home or grab a bottle at one of the Sapphire Beach shops.
Insider Tip: If you like to shop, Sapphire Beach has a charming boutique with clothes and goods that are a little more unique than the typical gift shop fare. For nightlife, Brooke recommends Sapphire Beach Bar’s monthly Full Moon Party, featuring live music and food and drink specials.
To Visit: Our Sapphire Beach condos will put you within walking distance of all the action. Check out Sapphire Dreams, Simplicity at Sapphire and Sea Haven.
What's the Best Beach on St. Thomas?
So, what’s the best beach on St. Thomas? It all depends on how you want to spend your precious vacation days. The good news is there is something for everyone, and if you can’t see them all this trip, you’ll just have to come back and visit us…again and again and again!
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