Magen's Bay is the most famous beach on the island of St Thomas. The land here was donated by the late Arthur Fairchild. It was a condition of the donation to keep this area public therefore unlike many beaches in St Thomas there are no hotels built overlooking this beach. It was rated one of the world's ten best by national geographic. In my opinion they are right on the money. The water is calm and crystal clear. There are small fish that swim along the shoreline but other than that you won't see much in the way of sea life. Magen's Bay is not that great for snorkeling. The beach area is equipped with washrooms and showers. There are lifeguards on duty most days. There kayaks for rent to paddle around the bay. You can also rent windsurfing and diving equipment. This is the only beach in St Thomas that charges an entrance fee $3 for adults and $1 for kids. Don't be scared off by this tiny fee the beach at Magen's Bay is not to be missed. The view from the beach of the hillside is awesome.
The best kept secret here is an area known as Little Magen's Bay. It is on the right hand side of Magen's Bay if you are facing out toward the sea. If you walk around the beach past the rocky area you will come upon a nice hidden beach area. The sand is talcum powder soft and the water is shallow and bathtub like warm. This is the unofficial area that attracts clothing optional sunbathers although this is strictly prohibited in St Thomas.
Morningstar beach has gentle rolling surf. This allows for fair conditions for snorkeling. Volleyball on the beach is popular here and windsurfing too. The beach bar is available to serve you up the requisite pina colada of every vacation. There are washrooms inside the hotel that fronts the beach. The best thing about Morningstar beach is that jet skis are available for rent here. Beware though there is little to no shade at this beach. Generally this is not ideal for children due to the distance of washrooms and lack of shady areas.
Sapphire beach had a darker blue water color hence the name. The sand here is somewhat coarse and pebbly however the views overlooking the bay towards St John are spectacular. This beach is good for water sports but there is nowhere to buy food unless you eat at the hotel so bring your own.
Emerald beach is also known as Lindberg Bay. This beach is never crowded so if you arrive by ship and there are many ships in port this is the place to go for sun. The water here is calm but the snorkeling is not good. Food is available from several restaurants and two hotels that are on the beach. Restrooms and chairs are available for your use. You can also rent windsurfing and diving equipment as well as kayaks. Iguanas frequently sit on the rocks surrounding the hotels. There is also a playground for children to enjoy very nearby. In my opinion this is the beach to go to if you are traveling with small children.
Coki beach is located at Coki point. This is the best beach for snorkeling in St Thomas probably because people visiting Coki beach are supplied with dog biscuits to feed the fish. There is food and drink for humans sold from food vans and restrooms on location as well as lockers for when you are snorkeling. The water gets deeper gradually and is clear. This beach area is a little more commercially developed than the rest. You can rent a beach chair for the day. There are hair braiders and vendors selling t-shirts and souvenirs and the beach is small so be prepared to turn them down firmly if you are not interested or you will be annoyed all day.
St Thomas has many more beaches than these but these are the most asked about and most frequented by tourists. They are also the ones that ordinarily have taxis available without prearrangement to and from them.
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Ann Childs is a freelance writer and travel consultant. Her specialty is Caribbean travel including beach vacations and cruises. She is the editor and featured writer at Cruise and Travel Review Post your own reviews at Cruise and Travel Review Forums
