| Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands, Caribbean... |
St. Thomas Beaches
Bluebeard's Beach
Known for its excellent windsurfing, Bluebeard's is quiet and
uncrowded. Sailboarders and snorkelers will find plenty to do here,
although equipment must be rented elsewhere. The beach, shaded by
coconut palms, affords views of St. John and sailboats making their
way bewteen the islands. Location: Adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, St.
Thomas, at the end of Bluebeard's Road (Route 322), which branches
off Route 30 near Red Hook.
Coki Beach
With Thatch Key just across the Leeward Passage, Coki Beach offers
some of the prettiest views on the island. Scuba diving and
snorkeling are excellent in the calm, clear water here, and gear is
available for rent. This funky little beach has great local flavor.
Enjoy a drink at the colorful beach bar or a tasty lunch at the
nearby paté stand. You'll also find changing and rest rooms here.
Location: On the northeast coast.
Hull Bay
This is a tranquil strand on the northern shore. The bay serves as
an anchorage for local fishermen, and surfers enjoy the rougher
waters along the bay's western tip. Along the shaded beach, however,
the water is usually placid and pleasant. There's a nearby bar and
restaurant where you can refresh yourself with cool drinks and
delicious food. Location: On the north shore, just west of Magens
Bay.
Limetree Beach
This picture-perfect beach runs along a natural cove. A
concessionaire rents water-sports equipment. It is also a popular
spot for iguana watching. Location: East of downtown, next to
Morningstar Beach.
Magens Bay
Deeded to the island as a public park, this beach has been named one
of the world's most beautiful on many lists. Covered picnic tables,
showers, dressing rooms, a boutique, a snack bar, a pizzeria,
full-service bar and snorkeling and small sailboat rentals are
available. Admission is $1 per car, $1 per person and 25˘ per child
under 12. Location: At the end of tree-shaded Route 35 on St.
Thomas' north shore.
Morningstar Beach
Morningstar is not only one of the most attractive beaches in the
Virgin Islands, it is also truly unique, providing everything you
need for a comfortable, fun day. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella
for the day and sit back with a cool drink from one of the two
full-service bars. When the spirit moves you, rent some 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. The beach offers a vantage
point from which to watch sailboats and cruise ships glide past the
eastern point of St. Thomas' harbor. Location: Marriott's
Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort, relatively close to town.
Sapphire Beach
This glorious beach offers a stunning view of St. John and the
British Virgin Islands. It is a good spot for windsurfing, and the
reef areas just off the beach are great for snorkeling. Amenities
include a marina, restaurant and a beach-side dive shop that rents
equipment. Location: Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, on the east end
of the island.
Vessup Bay
A gorgeous white-sand beach, interspersed with clusters of rocks,
curves its way along this bay; seagrape trees, cacti and century
plants provide a tropical backdrop. For an invigorating outing, walk
the length of the beach, climb the rocks or wade around them.
Water-sports equipment can be rented from a concessionaire at the
populated end of the beach. Location: At the end of Bluebeard's Road
(Route 322), which branches off Route 30 near Red Hook.
One of the best all-round snorkeling sites is found along Cane Bay,
on Route 80, on the north shore of the island. On clear days you can
swim out 150 yards to the drop-off and look hundreds of feet down a
wall. Fish and coral formations are in abundance here.
North of Frederiksted the exposed coral has washed smooth and
created small pools that teem with sea life. One called "Monk's
Baths" is found a half mile before the north end of Route 63.
Christiansted harbor also offers snorkeling. Just to the right of
the swimming area at the Hotel on the Cay beach, clear calm waters
reveal all kinds of small fish, coral and even seahorses!
Buccaneer
East of Christiansted at the hotel. Non-guest fee $4 for use of the
beach and changing facilities. Towels for hotel guests only.
Watersports, snorkeling, beach bar.
Cane Bay
Northside along the coast on Route 80. Sandy beaches, shade and
snorkeling off the reefs close to shore. Dive center, bar and
restaurant nearby.
Chenay Bay Beach
East of Christiansted on Route 82. Restuarant and bar at Chenay Bay
Beach Resort; also sandy beach, hammocks, beach chair and kayak
rentals.
Colony Cove Beach
Artificial tire reef near shore, full natural reef with excellent
snorkeling. Check with front desk for admission to beach.
Columbus Landing Beach
The historic site of the 1493 landing of the fleet of Columbus on
Salt River. Access by road to the left of the marina. Public land.
Minimal facilities.
Cormorant Beach Club
West of Christiansted. Fine palm-fringed, sandy beaches, restaurant
and bar; also snorkeling, watersports center. Watch for undertow in
rough seas.
Cramer Park
Public beach at the end of Route 82. Recently renovated changing
rooms; bathrooms; limited facilities.
Hibiscus Beach Hotel
West of Christiansted. Palm-fringed sandy beach, snorkeling. Watch
out for undertow in rough seas. Restaurant and bar.
Hotel on the Cay
Across from Christiansted by ferry ($3 charge). Full watersports
facility including parasailing, waverunners, wind surfers,
snorkeling. Restaurant and bar.
Reef Beach
East end of the island at Teague Bay on Route 82. Duggan's Reef
restaurant and bar.
Sandy Point
Lovely, secluded beach in southwest corner of St. Croix. Open
weekends, recommended for groups only. No facilities.
Shoy Beach
East of Christiansted. Turn right at gate to the Buccaneer Hotel;
after checking with guard, proceed to parking at the end of the
road. Path to fine sandy beach. No facilities.
Sprat Hall
North of Frederiksted on Route 63. One mile of beach. Beach use fee
$2. Beach chair rental. Beach restaurant and bar.
Rainbow Beach Club
About 1 mile north of Frederiksted; spectacular sandy beach. Beach
restaurant and bar.
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