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St. Thomas' Tropical Shores

In St. Thomas, it's not difficult to find a beautiful sandy shore where you can bask in the sun, swim, snorkel or simply relax. What's not easy is choosing among the many magnificent beaches. Here are just a few to consider:

Magens Bay
The gorgeous bay, once rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the world is, without a doubt, the most popular among visitors to the island. The mile-wide heart-shaped stretch of sand is as postcard-perfect as they come. Besides its sheer natural beauty and calm gentle waters, it has lots of man-made creature comforts, including showers, changing and restroom facilities, as well as opportunities for grabbing a bite to eat or a tall refreshing drink.

Sapphire Beach
This beach's constant trade winds make it an ideal spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding and parasailing. It's also known for its snorkeling and weekend beach parties, when it comes alive with the sound of music, beach volleyball games and lots of local foods.

Secret Harbor
This East End beach is the perfect spot to either bask in the tropical sunshine or admire the view from the shade of a grape tree. There's plenty of ways to spend an afternoon here: snorkel the two nearby reefs, take a scuba lesson, plunge into the balmy blue water from the offshore swim platform or just sit back and enjoy a sunset cocktail from the bar.

Brewers Bay
There's plenty of shade and a great view of the jets taking off and landing at the airport at this West End beach. Its sandy shallow shore is a safe, fun swimming spot for kids.

Coki Beach
There's never a dull moment at this lively beach that's often compared to Coney Island, with its brigade of hair braiders, bellowing boom boxes and string of food huts selling pates (meat-filled turnovers), johnny-cakes (fried dough) and lots of other local favorites. Plenty of snorkel and dive rental opportunities are located here, as well as conveniences such as changing facilities, saltwater showers and restrooms.

Great Bay
This peaceful gem of sand and swim is home to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Club. Its constant breezes make it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while its tranquil waters beckon swimmers.

Morningstar Beach
One of the most spectacular sea views is found at this powdery sand beach that looks out into the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. It's a great beach for snorkeling and windsurfing any day of the week, and a hopping party spot on weekends when you'll often find volleyball competitions and live music.

St. John's Tropical Shores

St. John's beaches are among the most celebrated in the world. No two are exactly alike, but most all are simply irresistible.

Trunk Bay
This breathtaking heart-shaped sandy beach is about as close to picture-perfect as you'll find in the Caribbean. It is also home to a 225-yard-long underwater snorkel trail with markers that identify the amazing marine life that calls the bay home.

Hawksnest Beach
Take in the sun or relax in the shade of this gently sloping shoreline. Its two close-to-the-shore reefs are a snorkeler's dream, teeming with colorful tropical fish and coral.

Cinnamon Bay
This stunning stretch of sand hugs a snorkeler's dream come true. The east end of Cinnamon Bay is loaded with exotic marine life, including inky blue tangs, purple triggerfish and lots of other neon-bright sea life. And if that's not enough of a draw, this beach has plenty of conveniences, including showers, restrooms, a small general store and a restaurant.

Honeymoon Beach
The nearly mile-long hike along a trail that leads to this secluded sandy beauty is worth every step. The magnificent views and natural beauty of this beach are enough to make anyone fall in love with it. Maybe that's how it got its name.

Salt Pond Bay
This crescent-shaped stretch of white sand seems worlds away from civilization. The right side of the bay is loaded with tropical sea life, and its calm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or just floating around.

Jumbie Bay
Private, picturesque and serene, this secluded sandy spot is the perfect beach hideaway. Just a short jaunt from the Northshore Road, it's one of St. John's best-kept sandy secrets.

Caneel Bay
This public beach adjacent to the elegant Caneel Bay Resort has soft white sand, calm waters and an abundance of underwater life. It's also a wonderful place to enjoy not only the surf and sun, but also a bite to eat and a refreshing cocktail.

Francis Bay
There's a good chance you'll get a glimpse of a sea turtle or one of the many other amazing marine animals that call this bay home. The calmest waters on the north shore, as well as picnic tables, barbecue pits and facilities make this a perfect spot for families.

St. Croix's Tropical Shores

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands has mile after mile of stunning coastline and some of the most beautiful ribbons of sand in the Caribbean. Here are just a few of the many pearls that surround the sea.

Chenay Bay
This beach, located about a mile from Green Cay at the Chenay Bay Beach Resort, is perfect for tots because it has plenty of shade. The calm shallow bay's grassy bottom is chock-full of sea life, including starfish and colorful tropical fish.

Sandy Point
There's little to no shade and very few snorkeling opportunities, but this gorgeous long stretch of powder white sand and aquamarine water is enough to make you feel you've finally found paradise. St. Croix's longest beach is also a national wildlife refuge where leatherback turtles nest from April to August. The beach is closed during nesting season. It's open only on weekends the remainder of the year.

Hotel on the Cay
Take the very short ferry ride (about two minutes) across Christiansted Harbor to find a tiny beach that's big on water sports. This is a good place for those who want to spice up their vacation with a little parasailing or windsurfing or just relax in a lounge chair and soak up the sun.

Cane Bay
Divers, snorkelers, swimmers, sun worshippers and beach revelers flock to Cane Bay — the one-stop beach for people of all ages. This beach is one of the most popular destinations for underwater enthusiasts as well as landlubbers for its beauty and lively atmosphere.

Best Weekend Fun Beach: Rainbow Beach
On a weekday, this West End beauty is a peaceful and serene spot for sunbathing and lolling in its tranquil waters. But when the weekend rolls around, it comes to life with rollicking beach volleyball games, colorful kayaks and bikini-clad beachgoers. Great beach for those who have a party spirit and want to make new friends and enjoy the action, especially on Sundays.

Buck Island Reef
Accessible only by boat, this national park just offshore has some of the most amazing snorkeling opportunities, including a marked underwater snorkeling trail at Turtle Beach. This is a must-stop for any snorkeling enthusiast.

Annaly Bay
Getting here requires a hike that's not for the faint of heart, but it's worth the effort for those who want to bask in nature at one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean. Besides plenty of privacy and breathtaking views, this beach has great snorkeling and tiny tide pools.

Shoys
There's a good chance you'll have this long, wide sandy beach all to yourself during the week. It's perfect for lovers, as well as families and for anyone who appreciates nature at its finest.

Discover the beaches of the USVI. Plan your trip on Yahoo Travel.