St. Thomas’ Stunning Shorelines

No matter where you are on St. Thomas, you're never far away from a spectacular stretch of sand framed by crystal-clear aquamarine water. Whether you choose to snorkel, work on your tan or just bask in the gentle surf, chances are you'll find that perfect spot on St. Thomas. Here are just a few of the island's fabulous beaches to consider.

Lindquist Beach/Smith Bay Beach
This peaceful gem has gentle waves, soft powdery sand and never a cruise ship crowd. There's a nominal entrance fee that's well worth the solitude, security and sprinkling of amenities that includes picnic tables and a lifeguard.

Brewers Bay
At this West End beach you'll find plenty of shade courtesy of the tamarind trees, and a view of the jets taking off and landing at the nearby airport. Its sandy shallow shore makes a safe and serene swimming spot for kids. Coki Beach
There's never a dull moment at this lively beach, with its brigade of hair braiders, bellowing boom boxes and string of food huts selling pâtés (meat-filled turnovers), johnnycakes (fried dough) and many 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.

Magens Bay
This 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 picturesque as it gets. Besides its sheer natural beauty and calm gentle waters, it has lots of creature comforts, including a great little beach gift shop, showers, changing and restroom facilities, as well as places to grab 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 sea grape tree. There are 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 enjoy a sunset cocktail from the bar.

Great Bay
This peaceful gem of sand and swim has constant breezes that make it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, while its tranquil waters beckon swimmers.

Morningstar Beach
This family-perfect stretch of shore is one of the widest beaches on the island, with plenty of room to spread out between the surf and the sand. It's a great beach for sunbathing 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 Spectacular Shores

St. John's beaches are among the most beautiful on Earth — and no two are exactly alike. Each of these shimmering strands of sand is blessed with amazing natural beauty and all are simply irresistible. Here are a few you should make a point of getting to know.

Maho Bay
The only north shore beach you can drive right up to, this often photographed shimmering stretch of bay is a favorite of families. Its calm, shallow waters make it a great place for bringing the kids or just floating the afternoon away.

Caneel Bay
This breathtaking beach next to the Caneel Bay Resort has soft white sand, calm waters and an abundance of underwater life. If you choose to enjoy its crystal-clear water, great snorkeling and picturesque view, you can pay a small fee for parking or otherwise take a one-mile hike from the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center.

Cinnamon Bay
This stunning stretch of sand envelops 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. If that's not enough of a draw, this beach has plenty of conveniences, including showers, restrooms, a small general store and a restaurant.

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

Honeymoon Beach
The nearly mile-long hike along the Lind Point trail that leads to this secluded sandy beauty shaded by coconut palms 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.

Francis Bay
There's a good chance you'll get a glimpse of a sea turtle or one of the many other marvelous 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 Stunning Shorels

So many beaches, so little time. With so many fabulous stretches of shoreline to choose from, it helps to know which you should have on your itinerary for fun in the sun. Here are a few to consider putting on your must-see list.

Cramer Park Beach
Less than a mile from the easternmost point in the U.S. lays one of the world's prettiest public beaches with plenty of shade and amenities. It's packed with local beachgoers on weekends, but quiet and serene during the week. It has an expansive, great-for-snorkeling reef just off the coast.

Buck Island Turtle Beach
This national park, just a short boat ride from the shore, is home to one of the most amazing snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. There's a unique marked underwater trail at Turtle Beach that is a must for snorkeling enthusiasts, and the talcum-sand beach is simply to die for.

Cane Bay
It's not too difficult to understand why so many divers, snorkelers, swimmers and sun-and-sea worshippers flock to Cane Bay. Not only is this lively north shore stretch of sand popular for its spectacular diving and snorkeling, but also for its funky, fun beach bars and party atmosphere.

Chenay Bay
This beach is the ideal spot for visitors with small children. This shallow, family-friendly beach about a mile from Green Cay at the Chenay Bay Beach Resort has plenty of shade and a grassy bottom 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 March through August. The beach is closed during nesting season and open only on weekends for limited hours the remainder of the year.

Protestant Cay
Take a two-minute ferry ride across the Christiansted Harbor and soak up the sun and fun on a tiny little island beach that's big on watersports. 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 rays.

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