The Best beaches and bays in USVI make guests think of white sand and pristine waters. Fortunately, the US Virgin Islands offer some of the finest beaches in the world – from St Croix, St John, to St Thomas.
From Trunk Bay in St John to Magens Bay in St. Thomas, each place offers a unique experience for travelers and locals alike.
So, here are some of the best US Virgin Islands beaches to help you decide on your next island getaway.
A charter adventure to St Thomas is not only popular as a cruise ship destination, but also for crewed yachts. Whether you want to relax or an excursion to Virgin Islands national parks, an ideal setting is waiting for you.
Explore the best St. Thomas beaches while your boat is in port.
Magens Bay is the most popular beach in St Thomas. Arthur Fairchild donated this one-mile stretch public park. An entrance fee aims to maintain the facilities and the beach. So, guests can enjoy floating and swimming in calm waters with no waves or currents.
Moreover, the bay deepens gradually, making it perfect for small children. However, rocky areas may not be the most ideal for snorkeling.
But those wanting more can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and sunfish at the water sports booth. Beach chairs, floats, and snorkel sets are also available for rent. On top of that, there are bars and restaurants, gift shops, and more!
Thus, Magens Bay St Thomas is a constant stopover on yacht charter trips.
Coki Beach, also known as Coki Point, Coki Point Beach, Coki Beach, and sometimes just Coki. You can visit this tiny beach for free. It has a lively vibe and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
During the week, there are mostly yacht charter guests. However, on weekends many local families are around the beach area.
Moreover, it’s an ideal spot for scuba divers, whether children or adults. They can also get a certificate through the Coki Beach Dive Center and can arrange to visit the nearby diving hotspots. Most days, people usually relax by sunbathing on the shore or cooling off in the sea.
Additionally, there is a breathtaking view of Thatch Cay in the distance, and Coral World Marine Park is nearby. Guests and tourists can also try to book a Snuba experience. Lastly, a parasailing trip is an option, or better yet, rent a jet ski.
Brewers Bay Beach is one of the US Virgin Island’s hidden gems and best bays with a lush, sun-drenched shore you can explore for free. Located near the University of the Virgin Islands Campus and the Maclean Marine Science Center.
Furthermore, it has been a favorite snorkeling spot, with sightings of Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtle.
Brewers Bay also holds the Annual Texas Society of the Virgin Islands Chili Cook-Off event. You can enjoy live bands, games, drinks, and other activities that promote chili products. Moreover, they give profit or sales to charity.
Food vans also sell delicious local dishes and drinks. You can also do some bird watching as pelicans and seagulls flock to this beautiful place. However, bring your own snorkel gear, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and any other items you may need during your visit.
One of the most pristine beaches in St. Thomas. Thus, it is a protected area that is part of the 21-acre Smith Bay Park on the east end of the island. Anchor your private yacht and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Even though guests have to pay $7 as an entrance fee, Lindquist Beach is complete with restrooms, a lifeguard on duty, and ample parking. Plus, it is near the Red Hook, another great spot for exploring restaurants and shops and has a lot of space for mooring.
St John is one of the best places to visit for its beautiful beaches. You can surely have a memorable time soaking up the sun. However, despite countless unique spots, enjoying them would take more than just a day. Whether you prefer calm bays or lively spots, St John beaches definitely won’t disappoint.
Visitors may take a taxi or ferry to spend just a few hours on the gorgeous Trunk Bay Beach. Its soft white sand, towering palms, and crystal-clear water make it one of the most photographed beaches in the USVI.
Furthermore, the 650 Underwater Snorkeling Trail is ideal for kids and adults. Guests and tourists can explore vibrant coral reefs, sea fans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and tropical fish.
For convenience, there is food, drink, and showers/bathrooms onsite, plus rentals for snorkel gear and chairs. Not to mention that this is the only beach in St John with a lifeguard! However, entrance to this paradise does have a fee, but it’s well worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The beautiful Francis Bay has one of the longest ivory beaches on the island and is an absolute must-see for tourists.
In addition, the shallow water is great for swimming and snorkeling. You can enjoy the vibrant marine life, like coral, sea fans, fish, rays, and manta rays. Plus, it’s not too far from popular spots like Maho Bay Beach or Trunk Bay, it’s less likely crowded throughout the week.
Lastly, Francis Bay Trail has a fantastic bird-watching location. It runs along a salt pond where you and your family can experience some of nature’s most majestic creatures.
Honeymoon Beach is one of the St John’s gems. This beautiful powdered beach boasts easy shallow water access and plenty of shade from the coconut palms surrounding it. This spot is also a favorite anchoring site for sailors with its conditions and natural beauty.
You might even spot a green sea turtle in the water if you’re lucky! To get to Honeymoon Beach, take the Lind Point Trail. This beach offers excellent snorkeling, swimming, and lounging opportunities. However, bring your own snorkel gear since there are not many stalls or rentals available around the area.
Get ready to experience a romantic island getaway on one of the best US Virgin Islands beaches!
Maho Bay is one of the most convenient and great beaches for families in the Caribbean. Its white sand beach, surrounded by towering coconut palm trees, is a favorite spot amongst visitors. This iconic beach has shallow entry and ease of access, making it a wonderful place to wade, swim, float, and hang out.
Furthermore, the shallow shoreline is perfect for children to play and make sand castles. Although there are entrance fees at Maho Bay, it does come with a public bathroom for convinience.
The most recommended activity here is snorkeling. Visitors can see many sea turtles and rays. Also, other marine creatures, such as pelicans, young tarpon, rays, schools of bait fish, patch reefs, corals, colorful fish, and more.
Include an island-hopping escapade from St John to St Croix. On average, it only takes about 3 hours of sailing in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Virgin Islands.
St Croix is an island paradise famous for expansive white-sand beaches to more secluded and romantic spots. Its coastline is for everyone seeking a fantastic beach experience.
Head on to Divi Darina Bay for a unique and dream island getaway. Feel free to sunbathe, take a leisurely stroll, and admire the palm trees that line the sandy shoreline.
Snorkeling is among the water sports in the area. A bar, restaurant, and casino in the Divi Carina Bay, allow guests to enjoy poolside snacks or drinks.
Turtle Beach St Croix is on the West Side of Buck Island, as a National Monument by President Kennedy.
This beach is a fantastic sight with its long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. Take in the sun-kissed sand and bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays as you explore the island. The water is generally calm, making it a great spot to swim and test your snorkel gear.
Go for a stroll along the beach, or hike up the island if you’re feeling up to it. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreens and a hat since there is not much shade provided in this oasis.
Dorsch Beach is a beautiful long beach located a short distance from Frederiksted. The shoreline consists of mostly sandy areas with a few rocky spots, which are also visible in the water. Hence, it may not be ideal for snorkeling. However, the nearby Frederiksted Pier is a strategic location to watch the stunning sunset.
During weekdays the beach is quiet and tranquil. But it’s quite popular for family picnics and parties on weekends and holidays. In addition, two hotels, restaurant, and bar facilities are available to visitors.
Moreover, the water here is usually calm and transparent, making it great for swimming and floating. As you snorkel, there isn’t much to see because of the rocky patches, but that doesn’t take away its natural charm.
This pristine beach is tucked in the Buck Island Reef National Monument, charming visitors with its untouched natural beauty. Vessels above 42 feet long might anchor at the West Beach, as Buck Reef is a marine protected area. Thus, it is a haven for diving and snorkeling.
Note that you need to get an anchoring permit in the National Park Service Visitor Contact Station, Christiansted. Therefore, plan your visit with an expert yacht charter broker company.
This 2-mile long white sand beach in the Caribbean has a lesser crowd, offering an exclusive getaway. The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on the West End of St. Croix also holds a rich wildlife.
Hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles live here. Note that the sea turtles nestle between April and August – so, closing the beach will protect the marine life.
You can’t go wrong with the best beaches and bays in the US Virgin Islands. From easily accessible spots to secluded locations, the USVI is perfect for every kind of beachgoer.
BVI Sail’s team of expert yacht charter brokers is always available to plan your island getaway.
Karin Patrick has been a travel industry professional since 1978. A native of Germany, She has lived in many places worldwide, including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. In 1983, she moved to the United States, living in Connecticut, then California, and now in Florida. Karin attends the Greek Yacht Charter Shows.
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