Beaches

West-end beach beside the University of the Virgin Islands campus and the Cyril E. King Airport runway. Calmer water than the airport noise suggests, and a favorite local sunset spot.

East-end beach next to Coral World Ocean Park, known for shallow snorkelling, clear water and reef fish you can feed from waist-deep. Food vendors and gear rental on-site.

Sheltered cove on the north side of Water Island, reached by a short ferry from Crown Bay on Saint Thomas. Calm, shallow water and a small beachside bar.

North-shore beach in a sheltered bay just west of Magen's Bay — the island's main surfing spot in winter, with a small fishing fleet and a beachside bar.

South-coast beach near Frenchman's Bay, fronting a private resort with limited public access.

South-coast beach immediately under the Cyril E. King Airport approach. Calm shallow water; locals time visits between flights.

East-end beach inside Smith Bay Park, with calm shallow water and a small park entry fee. Featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Small beach at the eastern arm of Magen's Bay on the north shore, separate from the main public-park beach.

Wide crescent of white sand on the north shore, one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. Public park with restrooms, showers, lockers, kayak rental and a small entry fee.

Quiet north-shore beach in Mandahl Bay on the Atlantic side of Saint Thomas, fronting a small marina with protected swimming.

South-coast beach fronting the Frenchman's Reef resort area, near the Charlotte Amalie cruise port.

East-end beach in Muller Bay, on the southern shore of the Red Hook peninsula.

East-end beach immediately west of Coki Point, sharing the same shallow snorkelling reef but typically less crowded.

South-coast Saint Thomas beach near Charlotte Amalie. (Distinct from the better-known Sapphire Beach Resort on the east end.)

East-end beach fronting the Secret Harbour resort with public access to the sand and a beachside restaurant. Snorkelling reef close to shore; chairs are rented from the resort.

Secluded north-shore beach in Stumpy Bay on the far north-west of Saint Thomas, reachable only by a rough dirt road.

East-end Saint Thomas beach on the southern shore of the Red Hook peninsula.

East-end beach at Water Bay on Saint Thomas, between Coki Point and Red Hook.