10 of the USVI’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Seemingly endless stretches of silky white sand and turquoise waters abound in the USVI, but these if you can only get to a few, make it these 10.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to some of the most heavenly beaches in the Caribbean, and any visit to St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas should feature dedicated beach hopping. Though you really can’t go wrong with a beach in the USVI, these are the ten beaches we recommend most emphatically, in no particular order. Get ready for some beach-induced bliss.
(1) Magens Bay, St. Thomas
Magens Bay is one of the USVI’s most popular beaches for good reason. Designated as a public park, this one-mile stretch offers calm water and plenty of facilities: lifeguards, chair rentals, a snack bar, and more.
(2) Trunk Bay, St. John
With soft sand and crystal-clear water, Trunk Bay is considered one of the USVI’s most breathtaking beaches. The National Park’s underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay is an absolute must-do.
(3) Caneel Bay, St. John
Caneel Bay Beach is a perfect choice for those looking for a resort beach experience. After spending a day snorkeling or sunbathing, watch the sunset as you enjoy dinner and a cocktail at The Caneel Bay Resort’s seaside restaurants.
(4) Lindquist Beach, St. Thomas
A peaceful, unspoiled beach accessible only by a dirt road, Lindquist is beloved for its crystal-clear turquoise water, soft sand, and shade-providing trees.
(5) Sandy Point, St. Croix
You may have already seen this picture-perfect beach featured in commercials and films (including The Shawshank Redemption) – it’s the quintessential image of paradise. Its desirability is only heightened by its exclusivity; because Sandy Point is a nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles, it’s only open on weekends during turtle-nesting off-season from September through March.
(6) Coki Beach, St. Thomas
This lively beach is home to some of the best snorkeling on St. Thomas. Bars and restaurants line the shore, and vendors offer snorkeling gear, floats, chairs, and umbrella rentals. Stop by after a visit to the neighboring Coral World for a full day of family fun.
(7) Salt Pond Bay, St. John
It’s a bit of a trek to Salt Pond Bay Beach, but well worth the trip; shallow, clear water and calm surf make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a perfect base for a short, beautiful hike on the Drunk Bay Trail or the longer Ram Head Trail.
(8) Cane Bay, St. Croix
In addition to being one the best dive sites in the Caribbean, Cane Bay offers a little bit of everything: gorgeous scenery, restaurants and bars, chair and equipment rentals, and of course, a decades-old dive shop.
(9) Maho Bay, St. John
The calm and shallow Maho Bay is a perfect place for young children or beginner snorkelers to spot sea turtles. The beach is relatively narrow, so the line of trees bordering the sand provides plenty of natural shade.
(10) Turtle Beach, St. Croix
Turtle Beach is actually located on Buck Island, an uninhabited island about one-and-a-half miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix. Accessible only by boat, this idyllic beach is a perfect day-trip destination.
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