St. Thomas USVI Beaches

NORTH SIDE BEACHES

Magens Bay Beach
Conde Nast Traveler rated
one of World's top 10.


Little Magens Bay Beach
St. Thomas' only nude beach
and former Presidential favorite.


Coki Point Beach
Spectacular snorkeling.
Coral World close by.


Grand Beach
Off Route 38 - don't miss
this "grand" surprise!



EAST END BEACHES

Secret Harbour Beach
The "secret" is out. Great
family beach - worth the visit.


Sapphire Beach
Easy access, glorious views.
Spend the day with a gem.


Lindquist Beach
One of St. Thomas' prettiest!
Home to many TV commercials.



SOUTH SIDE BEACHES

Morning Star Beach
Some call this Frenchman's Bay Beach.
Young and Restless hang out here.



WEST OF CHARLOTTE AMALIE

Brewer's Bay Beach
Popular, sometimes crowded.
Look at the clear water!


Lindbergh Bay Beach
Named after Charles A. Lindbergh.
Used mainly by locals.



OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Water Island's Honeymoon Beach
Catch the ferry and catch romance!
Beautiful and quite. Charming.


Bluebeard's Beach
Become a part of history.
You gotta say, "Arrrrr!"

Bluebeard's Beach, St. Thomas USVI

Certainly less frequented than most of the other beaches on St. Thomas, is Bluebeard's Beach. In charming Vessup Bay, Bluebeard's Beach is another classic white sand strand. And you'll want to visit because this is historic as well as relaxing.

Though now a resort, Bluebeard's Castle, or what's left of the fortress, dates back to the 1600's. It is said that Bluebeard, the infamous pirate, constructed his lookout on the hilltop overlooking the harbor (present Charlotte Amalie), so he could see when prospective ships were arriving, or sailing by.

The view from the "castle" is spectacular. But it's not near the beach.

Bluebeard also has a beach named after him. The beach is located not far from the town of Red Hook (think Deep-Sea Fishing), and is postcard perfect. As you venture down Bluebeard's Road (Rte. 322), follow it down as it leaves Route 30.

Behind the beach are rocky hills and semi-arid vegetation like cactus and agave plants. Of course the sea grape trees are everywhere.

There are water sports available and tons of room for you to stretch out and call your own, because - not many know of this beach! Enjoy.

Bluebeard's Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain/white
• Facilities - full service nearby.
• Shade - palms and beach huts.
• Sports - rentals available right at the beach.
• Notes - off the beaten path and very nice!

We are off to St. Croix with - well, you thought St. Thomas was super... wait until you see the beaches on the next island over... those are NEXT! >>

Water Island - Honeymoon Beach, St. Thomas

If you want a little get-a-way, off the beaten path trip to a great beach, Water Island lies just offshore from capital city, Charlotte Amalie. It's the fourth-largest island of the U.S. Virgin Islands and has a dreamy beach to die for.

Shaded by palm trees that line the beach, Honeymoon Beach is perfect for swimming because there is little wave action. But you can also snorkel here, as well. The huts here rent out sailing boats, snorkel gear, and swim floats.

On weekends, a canteen is open with lunch and drinks! It's a perfect way to spend a day in St. Thomas paradise (actually, Water Island).

To get here, simply head for the Crown Bay Marina. Catch the ferry to Water Island - about $4.50 one-way. There are several ferries a day - you'll see the schedule posted at the marina.

Honeymoon Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain/white from coral.
• Facilities - yes.
• Shade - both palm trees and umbrellas.
• Sports - swimming, snorkel, sail, waterski.
• Notes - don't get left behind. Make sure you know the ferry schedule.

You can live the life of a pirate! You gotta say "Arrrrrrr" with Bluebeard, NEXT >>

Lindbergh Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Sometimes named Lindbergh Bay, Lindbergh Beach was named after the famous American aviator, Charles A. Lindbergh. Here again, there are two hotels that anchor the strip. On one end we have the Emerald Beach Hotel, and on the other we have the Island Beachcomber Hotel.

It's a tranquil beach, seemingly good for relaxing with a book or just blocking out the world. There are rentals for all water sports at the hotels. But, the beach here isn't good for snorkeling. The bottom is mainly sandy.

Because of the quiet surf, the locals have made this their place to meet and relax. And, there's even a playground on one end of the beach, it's the perfect place to bring their families - and yours, as well.

The hotels serve drinks out on the beach and the sand around the facilities is kept clean. There are a few restaurants at the hotels and open-air bars, always fun.

Lindbergh Beach is located just west of Charlotte Amalie. You can reach it by taking the Fortuna bus going west. Taxis and rental cars are also great options for you.

Lindbergh Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - soft, medium grain, white
• Facilities - full service
• Shade - sea grape and palm trees abound, umbrella rentals.
• Sports - rentals available at the hotels.
• Notes - child friendly, used almost exclusively by locals, political rallies sometimes held here.

Next, lets take a look at some other beach options on St. Thomas before we head on over to St. Croix. Right HERE >>

Brewer's Bay Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Although it's billed as one of St. Thomas' more popular beaches, Brewer's Bay is not one of the best. Popular because it's near the University of the Virgin Islands in the southwest of St. Thomas. But don't expect those awesome reefs of coral near the shore.

In fact, at Brewer's Bay Beach, we thought the best thing to do is just relax in the sun and bring along a good friend, or a book you need to finish. It's tranquil here, and there are facilities right at the beach.

Beach vendors will be able to sell you a light lunch along with drinks. Seems the tradition from other beaches across the world is set here as well. Vendors often have something you're not like to find elsewhere in souvenirs and guidance.

This beach is big - almost the size of Magens Bay. Where Magens has rock among the sandy bottom, promoting great coral growth, Brewer's Bay has none.

Don't confuse this beach with Brewer's Bay, Tortola. We cover that on our site on Tortola. St. Thomas has many, many options for beaches - so many, you'll soon find your favorite and the exploration will end there. Try to squeak out a few more adventures so you don't miss out on a once in a lifetime treat.

From downtown, look for the "Fortuna" bus that's westbound. Get off right at Brewer's Bay, across the street from the Reichhold Center.

Brewer's Bay - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - white, medium grained.
• Facilities - full service.
• Shade - look for trees along the beach line.
• Notes - near the University, can get crowded.

Okay, it has bathrooms and a lifeguard, and it's the beach named after a famous American aviator - NEXT! >>

Morning Star Beach - St. Thomas USVI

On St. Thomas' South Side, near the Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort is Morning Star Beach. Morning Star faces what is also known as Frenchman's Bay - and many locals simply call this Frenchman's Bay Beach.

Morning Star starts at the Marriott. As a matter of fact, the best way to get here is to use the cliff-front elevator near the resort. The beach then runs along a line of condos and greenery. It's nice, but the water can get a tad rough as it faces the open ocean.

Supposedly because of the difficult access, Morning Star has become known as a more liberal beach. Younger crowds hang out here, many of them gay, and you'll find skimpier bikinis here than anywhere else on St. Thomas.

The Morning Star Beach is about two miles east of capital Charlotte Amalie. It's easy to get a taxi here. And once here, there are full facilities. Everything from beach chairs to snorkel gear, floats to sailboats can be rented.

Morning Star Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - light brown/gold, coral/rock based.
• Facilities - full service here.
• Shade - umbrellas can be rented, or beach tents.
• Notes - young crowds, choppy water.

Off to the West End of the island where we'll find a beach named after a famous American aviator. But before we do - we must visit the beach with the clearest water on St. Thomas - Next >>

Lindquist Beach - St. Thomas USVI

You can't call them cookie cutter beaches, though the majority of them on St. Thomas are white sand, wonderful snorkeling, great views of surrounding islands - Lindquist Beach is no exception.

It isn't big, but it sure is pretty! Just look!

Again, entrepreneurs got smart and built two grand resorts on either ends of Lindquist Beach. The Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Club is at one end, and at the other sits the beautiful Sapphire Beach Resort.

It's here that many famous TV commercials and print advertisements are filmed. The beach serves as that "Caribbean" backdrop and is always in good light.

Another strong point is that it is barren - mainly because it's not very well known. And that's a plus for you. When you come out to the beach, expect few people. So plan early in the day and enjoy this piece of paradise.

As far as beaches on the East End, Lindquist (sometimes written as Linquist), wraps it up. We now head out to the South Side of St. Thomas where there is one beach that allows you to skimp.

Lindquist Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - white, of course! Coral based.
• Facilities - nearby hotels and resorts.
• Shade - palms at sand line shade in the afternoon.
• Notes - recommended.

Let's be off to the South Side where we find a couple of beaches worthy of a visit! Next! >>

Sapphire Beach - St. Thomas USVI

When you arrive at Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas, you can visualize that there must have been some settlement here long before the current Doubletree Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina. Because of the nature of the coast, one can imagine a ship offshore and small dinghies making their way to the beach. With St. John in the distance, protection was good from the open ocean.

One thing that keeps ships away from shore are the large reefs. Many a ship has gone down because of a collision with the hard formation. Sapphire Beach boasts one of the largest reefs, close to shore.

No ship has gone down here, that we know of, anyway, but the reef adds to the charm of this lovely cove. Walk along the shore and take in the waves as they end in the sand, or walk among the trees, some with spectacular blooms in Caribbean colors!

You can lunch at the Doubletree, while you're watching the boats go about the offshore cays, and the windsurfers who enjoy the direction and speed of the wind here. You can rent snorkel gear and umbrella shade right at the beach.

To get to Sapphire Beach, take the east end bus from town in the direction of Red Hook. Tell the driver you'd like to get off at the entrance to Sapphire Bay. You'll have to walk a piece, but it's not far. Plan on spending the day!

Don't forget the suntan lotion!

Sapphire Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - white/medium grain/some debris.
• Facilities - the Doubletree.
• Shade - some trees line the shore.
• Sports - rental at the beach.
• Notes - recommended.

They call the next beach a mere "strip" - but it ranks as one of St. Thomas' prettiest! NEXT >>

Secret Harbour Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Secret Harbour Beach in St. Thomas is a small package just waiting to be opened. It's located on the East End of the island and is surrounded by older condos. But once you've found it, you'll agree it's 100% Caribbean beauty.

Imagine a colorful harbor, with mountains surrounding a dazzling white beach. The turquoise water turns shades of deep blue as you look to the horizon. It's not a dream - it's the reason those condos are here.

The coconut palms amongst the rocks along the shore make perfect partial shade for getting that spectacular tan. Okay, enough with the superlatives - but, listen... this is a real gem. And because there are rocks, the water is clearer: less silt runoff.

And rocks, warm water, Caribbean, and St. Thomas make for a really great snorkel spot. Take a buddy and head along the shore near the rocks. Be careful of the anemones, and just coast over the coral below. Secret Harbour will keep you fascinated all day.

There's no buses out here, but hail a cab in town (Charlotte Amalie), and head toward Red Hook. They'll know where Secret Harbour is. It's well worth the visit.

Secret Harbour BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - white, coral based.
• Facilities - none.
• Shade - some trees border the shoreline.
• Sports - best snorkeling on the East end.
• Notes - bring your gear!
  

We call great beaches "gems", but this next one really is a jewel. Find out why people are willing to walk to get to this one - Next! >>

Grand Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Short and sweet and just off Route 38, you'll find Grand Beach. As a matter of fact, on your rush to Coral World or Coki Point, you may just pass it. But don't! Find a parking spot and gather your things for a day at the Grand.

This is one of the secret beaches that many simply run by on their way past Smith Bay. Here, you will find some of the best sand on the island; certainly one of the best views, and in our opinion, one of most charming.

It's not just for laying back, however. Grand Beach is outfitted with some of the best water sports. You'll find everything here from snorkel to diving, kayaking to beach floaties.

You can also rent items from your hotel. That may be cheaper. Just check their rates and know that the beaches will all have about the same going rates for rentals.

So mark this one down, or print it out - Grand Beach, off Route 38, not too far from Coki Point Beach. Visit the Coral World Aquarium while you're there.

Discover peace and beauty right in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands.

Grand Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - mainly medium grain, soft - from coral.
• Facilities - full.
• Shade - both palms and umbrellas.
• Sports - a variety of good sports are available here.
• Notes - recommended.

Coming next, a beach they thought would stay a secret - yet the secret is out - in an awesome way! >>

Coki Point Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Traveling up to the northeast near Coral World, is another excellent beach on St. Thomas. It's called Coki Point. As soon as you set foot here, you'll fall in love. The sand is simply grand - high quality and clean.

What makes Coki Point so special is that it has a beautiful beach where the whole family can hang out the whole day; it has a wonderful rock outcropping which makes for some of the best snorkeling on the island; there is Coral World nearby, in case you want to see more sea life up close and personal; and it is well located.

The water is crystal-clear and warm. And if you decide to snorkel, you'll be in for a treat. Just below that transparent surface are thousands of beautifully colored fish, swimming among great coral formations. The rocks are great, but check out around the Coral World underwater tower as well.

And the locals are in on the act as well. They have small zipper lock bags of food you can take with you while snorkeling to feed the fish. Take that underwater disposable camera!

From the beach you'll see Thatch Cay, just offshore. That's a trip in itself!

Because of all these pluses, there's a minus. Coki Point Beach is often crowded. The bus stops right in front of Coral World. So watch your personal items, but enjoy your day!

Coki Point BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - brilliant white from coral.
• Facilities - full.
• Shade - palm trees and umbrellas.
• Sports - everything from scuba to waterskiing right here.
• Notes - good but can get crowded.

Closeby, another winner beach - so nice they call it "Grand". See why it is one of St. Thomas' most beautiful - Next! >>

Little Magens Bay Beach - St .Thomas USVI

Though nude beaches are not a big thing in the U.S. Virgin Islands (it's not legal and only unofficially tolerated), there are a few. One of the more popular ones is just down the trail from well-known Magens Bay Beach. To get there, just follow the signs.

We have very few pictures of Little Magens Bay Beach, but these shots will give you an idea of how beautiful Little Magens Bay is.

Little Magens Bay Beach is separated by rocks and water from the grand Magens Bay Beach.

Little Magens Bay BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain/coral composition.
• Facilities - must go back to Magens Bay Beach.
• Shade - palm trees and afternoon shade from nearby mountain.
• Notes - it's illegal to be nude in the USVI.

Our next beach on St. Thomas offers some spectacular snorkeling! Bring the camera and let's head northeast - Next! >>

Magens Bay Beach - St. Thomas USVI

Conde Nast Traveler gave this beach a rating of one of the world's 10 most beautiful beaches. What makes it so is that it spans between two mountains. It's accessible - only three miles north of the capital.

Yes, the turquoise waters are heavenly and perfect for snorkeling or swimming. But remember, St. Thomas is a great port for cruise ships so you'll often find Magens Bay Beach very crowded. Choose mid-afternoon as your time to visit.

They have everything here, from snorkel rental to changing facilities. Kayaks are available as well. However, there is no bus service out to Magens Bay. Some hotels run shuttles; check with yours.

Magens Bay Beach is gated. The gates are open from 5 AM to 6 PM and by late afternoon you'll need insect repellent. It costs $3.00 to get into the beach and ample parking is available.

Magens Bay - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - powdery white, coral substance.
• Facilities - full.
• Shade - palms and some umbrellas.
• Sports - all available. Check local vendors.
• Notes - gets crowded.

Hey, close-by you'll find former President Clinton's favorite beach on St. Thomas. It's clothing-optional! Next! >>

Best Beaches of the US Virgin Islands

It's not hard to see why the U.S. Virgin Islands are known best for the sugar-white beaches. They are absolutely World Class. But the U.S. Virgin Islands are also know for shopping! Some visitors come from far away just for the great bargains at the most developed island of the chain, St. Thomas.

The capital of St. Thomas is Charlotte Amalie, what some have dubbed the shopping mecca of the Caribbean. Dozens of cruise ships make their way here each month bring thousands of tourists.

This means that on St. Thomas, you're not going to have the beaches to yourself. What you will have are many bars and restaurants, hotels of all prices, and tour operators.

Bigger than St. Thomas is St. Croix, more laid back, but many cruise ships stop here as well. There are great beaches here, but the gem is Buck Island, an offshore U.S. National Park. St. Croix is a retirement haven with hundreds of condos dotting the island.

Finally, St. John is the smallest of the three, and we think the more beautiful. Less development has gone on here, so there is more of the natural feel of the island to enjoy. Almost two-thirds of the island has been set aside as a U.S. National Park. The gem here is world famous Trunk Bay. The beach is wonderful.

Trivia

The islands of the USVI are found in two bodies of water. St. Croix is in the Caribbean Sea. St. John is in the Atlantic Ocean. And, you've guessed it - St. Thomas is in both.

If you're looking for year-round great weather, look no further. The U.S. Virgin Islands lie right in the subtropical, easterly trade winds, bringing near perfect weather!

USVI is about 60 miles south of Puerto Rico and some 1,100 miles south of Florida.

Let's visit our first beach, on St. Thomas, which was named for a famous American aviator, Next! >>

Three Best Beaches on St. Thomas - U.S. Virgin Islands

One thing you can say about St. Thomas that may not be true on any other Caribbean island is that there is definitely a beach for everyone. If you have been searching for a party beach, St. Thomas has them. If you are looking for a beach perfect for sun tanning, you'll find it right here in St. Thomas. If you love water sports, from snorkeling to scuba, parasailing to riding those funny banana shaped floats they tow behind jet skis, oh, and if you want to Jet Ski, there's a beach for all of that, too.

Perhaps you want a more laid back beach, one where the wind gently blows and waves lap up on shore as they've done for thousands of years, no problem - we have that beach getaway as well right here on St. Thomas.

And remember this - as you plan your vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands, all beaches are open to the public. Now what does that mean, exactly? Well, the sand is yours to wander upon and use, but right about where the tree line starts and heading inland, that's normally private property.

You'll find that some of the Virgin Island beaches have huge resorts built close by. This means that you can't fake that you're a guest and use their chairs and umbrellas, towels, sports gear, swimming pools - you get the picture. Don't get in trouble. If in doubt, ask.

To find our top three was a challenge, but we're happy to start out with number three.

Lindberg Bay

Named after the famous aviator, Charles A. Lindberg, Lindberg Bay is one of the beaches where people looking for a quiet day hang out. Sea Grapes and Palm trees line the beach that is home to the beautiful Emerald Beach Hotel and the Island Beachcomber. Why they didn't name the hotel Lindberg Bay Resort is anyone's guess.

This beach is perfect for kicking back. You can rent all of those fun floaties and not worry about waves. For sports, the hotels have rentals from snorkel gear to windsurfing to kayaks. You can even take a Hobie Cat out and enjoy the blue water.

Kids will have fun in the shallows. And guess what?! This beautiful beach has a playground located at one end of the beach.

And as if they thought of everything, you can snack or eat right at the restaurants or bars at the hotels. They are open-air and always fun.

You're a short drive from the airport - not like you would land and come right to the beach, but so you know, you don't have to go far. The beach is a few minutes from Charlotte Amalie. You can get here by rental car, taxi or even the public bus. We recommend getting a rental car when visiting St. Thomas. This will afford you the freedom of coming and going when you choose. You'll find that if you rent in your home city you will get a lower rate. Make sure you follow the rules that come from the rental agency; some roads can be challenging.

BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - soft, fine grain
• Facilities - full service
• Shade - sea grape and palm trees abound, umbrella rental from the hotels
• Sports - rental available at the hotels
• Notes - child friendly, not over-populated, clean water

Coki Point Beach

This is the beach that the cruise ships bring their crowds, but wait! Don't let that keep you from visiting. St. Thomas offers up the luxurious white sand gem that is popular among the locals as well. This beach offers a little more action. If you have snorkel gear, bring it. It's awesome.

As you can see, you could lie out in the sun all day and go home with wonderful memories. And that's fine - but - we would be remiss if we didn't tell you that right under the surface, right along shore is one of the world's best snorkel spots for beginners. How so?

Coki Beach gets little wave action, and because of this, there isn't much cloudy water caused by wave action with sand. On top of that, there is the rocky area near the shore. The less sand, the more coral growth activity and the better chance you have for seeing beautiful, colorful tropical fish. You'll see when you get in how super clear the water is. Wear a T-shirt because the water will wash off your tanning lotion and you will want to stay in longer than the sun takes to burn your back.

Be prepared for what comes along with the cruise tours: vendors, hair braiders, and pickpockets. You'd think St. Thomas would want to spend a little more effort here. The bathrooms are primitive. What they have for restaurants are a couple of bars and beach shacks with a few picnic tables.

On the positive side, there are chair rentals, taxis readily available, a great local dive shop, Jet Ski rental and a place called Coral World Marine Park right next to the beach.

Now why would the locals and cruises come here in droves? And why do we even give it a mention? Because it's that good. The beach is just great and the fact the reef is that close is an added touch that is too good to pass up.

So when you are on St. Thomas, don't miss Coki Beach. Spend a day with the locals and do some power-people watching. (Get some great snorkeling in, as well!)

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - soft, fine grain
Facilities - full service
Shade - some along the tree line
Sports - local dive shop, jet skis
Notes - can get a little crowded when the tours arrive, get your spot and enjoy, snorkeling world class


Magens Bay

Imagine a Christmas present of unimaginable magnitude. Shortly after that holiday in 1946, the people of the Virgin Island received the generosity of Arthur S. Fairchild, former Wall Street genius, long time island resident, and philanthropist.

So what was the gift? Land. Mr. Fairchild knowing what local governments could do deeded the land to the people - 56 acres of the most beautiful area of St. Thomas - Magens Bay.

Magens encompasses a former sugar cane plantation called Louisenhoj, named after Louisa Rohde, nee Magens - the daughter of a prominent Danish family. Thus the name, Magens Bay. So today, it's a public park on a grand scale.

Rated by National Geographic Magazine as one of the world's top ten, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, is quiet during the week and picks up a little during the weekends. The turquoise, shimmering water isn't known for snorkeling - that nice sandy bottom makes for kind of boring snorkeling scenery. But if you insist, locals say go straight out to the buoys, just about center bay, and you might be lucky enough to see one of the turtles that often hang out there.

Many films and commercials are shot here. Scenes from Weekend at Bernie's 2, Kawasaki Jet Skis, Doublemint Gum and Monsoon Perfume to name a few. That gives you an idea just how precious this place is. It is a recommended beach.

There is a concession stand offering food, drink, rentals and a small boutique. Some cruise ships do send their tourists here, normally around noon. The beach can get busy on Sunday and local holidays. There is an entry fee of $3.00 per person, $1.00 for your car, and 25 cents for each child.

BEACH INDEX:
Sand - white powder/fine-medium grain
Facilities - full service
Shade - adult palm trees
Sports - a kayak/sailing center offers limited rentals
Notes - don't miss this beach, the best of the USVI

Best Beaches on St. Croix

You don't need a personal invitation to visit St. Croix, but that's just what the beautiful palm-lined, sun-kissed beaches do. Spend a few hours or spend the day, these miles of white golden sand and turquoise waters offer an enticing way to relax or to brush up on your snorkeling or diving.

But that's not all. The many trails on St. Croix that weave along the shore and through the hillsides will make you wonder why you've never visited before.

Most of the beaches have full-service facilities. Some are very secluded. No matter your taste, you will certainly find one that suits you.

	Protestant Cay - Located just off the shore from Christiansted, a short ferry ride to paradise in St. Croix.
	Buck Island Reef National Monument Beach - Just 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, the National Monument is 880 acres of land and pristine water. Sunken slave ships make this a historical site.
	Cane Bay Beach - Dive? You may know Cane Bay Wall. But swimmers are in for a treat. Nice clear water, beautiful reef. Time for a Caribbean vacation!

Best Beaches on St. John - U.S. Virgin Islands

Click on pictures to enlarge them.

We can thank one of the Rockefellers for keeping St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands beautiful. It was Laurance Rockefeller back in 1956 who purchased and turned a large portion of the island into a national park. What this means to you is that as other Caribbean islands over build and over develop, St. John remains untouched. It's the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, but at 28 square miles, almost two-thirds are a U.S. National Park. Naturally this means more people want to see what "pristine" really means.

But remember, we have three islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Among the three, which are the three best beaches?

Since we're dealing with three islands, we'll give you the Three Best of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and at the same time let you know the Three Best on each island.

Caneel BayThe beaches along St. John's north shore are simply spectacular. Imagine soft white powder extending into the clear turquoise waters. Coral extends from the nearby rocks and beautifully colored fish can be seen from the surface. When you look out from the beach you are met with the stark beauty of the coastline and other islands with mountains shooting up out of the ocean.

If you are looking for calm and crystal clear, Caneel Bay is your beach. The white powder lined with rich, green tropical foliage is awesome. There is a resort here, the Caneel Bay Resort and you can access the beach right through the resort's entrance. You'll need to check-in at the front desk of the resort where they will give you a day-visitor pass and guide.

Set on 170 lush peninsular acres, originally part of the Danish West India Company's Durloo Plantation, you can snorkel the seven beautiful beaches. The snorkeling is outstanding! If you're a good swimmer, you can snorkel around the points of each beach. You'll feel like you're on your own Island – magnificent! You will spot turtles swimming beneath you.

You can also reach Caneel Bay by hiking from Cruz Bay using the Lind Point Trail.

A word about this fantastic resort; there are no TV's, no phones (although your cell phone from the States will work). They really want you to disconnect. Can you? Worth trying, no?

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - fine grain white
• Facilities - full service
• Shade - sea grape and umbrellas for rent
• Sports - see resort complex on site
• Notes - clear, calm water; recommended
  

Honeymoon Beach

Honeymoon Beach is tranquility in paradise. This smaller, yet more spectacular beach offers you beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. You can access the beach via the Lind Point Hiking Trail that connects Cruz Bay to Honeymoon and Caneel Bay.

Why is this beach so exclusive? We think it's because it's not accessible by car it is usually not crowded. The hiking tours, which are very popular on the island, make this beach a stopping point. Honeymoon Bay is also popular with charter boats from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

And what about under the surface? You will find snorkeling best by the rocky headland that extends into the water between Salomon and Honeymoon Bay.

So remember - you can't drive your SUV rental to this beach. You "can" access it by hiking a bit. The snorkeling is well worth the hike.

It's also accessible by boat. You can hire a sailboat or catamaran to take you to any of these magnificent coves.

Remember to take the camera because the photos here do not do it justice. The views are simply breathtaking.

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - fine white powder
• Facilities - none
• Shade - sea grape/palms
• Sports - bring your own
• Notes - can get crowded
  

And finally, Trunk Bay...

Probably the most popular beach on the island is Trunk Bay. If you come to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands for snorkeling, this is where you want to start.

Trunk Bay has a snorkeling trail. Yes, the beach is tops on the island, but before we review it, a few notes about the more than 650 feet of underwater trails. Come early in the day, before the sun is hot and the crowds start churning up the water to see all the markers.

Even if