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 $5 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, There are NO snorkel or float rentals, but a recently-started kayak rental business is offering use of snorkel equipment to its customers (Water Island Kayaks, 340-227-6804 for more info). No other snorkel gear is available.
• Notes - don't get left behind. Make sure you know the ferry schedule. Heidi's Honeymoon Grill serves food and beverages on Saturdays and Sundays frm about 10:30 AM till 5 PM.

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 >>

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! >>