Lindquist Beach - St. Thomas USVI

First, let me remind you of a little beach safety. I'm not talking about watching for riptides and currents, heavy surf, although those are extremely important. I'm referring to playing it safe in areas you are not familiar with. If you think there is an opportunity for someone to break into your rental car, or to take things while you are going for a walk or swim, then be on your best attention to not leave yourself in those situations. Take care and use common sense. This beach is no exception. There are places around Lindquist that make it an easy target for someone up to no good.

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 one sweet cookie. The colors here will have you gazing for hours. And imagine going for a dip in there. Wonderful, no?

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! >>

Secret Harbour Beach - St. Thomas USVI

You knew there would have to be a beach in St. Thomas somewhere with the word Secret in the title. And this is it. It's not really secluded or anything, unless you count the many condos that have found their way to the shore. One nice crescent and a compacted sand beach lined with short trees and open sea. That means this beach can get rough when the weather gets heavy. Just one more reason that you want to sneak in as many of these beauties while the weather is good.

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! >>