Swimming Pools Archives - World's Best Beaches

Negril Beach, Jamaica

Aside from the seemingly endless stunning beach and the azure waters off the West End, Negril has many great restaurants and an active night life. There are many interesting tours offered to places outside of Negril, so there is no shortage of things to do. Most places do have small swimming pools, and beachside restaurants- some, excellent. Often, guests return year after year. Native fare is gracefully mixed with numerous international restaurants in and around the resort areas. The breathtaking environment and classic Jamaican elements are what make Negril a great start for exploring the island.

When you choose a Beaches resort you’ll enjoy an all-inclusive vacation that features food and beverage, tips and gratuities, accommodations, airport transfers and water sports. These family-style resorts offer fun for each member of your family. After reading the mixed reviews of this resort, I’m wondering if they are describing the same resort. We just returned on 10/10/08 for a 6 night stay in this “resort” which we booked through RCI. Your every wish/request is granted by the management and staff; they are the warmest and friendliest people we have encountered at any resort.

This year the organizers have promised yet another uplifiting Jamaican experience which will seek to revisit roots culture, showcasing the past, present and future roots cultural genres by top cultural artistes. Come and experience this one of a kind inspirational reggae Concert. Negril is located on the westernmost tip of Jamaica .the sunset side of Jamaica. The weather is subtropical, with daytime temp.of 85 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year.

Negril Beach Club Condos is centrally located group of twenty condos with full amenities you would expect at any hotel. We have a pool, full water sports and scuba facilities adjacent, restaurant, snack shop, bar, and plenty of parking. Negril beach house villas are dividable. Take a one, two, three, four plus bedroom villa or multiple villas that can accommodate up to fifty-two persons. For the beach lovers, we offer a free shuttle service conveniently scheduled after breakfast , that takes you to the beach at the Mariner’s Negril Beach Club, and takes you back in the afternoons. In time to have a pina colada while watching the Sunset.

This Negril beach promotes a laid-back lifestyle and carefree ambience more than any other in Jamaica or, perhaps, in the Caribbean. Clean aquamarine waters, coral reefs, and a backdrop of palm trees add to the appeal. If you want to escape the hair-braiders, hustlers, aloe masseurs, reggae music, and the rest, escape to Long Bay Beach Park at the far northern end of Negril Beach.

Out beyond the hotel belt, this stretch of beach is set against a backdrop of picnic tables and changing rooms. Soaring beachfront honeymoon one bedroom loft suites are a dream come true and another Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa exclusive. But the most awesome feature of all is the spectacular daily sunset.

Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman

Georgetown at the south end of Seven Mile Beach is a jewelry shopping Mecca and is lined with funky restaurants where you can sample some local Caymanian cuisine, such as lip-smacking barbecued jerk ribs and chicken. Not to be missed is the fish market right on the beach by Georgetown, where charismatic locals spin sea-yarns and sell fresh-that-day mahi mahi, snapper, and wahoo. Courtesy of the calm water and casual atmosphere, Seven Mile Beach is known as one of the most family-friendly recreation sites in the Caribbean. The warm water has a sandy bottom, making it a great place for children to swim. Beloved by the hippies of the 1960s, Seven Mile Beach is still as beautiful as ever, but it’s no longer the idyllic retreat it once was. Resorts now line this beach, attracting an international crowd.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

One of the most popular spots on Seven Mile Beach is simply known as the Public Beach; a name that implies that the rest are private. However, despite what anybody may try and tell you, all beaches in Grand Cayman are public . When you walk north from Harbour Heights, it’s quiet, calm, and you will feel like Seven Mile Beach is all yours.

The Westin is a resort in the true sense of the word, in that its in-house facilities tempt you to remain there and not move too far. There is a swim up bar, large pool areas, Jacuzzi and a full service spa for top-to-toe pampering. Seven Mile Beach offers Grand Cayman ‘s visitors its greatest resorts, restaurants, nightlife, water sports and golf. With all of the amenities that you’d expect from a luxury condo resort, including 2 sparkling swimming pools (one is shallow for small children), a whirlpool, a night-lit tennis court, exercise facilities, and gas BBQ’s for guests to enjoy. Come and experience this private sanctuary nestled amidst meticulously manicured pathways and tropical blooms.

The on-site dive shop is open daily from 7am to 5pm. There are many dive shops in Georgetown and at major hotels. The South Wall offers shallow diving in exotic coral playgrounds. Friendly service, a nice poolside restaurant, clean well kept rooms, and a Don Foster Dive shop next to the pool. There is even a large sandbox in a shady spot near the pool where small children can entertain themselves.

The Seven Mile Beach at Georgetown, Grand Cayman

You’re able to see the “Walls” that divers speak of where the ocean seems to drop-off to an endless gray abyss. For those who prefer to stay above, there are Glass Bottomed boat rides available in Georgetown. For diving or snorkeling, Grand Cayman beaches offer diversity of protected marine sites: wall dives, shallow dives and wreck dives can be embarked upon day or night. Along the shore, there is an endless expanse of reefs and coral gardens to house an abundance of sea life. Our man-made reef is a perfect excursion for guests who are not ready for a Cayman dive. It’s convenient and gives one the underwater experience we are famous for.

Praia do Forte Salvador Bahia

Praia do Forte is becoming an increasingly popular eco-resort town in the state of Bahia. It is about an hour and a half drive from Salvador and easy to get to by bus or car. Praia do Forte is now the headquarters of the extensive national turtle conservation project, TAMAR Project, with national and international prestige, credibility and recognition. In the state of Bahia, the largest number of spawnings of the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), considered to be one of the most threatened with extinction all over the world. Praia do Forte received its name from the Fortress built by the Captain Garcia D’avila Castle, who obtained an enormous chunk of land from the Portuguese crown in order to stimulate colonization of the Portuguese colony. It is one of the biggest fortifications built in Latin America.

Praia do Forte has all the ammenities a kid needs. You have a kid’s club with dyly activities to keep them thrilled and occupied all day, personal baby sitter at very affordable prices and great beaches (with parasails, sailing boats, kayaks, diving equipment and calsses, etc) and swimming pools (with dayly activities as well). Located near the northwestern most tip of the island, Praia do Forte is a small and charming beach with calm waters just over the hill from Jureri Internacional. The beach’s name, which translates to “beach of the stong”, comes from the 18th century military fort located there called Fortaleza de Sao Jose. Ideal for families or large groups, these houses offer one of the best locations in Praia do Forte.

If you’re more into creature comforts, Praia do Forte is very popular with European and American travelers for its unique shopping possibilities. We have good deals with car rental services and the road to Praia do Forte is good. It is a long, straight road so, despite a distinct lack of signposts, it is hard to lose your way. Visitors to the Tamar site in Praia do Forte see turtles from days-old hatchlings to 20-year-old adolescents. Best of all, from late January to the end of April, Tamar lets visitors witness the little turtles hatch out and make for the ocean.

The beachfront resort is huge with so many amenities. The food at the main buffet restaurant was fantastic with food varities from various countries every day. The capital’s beaches range from calm inlets, ideal for swimming, sailing, diving and underwater fishing, as well as open sea inlets with strong waves, sought by surfers. There are also beaches surrounded by reefs, forming natural pools of stone, ideal for children.

There are a range of excellent low key luxury resorts in Praia do Forte. Praia do Forte Eco Resort is a magical property located in Praia do Forte, a charming fishing village situated one hour north of Salvador da Bahia. This extensive beachfront property, the first eco resort hotel in Brazil, offers a wide range of activities and services for relaxation and adventure. Three years ago Praia do Forte was a sleepy little fishing town with three streets (none of them paved), no banks, no post office, no business hours, a couple of small pousadas, and a tiny seaside church. Then a firestorm of real estate speculation swept the coast, bringing massive new resorts, upscale hotels, chain restaurants, and expensive clothing boutiques.

Alba Adriatica Beaches Abruzzo Italy

The seaside at Alba Adriatica is perfect for anyone who seeks calmness in the gentle undulation of the waves as they produce their way from the horizon to the shore. The water here is said to be the clearest in the Adriatic. The beach at Alba Adriatica is among the most attractive on the Abruzzo coast - a stretch of silvery sand and a calm, blue sea. Alba Adriatica is located at an altitude of 5 m a.s.l. Distance from Teramo, the main town of the Province, is 37 km. In terms of entertainment, Alba Adriatica is considered very much the rising star of the Adriatic coast, since it is a relatively new resort with an array of facilities. These include enormous open-air night clubs with fountains and swimming pools, as well as small-scale club-pubs and the beach-front establishments that in the evening are transformed into clubs.

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The sea in Alba Adriatica is ideal for those who want gently shelving seabeds and clear water that is among the clearest in the Adriatic sea. There are also plenty of opportunities for those who are fond of water sports such as sailing and windsurfing. The beach of Alba Adriatica is among the most beautiful along Abruzzo’s coast. Graced with silver-white sand, it is up to one hundred meters wide and three kilometers long.

You pay for the hotel stay in Alba Adriatica only at the check-out time by cash, travel checks or any credit card. You can check your reservation status or cancel the reservation by the link provided in the confirmation letter that we send to your e-mail address. This part of Italy has developed one such tourist vocation to make it to become one of the more important destinations of Abruzzi. Beyond to the tourism, important fields for the economy are the building, the handicraft - in the comparti of you weave them and apparel -, the commerce and the coastal peach. Abruzzo’s more populous east is made up of vast sandy beaches that stretch along the Adriatic; its west of hills that rise quickly to mountains. The mountainous region of l’Aquila, which lies nearest Rome, contains castles, ancient ruins and spectacular mountain vistas.

Alba Adriatica

Alba Adriatica has a lot to offer all visitors to the area. The picture is in the central area of Alba Adriatica, in a peaceful place at 3 minutes walk from the beach and the sea. Close by there are bars, restaurants and shopping centres for any kind of needs.

This Adriatic coast hotel has an inviting open-air swimming pool with Jacuzzi and table-tennis tables. The beach at Alba Adriatica is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful anywhere along the Adriatic coast. The silvery white sands are 100 meters wide and stretch for almost 3 kilometers. From the different airports you can reach Alba Adriatica conveniently by train (from all Italian cities), bus, taxi, or rented a car. The railway station is about 5 minutes by walk.

Alba Adriatica

Alba Adriatica is called Silver Beach due to its 3km of very fine sandy beaches. It has a blue flag of Europe and is one of the most well-known and established resorts in the Abruzzo region. Since its beginning Alba Adriatica showed a particular interest for tourism as a concrete help to its development. From our room here, a large garden overlooks the Adriatic sea like a terrace with a view. Here, among olive trees, guests can relax, lying under the gazebo next to the swimming pool or playing table tennis. Come along!

Praia do Rosa Beach Santa Catarina Brazil

The access is by BR 101, entering on the interchange of Garopaba, and later turning right at “Praia do Rosa” General Road. Just follow the signs. Garopaba is one of the largest tourist destination in Santa Catarina and has become famous for the vast area of a beautiful nature with lakes, mountain ranges, forests and several beaches. This is the place for people that want to live in a quiet area, close to a small town center and still less than 1 hour drive from Florianopolis. Project appears offers an innovative educational proposal to schools in the Garopaba and Imbituba area. During the whole school year, the IBF team goes to local schools carrying out with children eco-pedagogical workshops and art/culture activities with the purpose of forming conscious citizens who will be active in the socio-environmental area.

South of the city is Muro Alto Beach, a palm-lined stretch of paradise that includes the Nannai Beach Resort, where the hotel restaurant serves local cuisine accompanied by wines from growing regions throughout Brazil. The ultimate water-lover’s resort, Nannai’s luxury bungalows all have private swimming pools, while guests share a serpentine pool located beside a natural tidal lagoon. Plenty of accommodation, restaurants and outrageous night clubs. A great place for volley ball, and is the home of ‘futevolei’ [foot volley ball], too. Hire a cook, dine in the laid-back hotel restaurant or hotfoot it to one of the village restaurants over the hill. Yesterday’s whale hunters are today’s guides, and the whale-watching tours are the best in the area.

Fine seafood, and long walks along the beach where the surfers soon melt away. Huge waves make swimming hard, but plenty of laid back romance. Its clear and strong-tided sea attracts tourists from all over the country, specially surfers who consider Praia Brava the ideal place for the sport. From the belvedere on the road that takes you to the beach, the landscape shows the wild beauty and a paradisiacal view of Praia Brava.

Praia Brava
Take advantage of the regions perfect waves to learn how to surf, at the Capitao David surf school. Classes include theory and practice, beginning in the calm lagoons and then moving on to the real thing in the sea. They guarantee that all of our students will be able to stand up on the board and go through the wave. Surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life; Hang-ten and catch a wave on this compact, four day program, designed to teach you the basics of surfing and its unique counter-culture. Our beach of choice is Praia da Rosa, recently named one of the best beaches in Brazil.

Unfortunately to get there you need to drive on the BR101 highway, one of the most dangerous of the country. You can tell how dangerous by the number of trucks, holes on the pavement and overtaking cars in this 2 way highway. All year round, couples, groups of friends, families with children and teenagers come to this beach that provides excellent options for lodging, gastronomy, and leisure activities.

Beautiful Bali Beaches

Located adjacent to the stunning seaside of Jimbaran Bay, the Royal Bali Seaside Club provides an exclusive and private holiday experience that you’ll never forget. The resort is really very first class with sixteen luxury one bedroom apartments each fully air conditioned and with private balconies or courtyards. This website is dedicated to providing info about Bali beaches and finding the best accommodation about the correct seaside for you! The Grand Bali seaside is a favorite of many. The hotel has three kinds of accommodation, high rise suites, garden wing suites and bungalows.

Jimbaran Bay

A short swim from the shore takes you to coral beds which are rich with marine life along with a paradise for snorkeling. Recreation facilities at the hotels consist of outdoor swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, championship golf courses, along with mini golf. Nearby places of interest consist of Ubud, center of Balinese painting, Celuk, village of silver and gold works, and obviously the world well-known beaches of Kuta and Nusa Dua.

Beach at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

Lovely hotels, with freindly staff and stunning pools, having a swim up bar. The beach was good nevertheless the sea was shallow depending on the weather. Swimming, snorkeling , and different beach games are included in the recreational activities. Tuban Beach has an abundance of good hotels and facilities that helps the tourists in their stay in this destination.

There are beaches untouched by human foot prints, beaches buzzing with activity, beaches backed by untamed jungles, beaches of black sands and beaches dotted with isolated fishing villages. This island gives you the opportunity to own a villa or house at a reasonable price having a good chance on return of investment.

Dawn at the Nusa Dua Beach, Bali, Indonesia

This island is worldwide renowned for its hotels & luxury villas! Most of them are located on the beach, in well developed vacation resorts.

Grand Paradise Bavaro, Punta Cana

The Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort Punta Cana is situated near the international airport. The rooms at the Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort Punta Cana offer plenty of amenities for visitors, including air conditioning, refrigerator, showers, bathtub, towels, hairdryers, TVs, minibars, bathrooms, and much more. Guests can also take the advantage of using an in room safe for an extra fee. All the rooms of Grand Paradise Resort come with a terrace or a balcony.

Facilities

The Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort Punta Cana offers plenty of facilities for fun and adventure, such as spa services, ping pong, tennis, beach volleyball, and four outdoor swimming pools, where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters. Guests of the hotel will also get the opportunity to dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants. The Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort has a gift shop. If you have a baby, you can avail babysitting services on offer here.

There is so much to admire and cherish in the Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort Casino & Spa. You are sure to fall in love with the hospitality of the staff and the wide range of facilities on offer for guests, such as a steam room, fitness facilities, tennis courts and a sauna are available for the guests. The on-site spa offers beauty services, massage and treatment rooms. Other business amenities include meeting rooms for small groups, wireless Internet access (surcharge) and business services.
Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort Casino & Spa has a bar/lounge, restaurant and a poolside bar for the enjoyment of the guests. A cold and hot buffet breakfast is free for guests. There are also conference rooms and banquet facilities for events and parties.

Video Clip supplied by Thomson Holidays

Activities

The Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort features 4 pools, 3 children’s pools, 4 lagoon-style, 2 swim-up bars, a casino, 2 health spas, and a shopping plaza. This 3 star property also offers watersports activities for their guests, who can enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, shuffle boarding, sailing, boogie boarding, and kayaking. Other sports activities include bocce, soccer, basketball, miniature golf, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, bicycling and tennis to keep the toursists entertained.

This 3 star property also offers dancing lessons, aerobic classes, and language lessons for their guests. Dry cleaning/ laundry facility is also available in Grand Paradise Bavaro Beach Resort. On-site live performances are also organized at the resort for the guests.

Restaurants and Bars

La Laguna is an air-conditioned linen-service restaurant. This restaurant daily serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in buffets. Theme dinners include Italian, Dominican and German. If you are here for a dinner, do not forget the dinner dress code, such as collared shirts, dress shorts or long pants, closed-toe shoes or sandals for men.

Club de Playa- This open-air beachside restaurant serves grilled foods, such as hot dogs, chicken, burgers and fish for an afternoon, lunch and late night snacks.

Bars

Sports Bar – This air-conditioned bar opens 24 hours for beer, nachos, sandwiches, popcorn, tropical drinks, and juices. Pool and football tables are also available. Big screen TV and two computers with dial-up Internet access are also available at surcharge in the bar.

Beach Bar - You can enjoy tropical drinks from mid-morning to late afternoon in this beachfront bar.

Jambiani Beach - Zanzibar Tanzania

If you’ve been on a safari in Tanzania, chances are your travel agent has suggested a brief stay on the beach at Jambiani. And you’ll have a handful of choices of B&B’s and full-blown hotels. But more than that, think of the relaxation you and your party will find on a beach that is far away from it all and will isolate you from the hustle and bustle of the world. Spectacular white sand, the kind that is soft among your toes, and the sweet hospitality of a people craving for a chance to serve and show you a glimpse of their culture. We love it here and know we can’t stay forever, but who knows?

Why was it so many safaris chose to end their trek in Zanzibar? During the period of the great safaris Zanzibar was an Oman colony. Wonderful palaces graced the islands, and room and board was cheap, grand, and very relaxing. We almost knew what to expect. And yet, you’re tricked into thinking it’s just another beach. It’s not. Jambiani Beach is in its own category.

Pristine white sand, yet coarse enough to pack well near the water, Jambiani is a joy to walk on. The crystals glisten in the sun, and we thought about sunburn by reflection. Who knew this gem even existed? It’s well worth the trip if you’re anywhere near Tanzania.

Today, most of that rings true. The colonies are gone, but accommodations are inexpensive, and the best part of Zanzibar is that even now the beaches are largely untouched by commercial tourism.

Although when you think of Zanzibar, you think of the largest island, Unguja, Zanzibar is a collection of a few islands, including Pemba, where one of the worlds largest production of cloves is located, and the island of Mafia, where sports fishing and scuba reign.

Most tourists come to Zanzibar for the beaches. The islands are literally surrounded with them, but the best picks are on the east shore of Unguja, the main island. Zanzibar beaches on the west shore are too close to the port of Stone Town, with shipping, pollution, and what comes with city life.

If you run into a fellow tourist in Zanzibar, you may be told that the beautiful beach at Jambiani is crowded and that everyone goes there. The fact is, Jambiani Beach is miles of startling white sand. It would take a lot of tourists to crowd out this piece of paradise.

What to expect? There are no swimming pools, no casinos, no discos, bars… and mainly no electricity - except at some guesthomes. Your idea of paradise? Then welcome to Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar.

These beaches are actually home to small fishing villages. Fishing isn’t for commercial gain; it’s for the village. However, you will find that locals in Jambiani harvest seaweed. Because of the nature of the reef, about a mile out, the wave action litters the beach with seaweed at low tide. Seaweed is taken, dried, and sold to exporters - generally making its way as a nutritional product in Japan.

Transportation for the locals consists of riding bikes along the beach. You can rent bikes at various places along Jambiani Beach.

Another fun event would be to take a ride on a Dhow boat, the local fishing boat. Ask the locals for a ride during sunset. You’ll stay within the reef and see the beach like few tourists have.

But the best diving and snorkeling on the island is one beach away… Next >>

Jambiani Beach - Beach Index:

Sand - white coral sand with medium grain, some debris from seaweed
Facilities - none, except at your oceanside guesthouse
Shade - rare, tall palms and few short trees
Sports - snorkel, biking. You can arrange diving at the few hotels. For snorkeling, try to stay near rock outcroppings where marine life is greatest. Not much to see in the sandy bottom. If you’d like to bike, try early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
Notes - some seaweed washes ashore, but hey, it’s natural! Enjoy the culture of the people and mingle when you can. You will come away changed.

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

Did pirates really have the pleasure of spending any of their booty? I tend to think they loved the sport and what they gained was either lost or confiscated and sent back to the motherland. In any case, what they did enjoy were the beaches of the Caribbean. Colombus discovered it, hurricanes have ravaged it, and many a Spanish galleon have graced its ports. With quite the history, it’s no wonder St. Thomas must have been a beautiful place to relax and unwind. And that tradition has not slowed down.

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