The US Virgin Islands have an abundance of gorgeous white sand beaches, and St. Thomas Island, the largest island in the cluster, is no exception. With sun-kissed shores and plenty of opportunity for water sports, St Thomas beaches have so much to offer. If you’re visiting the island by ship, you will naturally want to know if there are any St. Thomas beaches near cruise port.
Going to the beach is one of many fun things to do in St. Thomas on a cruise. Although not necessarily within walking distance, you will find great beach options that are only minutes away from your cruise port by car or shuttle. You will be spoiled for choice with multiple beaches less than 20 minutes away from the cruise port.
Magens Bay Beach
Distance from cruise port: approximately 15 minutes by car
The top-rated and most popular beach in St. Thomas is most definitely Magens Bay Beach. You might have seen this beach before, even if you haven’t been there, as it was the shooting location for the honeymoon in The Twilight Saga’s Breaking Dawn Part 1.
Probably St Thomas’ most famous beach, Magens Bay, is chock full of activities for the whole family.
The beach stretches over one mile, so you can go for a pleasant walk or a refreshing swim.
If you’re looking to be more adventurous, Yak Shak rents out water sports equipment, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The calm Magens Bay waters make water sports a very safe prospect at the beach.
You can also hike to the beach from the Canaan trailhead on Magen Bay Road and meander through the forest, across a boardwalk, and onto the idyllic beach. This trail is known as the Discovery Nature Trail and is a moderately challenging hike.
How Much Does It Cost?
Magens Bay Beach does have an entry fee, which is used to maintain the facilities and keep the beach clean. The daily rate for non-residents is $5 per person, and parking is charged at $2. Children 12 and under are free.
Single kayaks go for $20 an hour, while $30 per hour is charged for double kayaks and for stand-up paddleboards.
If you’re interested in hosting a party while at the beach, you can rent a pavilion for $150. Pavilions include charcoal grills, picnic tables and electrical outlets. (This could be a great option if you’re planning a family reunion cruise!) They can be rented from 07:00 to 17:30 and also booked only for a half-day.
What About Food?
Magens Bay Beach Bar, Café, and Boutique will meet all your gastronomical needs! The establishment offers pizza (by the slice or whole), hamburgers and hotdogs, and pre-packaged salads and sandwiches.
Snacks are also on sale, like soda, chips, and candy. There is also domestic and imported alcohol on offer at the bar, as well as frozen cocktails. Breakfast is served from 09:30 – 11:30 daily.
Brewers Bay Beach
Distance from cruise port: approximately 16 minutes by car
Brewers Bay Beach is known for its crystalline waters and for sightings of the Green Sea and Hawksbill Turtles. It is one of the quieter beaches on St Thomas and has one of the widest shores. This makes it suitable for playing beach games.
The beach is suitable for snorkeling, and there is the possibility of seeing a turtle or a stingray. However, you’d need to bring your own snorkeling gear as there are no on-site amenities for renting.
You should also bring your own towels, umbrellas, and beach chairs, should you require these items. This is definitely a secluded beach and doesn’t have the pizazz of Magens Bay, but it also has the added benefit of some peace and quiet.
How Much Does It Cost?
Entry to Brewers Bay is free. If you are driving yourself, parallel parking is available. If you take a taxi, arrange a time with them to pick you up. You can also walk to the bus stop on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands and catch the bus from there.
What About Food?
There are usually some food trucks stationed on the road by the beach. They sell a variety of foods, including local fare. Water and sodas will also typically be sold by these food trucks.
Coki Point Beach
Distance from cruise port: approximately 16 minutes by car
If you’re looking for more of a party beach, Coki Point Beach is the place to go. Coki is bustling with activity and is one of the beaches on St Thomas with more amenities. The use of small amounts of cannabis has been decriminalized, and so you may encounter this on this beach particularly. (So perhaps not the best option if you’re traveling with your kids.)
Vendors and booths around the beach sell and rent anything you might need for your perfect beach day. Coral World Marine Park is situated next to Coki Beach Point if you want to make a day trip of it.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no entrance fee to Coki Beach. There is, however, a small parking area that costs $5 per car and roadside parking.
Parking becomes somewhat nightmarish, though, and it might be easiest to take a taxi. Unlike Brewers Bay, it is easy to hail a taxi from this busy beach, and you don’t have to worry about getting a taxi to fetch you.
Coki Dive Centre offers beginner scuba diving tours for $99, including all the equipment needed, and wetsuit rental for $5. If you simply want to snorkel yourself, it costs $10 for a daily snorkel rental, including a mask, snorkel, and fins, and $5 to rent a snorkel vest.
You can also rent a jet ski on the beach.
What About Food?
There are several food vendors. Typical Western food like burgers and steaks can be purchased, as well as local dishes like pates, lobster, fresh fish, and more. There are also a few bars along the beach.
Sapphire Beach
Distance from cruise port: approximately 18 minutes by car
Sapphire Beach boasts a host of things to do. There is a water sports booth where you can rent kayaks, snorkel gear, and windsurfing equipment. You can go parasailing or rent jet skis at the marina, which is within walking distance from the shoreline.
Snorkeling prospects are good on this beach, as there are many shallow rocky ledges and reefs where you can see schools of fish swimming around you.
There is an artificial pond on the beach, where iguanas and ducks can often be spotted. A resort graces the shores of Sapphire Beach. On clear days, you can even see the neighboring island of St John from Sapphire Beach.
How Much Does It Cost?
Sapphire Beach is free to enter. Rental chairs are also available from the resort at a cost.
What About Food?
There is a nearby restaurant at the condos, also within walking distance of the beach, and, on the beach itself, there are some food and drink vendors, a beach bar, and a pizza place.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on during your cruise, be sure to check out one of these beaches near the cruise port in St. Thomas. With white sand and crystal-clear water, you won’t be disappointed with any of these stunning destinations. So make your beach plans now and enjoy some relaxation time under the Caribbean sun!
