TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums US VI and Puerto Rico beach activities in St. Thomas

Hi Members,
Looking for some suggestions. We get to spend a day at this island off a cruise ship in Dec. We like beaches and all the water activities that go along with it. Can anyone recommend a good beach with lots of water options? We like the beach and water activities, including the beach bars, on Orient beach in St. Martin. So, looking for similar beaches on St. Thomas. Your help is appreciated. Thanks, TandP

Orient Beach is not going to happen in St.Thomas. It seems like each beach has it's own niche. Meagan's Bay is beautiful with facilities, but no snorkeling, sand bottom. Coki has excellent snorkeling, some shops, great smoothies, and pretty good food, Lindburg (closest to the ship) has those foot propelled jet things, don't know what they are called but the instructors do a lot better then the guests. Marriott has jet skis, and so many more great beaches.

TANDP: The beaches here are different from St Martin/Maarten. Most have maybe one hotel or condo with a restaurant/bar, not multiple outlets. Many have SUP, kayaks, Hobie cats, etc. as toys. Lindbergh does have flyboarding. The most lively beach is probably Coki. It has lots of local food and beverage options, snorkeling, diving.

Magens Bay[actual spelling] has kayaks and SUP's - not much for snorkeling - a great beach bar and good snack food restaurant - chairs for rent, picnic tables and shade available - easy access via taxi - an entrance fee - very clean - and is big long stretch of sandy beach with calm water. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

thanks for all your help. Not expecting Orient beach but would like a beach with some options for fun. I think of St. Thomas as a shopping destination - true?
TandP

The Danish were big on free ports, so buying and selling was a big deal. Yes, there is shopping. We would be happy if you spend your money here. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> What sort of beach fun are you looking for?

beach fun would be jet skis, parasailing, surfing, swimming etc.
thanks.

Marriott? except the surfing. My son worked for Capt. Nautica near Red Hook and they has parasailing

Swimming is at all beaches. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Surfing is very weather dependent and is typically at Hull Bay when there is a swell. Parasailing used to be at most beaches, but now I believe has to be reserved in advance. PWC are mostly tours: Bolongo, Morning Star, Lindbergh, Coki, Sapphire Marina.

how far from the cruise ship terminal is Magen's Bay?
Thanks, TandP

There are two cruise ship docks. Magens is probably 20 minutes away from Havensight, maybe a bit more from Crown Bay? The only watertoys at Magens are non-motorized, if that makes a difference.

do you know which terminal is typically used by Princess cruise line? I assume Magens bay has a long beach with calm water and beach bars available??? Thanks

Princess has traditionally used Crown Bay..

If you are coming it at Crown Bay and want a beach with bars, nice swimming area, paddle boards, snorkeling etc. Save yourself the grief of a cab ride across the island. Just walk next door to Crown Bay Marina and catch a ten minute five dollar ferry ride to Water Island. Two beach bars and a great swimming area at Honeymoon Beach. Dinghie's Beach Bar runs a free shuttle from the Ferry dock on Water Island or you can walk five minutes to the beach.