Good to know
Good to Know
- Cruise ships dock at Crown Bay or Havensight; beaches are accessible by affordable taxi, typically $1–$10 per person depending on distance.
- Magens Bay and Coki Point get very crowded when cruise ships dock—check the ship schedule and arrive early or plan visits on lighter days.
- Most beaches have shallow, calm waters suitable for families and children, particularly Sapphire, Magens, and Brewers Bay.
- Snorkeling is excellent at Coki Point, Sapphire, and Secret Harbour; avoid Magens Bay for serious snorkeling. Bring your own gear or rent on-site.
- Water sports (kayaking, paddleboards, windsurfing, jet skiing) are most available at Sapphire and Magens Bay.
- By law, only mineral sunscreen is permitted in the USVI—oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene are prohibited to protect coral reefs.
- All beaches in the USVI are public, though some are resort-adjacent; public access is always permitted.
- Parking at Magens Bay costs $2; Coki Point costs $5. Some beaches have free parking.
- Taxi fares are fixed by zone but confirm the fare before boarding; $1–$10 per person depending on distance.
Beaches
Morningstar Beach (Frenchman's Bay)
- Character
- full-service, family-friendly
- Taxi Cost
- $1.00
- Chair Rental
- $10
- Distance From City
- 2 miles south / ~10-15 minutes by taxi
- Description
- Closest beach to downtown Charlotte Amalie. Popular for snorkeling among vibrant marine life with natural rock formations. Well-developed with food vendors, chair rentals, and water sports equipment available.
Amenities
- restaurants
- beach bars
- chair rentals
- snorkel gear rental
- water sports
Coki Point Beach
- Character
- family-friendly, full-service, snorkeling
- Parking Cost
- $5.00
- Distance From City
- 20 minutes by taxi from Charlotte Amalie
- Description
- Northeast location near Coral World Ocean Park. Vibrant snorkeling beach with protected waters, abundant marine life, and local favorite status. Protected waters and good for families.
Amenities
- restrooms
- beach bars
- food vendors
- snorkel gear rental
- kayak rental
- local vendors
- shade trees
Sapphire Beach
- Character
- family-friendly, full-service, water-sports focused
- Distance From City
- 30 minutes by taxi from Charlotte Amalie
- Water Sports Availability
- kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing
- Description
- East end of St. Thomas. Clear shallow waters ideal for families and first-time snorkelers. Well-developed resort beach with excellent snorkeling access to nearby reef. Popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Amenities
- restaurant (Banana Cabana)
- beach bar
- lounge chairs
- snorkel gear rental
- kayaks
- paddleboards
- restrooms
- shade
Magens Bay
- Admission
- $1.00
- Character
- family-friendly, quiet (before midday), full-service
- Taxi Cost
- $10
- Gate Hours
- 6am–6pm daily
- Distance From City
- 3 miles north / ~15 minutes by taxi
- Description
- Island's most famous and picturesque beach. Mile-long crescent of white sand with calm, shallow turquoise waters. Very popular and often crowded, especially with cruise ships. Limited snorkeling.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- restrooms
- café
- chair rentals
- snorkel rentals
- paddle boards
- kayaks
Hull Bay
- Character
- quiet, local, party-free
- Distance From City
- 20+ minutes by taxi
- Note
- No beach chair or umbrella rentals—bring your own or find shade under trees. Surfers welcome. Water shoes recommended for rocky entry.
- Description
- Local favorite. Smaller, quieter beach with rocky shores. Popular with surfers (winter waves) and divers. Less developed with minimal rentals but excellent local restaurant options and laid-back vibe.
Amenities
- restaurant/bar
- dive shop
- lounge area
- restrooms
Brewers Bay
- Character
- family-friendly, full-service, quiet
- Distance From City
- Close to Crown Bay cruise port
- Note
- Feels local rather than touristy despite proximity to port.
- Description
- Close to the cruise port. Calm waters ideal for families and swimmers. Often has local college students and families. Good for spotting sea turtles.
Amenities
- food trucks
- facilities
- shade
- local/college atmosphere
Secret Harbour (Secret Sands)
- Character
- quiet, couples-friendly, snorkeling
- Distance From City
- South coast, accessible by taxi
- Note
- Less crowded than major beaches; good for low-key beach day.
- Description
- Quiet sheltered cove with excellent visibility for snorkeling. Popular with couples and return visitors. Small resort beach with restaurant and bar on-site.
Amenities
- resort restaurant
- beach bar
- gentle waves
- calm snorkeling
Lindquist Beach
- Character
- quiet, romantic, minimal amenities
- Distance From City
- 20+ minutes by taxi to east end
- Note
- Bring your own food and supplies. Less crowded, especially weekdays. Popular with photographers and couples.
- Description
- Pristine, quiet, white-sand beach with minimal development. Protected as part of Smith Bay Park. Photogenic and romantic. Recently added restrooms and picnic facilities.
Amenities
- restrooms
- picnic facilities
- shade
- no rentals
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Charlotte Amalie
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.