ST. THOMAS BEACHES| Where to GO and one to AVOID

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  • Опубліковано 9 січ 2025

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  • @sandyharris3578
    @sandyharris3578 10 місяців тому +10

    We love Coki beach. Been going there for many years.😁

  • @Sunshine-614
    @Sunshine-614 10 місяців тому +5

    I love Magen’s Bay beach! I have been there many times and it’s so gorgeous and I love all the wildlife I have seen there each time. Further down the beach from the entrance where there are less crowds is amazing. I never buy drinks or food there and just bring my own bottled water or soda and enjoy nature.

  • @michelleb749
    @michelleb749 10 місяців тому +4

    We were just at Magen's Bay last week. It was great. We just walked down a few minutes away from the peopel and it was great and much less crowded. Sand was so nice and soft. Perfect clear water. The bathroom was clean and I enjoyed my Bushwacker. Sorry, your experience differed.

  • @NauticalNurseNancy
    @NauticalNurseNancy 10 місяців тому +3

    What a great and informative video! We recently went to St. Thomas twice, and you know we love to experience a fun day at the beach! We tried Saffire beach, hoping to have some great snorkeling, however there had just been a storm so the waves were way too rocky for us to snorkel in those waters. Our second time back there we did venture over to Trunk Bay beach in St. John's and had a WONDERFUL experience!! I would totally go back there in a heart-beat although it definitely was a commitment of time, money and energy to get there and back!

    • @wisconsineaglesfan7925
      @wisconsineaglesfan7925 8 місяців тому +1

      It's not "St. John's", this is very common mispronunciation. It is just "St. John", like it is "St. Thomas", or "St. Croix". It is not like "Martha's Vineyard" or "St John's Wood".
      And if you have the money (it's not cheap), rent a power boat from a place like Nauti-Nymph and and hit St. John and the BVI. If you are not comfortable captaining the boat, they have captains for hire. They usually will help you figure out the best places for your preferences too. Some common spots are Foxy's on Jost van Dyke, Cane Garden Bay on Tortola (among many other beaches there), heading up to The Baths of Virgin Gorda, then the Willy T in the Bite Bay of Norman island before heading back to St John to hit some more beaches and clear customs before going back to Redhook. It'll take a decent weather day seas wise to pull that off, but you get a lot of great beaches and sites in, in one day. And the early bird gets the worm here... shoot for an 7:30 or 8A start at the latest if you want to get up to Virgin Gorda.
      Lived in the USVI for a while, and lived on Maui for over a year. I'll take the USVI and the BVI over the Hawaiian islands any day just for the powerboat day tripping potential.

  • @kevinbrubaker3707
    @kevinbrubaker3707 10 місяців тому +2

    You are spot on for Magen's Bay. While we wanted to go there, it is definitely a one and done for us. Water was great, but the amenities were "slummy". We loved the drive there though. The "Taxis" can be quite spirited and the views are top notch! Also the Gondola to the top of the mountain was great, but getting down exercised of our patience. We learned to do that first and then get down early to avoid the rush of people leaving.

  • @AMGXB70
    @AMGXB70 8 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for posting! I just moved to St. Thomas, working as a Boat captain/sailing instructor and I’m selling around to different harbors and checking things out. I will definitely have to sail over to trunk bay and to secret Harbor

  • @brucecrozier3974
    @brucecrozier3974 9 місяців тому +1

    A great review we stumbled across this beach a few years ago while in St. Thomas

  • @r.smiles3617
    @r.smiles3617 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks so much. I’m headed there in a couple of weeks on my 2nd cruise in 20+ years. You’re not the only person I’ve heard warn others about Magens Bay beach being overrated. I think I’ll take the advice.

  • @erindee122
    @erindee122 9 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the video! In about a month, I'm going to be staying on Sapphire Beach for five days and wanted to get some opinions on surrounding beaches. I also try to be diligent
    with researching different locations before going and have never been there! This solidified our choice to ferry over to St. John.

  • @KathyL4444
    @KathyL4444 10 місяців тому +2

    This was a great coverage. I think I will have to try Secret Harbor the next time I'm at St Thomas. Last time I went, I didn't go to the beach at all.

  • @dianeuhlenbrock4107
    @dianeuhlenbrock4107 9 місяців тому +4

    We will be at St Thomas in May, arriving by Carnival cruise. How difficult is it to get taxi service to and from the beach? Especially from the beach back to the ship. We would like to visit Secret Harbour beach.

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  9 місяців тому +4

      Easy to get there..you will probably share an open air taxi with others going to that area. We got a taxi back fairly easy as well when we went..give yourself a little extra time on the way back for possible traffic.

  • @diamonddave3578
    @diamonddave3578 10 місяців тому +4

    Trunk Bay is one of our favorite beaches of all. Great place to spend the day. Great video. Thanks.

    • @2009PocoLoco
      @2009PocoLoco 4 місяці тому

      @@diamonddave3578 that’s on St John so a challenge for a cruise stop. But I agree STJ has the best beaches

  • @anne-marievr5710
    @anne-marievr5710 10 місяців тому +1

    Excellent guide. St. John is worth doing at least once. Water Island is a secret gem…awesome if you dock at Crown’s BAy….no traffic worries! Such a relaxing day and many sea turtles.Magen’s Bay is beautiful but it is not what it once was due to overcrowding and too expensive.

  • @georgiagonzales3769
    @georgiagonzales3769 9 місяців тому +4

    I lived on St Thomas for more than 30 yrs. Totally agree about Megan's Bay, never liked that beach. I remember Coki Pt when there was only one bar and a little food stand at the end of the beach. Was so beautiful and a local beach. Since they built Coral World the beach has become over run with tourists and vendors. What a shame 😢 Also agree about St John. Lived there too. Worked at Caneel Bay back in the days. Any beach on St John is awesome. But Trunk was always a favorite. Thanks for the video 🤗🌴

    • @wisconsineaglesfan7925
      @wisconsineaglesfan7925 8 місяців тому

      Worked for Nauti-Nymph powerboats in the late 80's early 90's, we had an overnight rental sink/beach at Trunk Bay in 1991 or 1992. That was a "fun" recovery since the reason was a swell picked up overnight and the renters had improperly anchored the boat stern out, so the swell caused water to come over the transom and fill the boat, eventually pulling the anchor and washing the boat onto the beach. So battling the swell to get it off the beach. I did get some good boogie boarding in that day though too. 🤣

    • @leoempress4362
      @leoempress4362 7 місяців тому

      I absolutely agree

  • @janisw44
    @janisw44 10 місяців тому +1

    Great timing! We are headed to St. Thomas in a cruise next week!!!

  • @etaylor1089
    @etaylor1089 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for this- was already leaning towards Trunk Bay & this video helped me decide. Traveling to St Thomas on Carnival in June & can't wait to take my family there. I hope you also have videos on Puerto Plata, DR and San Juan, PR 🙂 🏝️

  • @donwooden6358
    @donwooden6358 10 місяців тому +4

    We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Sapphire Beach.... I would highly recommend it. HOWEVER, the prices on the island for just about anything are terribly high and cost prohibitive. $15 PER person for a taxi ride to the beach EACH direction! Family of 8 was $240.....you can be assured there was no tip when finished.

  • @valbowers1314
    @valbowers1314 4 місяці тому +1

    Coki was a great beach but crowded. I have only been to that beach and ST Thomas once. Now that I have seen this my expectations are set higher. :) Thanks for the recommendations.

  • @tomgiles7330
    @tomgiles7330 7 місяців тому +2

    I agree with her ratings if you are on a cruise ship, you don't have a lot of time. We normally stay for 8-10 days, so we know the beaches. Magens bay is amazing, but Sharon visited the far right end of the beach by the bar, we visit the left side and have more local people there than by the bar area. Water Island's Honeymoon beach is the best for the buck.......

  • @wisconsineaglesfan7925
    @wisconsineaglesfan7925 8 місяців тому +4

    8:43 It's "Charlotte A-mal-ya" not "Charlotte A-mal-ee". Very common mispronunciation. Lived on a boat in Redhook and Benner Bay from 1987 - 1993, and 1995-1997, and again 2001 for six months.

  • @Nickyb40
    @Nickyb40 9 місяців тому +2

    I agree with you about Megan’s. It looks amazing from drakes seat but I’d never go there to have a one on one beach experience. Lindquist is the best on island if you ask me.

    • @mickkollins
      @mickkollins 8 місяців тому

      if you've only got 1 day..skip stt and go directly to stj..hawks-nest, cinnamon, gibney

    • @wisconsineaglesfan7925
      @wisconsineaglesfan7925 8 місяців тому

      Lindquist WAS the best beach, until the developed it. It used to be a locals beach and you had to know where to park on the side of the road and cut through the bush to get to the beach. Now it is what is it. :(

  • @Souzafamilyadventures
    @Souzafamilyadventures 2 місяці тому +1

    We lucked out in july The enchanted princess was the only ship in port and Megan's Bay was not as crowded. We had a great time and the water was beautiful

  • @jesscarey7418
    @jesscarey7418 9 місяців тому +3

    thanks for the video. what about Emerald beach?

  • @sswan9689
    @sswan9689 10 місяців тому +2

    Hi Sharon, My daughter and I went to Megan's Bay last Christmas on the Encore. Very over crowded!! Normally I do not go to beaches when I go on a cruise I like to take a sightseeing tour thru the city but because my daughter loves the beach we decided to go there. And it is over rated, not what I expected

  • @charlieoconnore6u
    @charlieoconnore6u 10 місяців тому +1

    I agree with you Sharon on Magen's Bay. Totally not what we thought it would be. Crowded, trash everywhere, dirty restrooms. We plan on going to Sapphire Beach for our next St. Thomas excursion.

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  10 місяців тому

      Hi Sue!!! Thanks for watching, hope we get to see you guys again soon!!!

  • @JenBellau-legacybuilderbiz
    @JenBellau-legacybuilderbiz 6 місяців тому +1

    Great information! Thx Sharon

  • @denniscostabile4264
    @denniscostabile4264 2 місяці тому +2

    So helpful! Could not do Megans Bay again!

  • @juliaray9253
    @juliaray9253 8 місяців тому +4

    Thank you, we visited Megan’s Bay yesterday and it ended in a disaster for my husband and I.
    We got to the beach early and there was not a lot of people as time progressed more people arrived. We Moved three different times farther and farther left. Our last moved was completely left and after being in that spot for a hour a family moved directly behind us no more than three feet with chairs, towels and all there belongs. Not a relaxing beach. We ended up leaving. What a wait of money.

  • @biggadon
    @biggadon 10 місяців тому +3

    As someone who grew up in St. Thomas I would agree as beautiful as Magens Bay is , its def a tourist trap. I would recommend Coki point beach for a beach with a REAL Local feel, where you can get actual cooked local food and not just burger and fries. Coki is a smaller beach so yes it can get crowded sometimes. If you're willing to take a ferry to St. John you wont disappointed with any beach in STJ like Maho bay, Hawksnest and the holy grail TRUNK BAY. At the end of the day the people you cruise with are what makes your cruise enjoyable, if you have a fun travel crew your beach wont matter .😁😁😁

  • @Lord.Kiltridge
    @Lord.Kiltridge 10 місяців тому +1

    I like to swim in the ocean but have little use for heat, sand, or strong sunshine. The best beaches we have found so far are Great Stirrup Cay and the beach on the south side of Philipsburg Sint Maarten. The former because beach umbrellas are free and there are no venders on the beach and the second because we can get to the beach via a short inexpensive water taxi, and it's quick and easy go from a barstool in the shade to the water and back. Water shoes recommended. I confess though that we have never tried any other beaches.

  • @iTip28
    @iTip28 8 місяців тому +4

    Have to disagree on Magen's Bay Beach. We were there on cruise ship and non-cruise ship days (3 of our 5 days in STT). We found the water clear and calm every day, brought our own chairs, umbrella, food and drinks. We did have food/drinks on the first day, which happened to be a cruise ship day, and had no issues really. Sorry you had a bad experience. Looking forward to going back at the end of the month on our honeymoon.

    • @fairytailspa
      @fairytailspa 7 місяців тому +1

      Over rated last year we didn't see much snorkeling but they say go farther down the beach less crowd and can there but I was disappointed at Megan's. We are here now.

    • @galiprat754
      @galiprat754 7 місяців тому +1

      @@fairytailspa Please be aware that it is spelled Magens. Magens doesn't really have coral and rock except on the edges of the bay where there is plenty to see.

  • @kellyellis653
    @kellyellis653 8 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for this info! We go to St. Thomas on a carnival cruise in June. We will have a 3, 5, and 14 yo with us. I would love to go to Trunk Bay, but is that hard to do with kiddos? We are also looking at Coral World and Coki Beach to snorkel. Thanks for any info! I’ll have to check out your other videos!

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  8 місяців тому

      The cruise line might offer a trip to Trunk Bay beach, and that would be a little lees worrysome with the little ones, but if you have a full day in St. Thomas, you could still do it and be back with plenty of time to spare.

  • @hernan1873
    @hernan1873 9 місяців тому +4

    30 minute rides each way would make me super nervous

  • @lynnecornelison5903
    @lynnecornelison5903 10 місяців тому +1

    Honeymoon Beach, Water Island: it was such a low-key experience. Smaller beach, but felt like a private experience. We took a golf cart from water taxi drop off. Pay attention to schedule for taxi - it runs once an hour.
    Lindquist (Secret Sands for ship shore excursions is another private-feeling beach).
    Sapphire is beautiful water and views.
    But Trunk Bay is my favorite, especially as a shore excursion (did it twice last fall). Clear, warm water, clean sand. My excursion was identical for two cruise lines. So easy, with ferry next to the ship pier.
    Have visited all of these during island vacations (no cruise) as well. Magen’s Bay is better away from the concession area - very much not crowded and bath house was like a typical state park facility (not pretty, but beach clean and functional). It’s great for walking in the water.

  • @paulabusch6608
    @paulabusch6608 Місяць тому +1

    Could we make it over to Trunk Bay on our own if we are in port from 9:30-6:00?

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  Місяць тому

      Yes..just plan accordingly and give yourself room to get back to the ship with time to spare.

  • @barbarataylor5317
    @barbarataylor5317 2 місяці тому

    I’ve been to sapphire beach on my own and loved it… this pass April .. will be back in st Thomas august 2025 and plan on going back there again on my own.. I’ve heard so much about St. John beaches but no willing to go on my own and carnival does not offer an excursion there..

    • @justinnathaniel6506
      @justinnathaniel6506 11 днів тому

      Why aren’t you willing to go on your own? St John is beautiful and doesn’t have all the cheap tourist traps, and it’s full if beautiful beaches. Most of the island is National Park so it’s much much quieter

  • @GJGriff1
    @GJGriff1 21 день тому +2

    Secret Harbor Beach, like ALL the beaches in the USVI, are open to the public

  • @amberemmert9533
    @amberemmert9533 6 місяців тому

    loved the info it was most helpful:)

  • @LewisLudwig
    @LewisLudwig 9 місяців тому +8

    Completely disagree with you about Megan's Bay. You needed to move away from the people, go far to the left away from the entrance of the beach.

  • @mercyrodriguez5780
    @mercyrodriguez5780 10 місяців тому +14

    Out of all of them, Trunk Bay is the best around! It is supposed to be one of the best beaches in the world!

  • @jimbenbrook7675
    @jimbenbrook7675 10 місяців тому +1

    Mavens bay was great 20 years ago. When we go St Thomas now we take the ferry to St John and go to Cinnamon Beach

  • @loudnoidz223
    @loudnoidz223 8 місяців тому +3

    Coki is the number one beach to go too are you kidding me! Lived in St. Thomas until I was 7 and I have went back a few times throughout the years. I’m a New Englander now but I can vividly remember all the exotic marine life swarming my feet as I explored the beach. You really missed the experience if you didn’t get that

    • @wisconsineaglesfan7925
      @wisconsineaglesfan7925 8 місяців тому +2

      Just get out of Smith Bay before sundown. It becomes Smith & Wesson bay after dark and gunshots are commonly heard. Lakes Chicken is the spot to get lunch at though, their fried chicken is the best on island IMO.

    • @galiprat754
      @galiprat754 7 місяців тому

      @@wisconsineaglesfan7925 🤣🤣🤣 smith and wesson lol

    • @leoempress4362
      @leoempress4362 7 місяців тому

      I agree. I grew up on Coki point beach It’s my favorite. But I must say it’s way different than back in the day. It’s not the same

  • @stephen566
    @stephen566 26 днів тому +1

    Best beach in St. Thomas is Megan’s bay best pizza as well. Many of the other beaches are too small and crowded.

  • @susanam6870
    @susanam6870 7 місяців тому +1

    Agree with her ratings. Didn't get to secret harbor beach since there is no parking!!

    • @wbdeel1
      @wbdeel1 5 місяців тому

      There is parking up on the hill by the pool and tennis courts, but it is pretty good walk.

  • @michaellewis3219
    @michaellewis3219 8 місяців тому +1

    Thoughts on bolongo bay?

  • @billowyvilla
    @billowyvilla 4 місяці тому +1

    The best part of your review is that it will steer the tourist away from the actual good beaches. I will say that Coki can be a bit much for cruise ship visitors as the vendors can be pushy and that Secret Harbor is badly over rated, unless you are there to watch the sun set. Most cruisers will be back on there boat long before sunset.

  • @johna5428
    @johna5428 Місяць тому +1

    Hi do you have a recommendation for st Martin beaches

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  Місяць тому

      No videos for St. Martin, but we will try to put one together..thanks johna5428!!!!

  • @fairytailspa
    @fairytailspa 7 місяців тому +2

    Agree secret Harbour is amazing, Meagan Bay is over rated but cocki Beach is a fun vibe and decent snorkeling. The food is good if get from the lady at the back near the dj area. Best shrimp.alfredo I ever had.

  • @deemartire
    @deemartire 5 місяців тому

    What time of year did you go to Megan’s bay?

  • @LucyOfTheSeas
    @LucyOfTheSeas 10 місяців тому +1

    Maegen’s bay was extremely disappointing for us, dirty facilities, way overcrowded and long lines. We left on our own before our excursion was up

  • @eleanor4482
    @eleanor4482 10 місяців тому +2

    Lindbergh Bay Beach is just around the corner from the cruise terminals. Love it there. Vendors at Coki Beach and Magens Bay are too rude and aggressive for me.

  • @djrasjuky5139
    @djrasjuky5139 8 місяців тому +8

    For Secret Harbor there is no such thing as a resort only side of a beach. All beaches are public.

    • @Trance24seven
      @Trance24seven 6 місяців тому

      Please explain. Most beaches cost here or have 2 public parking spots...

  • @jorgeconj
    @jorgeconj 9 місяців тому +1

    They charge now to enter Megan’s? And yes locals can be very rude. They work in service but they always act like they don’t want to serve and they do this noise with their mouth wich I learned means like they are protesting.

    • @mickkollins
      @mickkollins 8 місяців тому +1

      yes its called sucking teeth....racism..in the service industry iits a recipe for disaster

    • @royrogers3404
      @royrogers3404 8 місяців тому +2

      As a local. I have just two comments. You're wrong on Brewers beach. It dies in fac4 have facilities and three food vans for eating. With Magens, it's pretty simple. It's one if the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. If you come on a heavy cruise ship day with six ships in port, and each ship having 3,000 plus passengers, obviously it will be crowded. If you happen to be in port on a day where there are just one or two ships, you'll be fine.

  • @djrasjuky5139
    @djrasjuky5139 8 місяців тому +2

    Brewers beach has bathrooms and showers.

  • @bebreyes4766
    @bebreyes4766 10 місяців тому +1

    I agree on Megan’s

  • @JoyceCocke
    @JoyceCocke 2 місяці тому +1

    I agree with you 100% about magenta bay beach . I was not impressed at all

  • @beckyatwood4901
    @beckyatwood4901 10 місяців тому +1

    I agree! We were shocked and very disappointed

  • @bobhowe2234
    @bobhowe2234 10 місяців тому +1

    Best Beach ...take the water taxi to St. John's and go to Trunk Bay. Quaint and it's outstanding.

  • @2009PocoLoco
    @2009PocoLoco 4 місяці тому +15

    As a local, I’m going to disagree with about 90% of this. You can’t rate somewhere after visiting once for a few hours and you missed all the best beaches or described them incorrectly. Btw, a taxi is the worst way to get around the island, they’re an overpriced tourist trap.

    • @tonyintrevado8960
      @tonyintrevado8960 4 місяці тому +2

      so whats the best way. Example cruise port to Lindquist beach?

    • @2009PocoLoco
      @2009PocoLoco 4 місяці тому +7

      Walk another 49 yards to the bus stop on the steer and grab a regular safari not the taxi safaris that go to the cruise ship. $2-$3-$5 depending on which stop you’re at.

    • @Jigganva
      @Jigganva 4 місяці тому +2

      I stayed there 6 days this summer, your island is amazing!!

    • @HariSeldon913
      @HariSeldon913 4 місяці тому

      @@2009PocoLoco Is the bus system good and reasonably easy to navigate? Have a trip planned in a few months and have been debating if we should rent a car for 2 people.

    • @2009PocoLoco
      @2009PocoLoco 4 місяці тому

      @@HariSeldon913 no. Great for a short trip if you’re on a cruise and going close like Lindquist.
      Rent a jeep if you’re staying on island for more than a few days.

  • @jeannel7255
    @jeannel7255 10 місяців тому +1

    Also, it's not a great experience at Megan's Bay. Beautiful but rude bar staff & crowded

  • @Jigganva
    @Jigganva 4 місяці тому +4

    The beaches on St. John are better than at Thomas

  • @meauxjeaux431
    @meauxjeaux431 Місяць тому +2

    I DON'T NEED TO SEE IT IN PERSON TO KNOW THAT MAGEN'S BAY BEACH IS FAR FROM A WORLD CLASS BEACH.

    • @justinnathaniel6506
      @justinnathaniel6506 11 днів тому

      What a stupid comment! You’re going to take the word a single UA-camr? I’ve personally been, and really enjoyed it. You have think about other factors that went into this person’s visit, but also you should experience it for yourself. I’m returning in a month, and I’ll definitely be visiting Maegans Bay.

  • @johnpeppers3784
    @johnpeppers3784 10 місяців тому +2

    Best beach I have ever been to! You are wrong!

  • @102810281028nl
    @102810281028nl 10 місяців тому +1

    100% agree Magens Bay is overrated. We went there and the water was gross. Never got food or drink because the line was so long.

    • @SharonatSeaTravel
      @SharonatSeaTravel  10 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching!!!

    • @biggadon
      @biggadon 10 місяців тому +1

      the water is not GROSS.....😁😁🤩

  • @helenacohen11
    @helenacohen11 4 місяці тому

    Omg Meghan bay beach or whatever it called, such a zooooo! Very disappointed. This is can be a great, beautiful place but unfortunately because cruise ships so many people on one beach makes it crazy like a zoo

  • @willg7882
    @willg7882 10 місяців тому +1

    👍!

  • @jonmccann1324
    @jonmccann1324 7 місяців тому +2

    Coki full of “vendors” selling drugs….

    • @galiprat754
      @galiprat754 7 місяців тому +1

      Coki is peak cruise ship visitors, so the "vendors" adjust accordingly. People also sell food, braid hair, sell alcohol, sell coconuts, equipment, diving. I think you missed that part. Its got the best snorkeling of all the beaches in St Thomas.

    • @Trance24seven
      @Trance24seven 6 місяців тому +2

      ​@@galiprat754sapphire beach is better