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United States Virgin Islands Beaches

Magens Bay Beach (St. Thomas)
Conde Nast Traveler gave this beach a rating of one of the world's 10 most beautiful beaches. What makes it so is that it spans between two mountains. It's accessible - only three miles north of the capital. Yes, the turquoise waters are heavenly and perfect for snorkeling or swimming. But remember, St. Thomas is a great port for cruise ships so you'll often find Magens Bay Beach very crowded. Choose mid-afternoon as your time to visit. They have everything here, from snorkel rental to changing facilities. Kayaks are available as well. Magens Bay Beach is open between 5 AM and 6 PM, and insect repellent is recommended during late afternoon. A nominal charge is incurred to access the beach.

Little Magens Bay Beach (St .Thomas)
Though nude beaches are not a big thing in the U.S. Virgin Islands (it's not legal and only unofficially tolerated), there are a few. One of the more popular ones is just down the trail from well-known Magens Bay Beach. To get there, just follow the signs. Little Magens Bay Beach is separated by rocks and water from the grand Magens Bay Beach.

 

Secret Harbour Beach (St. Thomas)
Imagine a colorful harbor, with mountains surrounding a dazzling white beach. The turquoise water turns shades of deep blue as you look to the horizon. The coconut palms amongst the rocks along the shore make perfect partial shade for getting that spectacular tan. The rocks, warm water, Caribbean, and St. Thomas make for a really great snorkel spot.

Morning Star Beach (St. Thomas)
On St. Thomas' South Side, near the Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort is Morning Star Beach. Morning Star faces what is also known as Frenchman's Bay - and many locals simply call this Frenchman's Bay Beach. Morning Star starts at the Marriott. The best way to get here is to use the cliff-front elevator near the resort. The beach then runs along a line of condos and greenery. It's nice, but the water can get a tad rough as it faces the open ocean. Due to its difficult access, Morning Star has become known as a more liberal beach. Younger crowds hang out here, many of them gay, and you'll find skimpier bikinis here than anywhere else on St. Thomas. Everything from beach chairs to snorkel gear, floats to sailboats can be rented.

Bluebeard's Beach (St. Thomas)
Bluebeard's Beach is less frequented than most of the other beaches on St. Thomas. In charming Vessup Bay, Bluebeard's Beach is another classic white sand strand. And you'll want to visit because this is historic as well as relaxing. Though now a resort, Bluebeard's Castle, or what's left of the fortress, dates back to the 1600's. It is said that Bluebeard, the infamous pirate, constructed his lookout on the hilltop overlooking the harbor (present Charlotte Amalie), so he could see when prospective ships were arriving, or sailing by. The view from the "castle" is spectacular. But it's not near the beach. The beach offers water sports and tons of room for you to stretch out and call your own

Cane Bay Beach (St. Croix)
Cane Bay ranks as one of St. Croix's best beaches because it excellent for sunbathers, snorkel enthusiasts, for walking, is a perfect "kids" beach, and scuba diving at "The Cane Bay Wall", a few hundred yards offshore. Cane Beach also features excellent sunsets.

Caneel Bay Beach (St. John)
Caneel Bay Beach is a good choice if you would like to combine a day at the beach with lunch at the Caneel Bay Resort. Take a swim, a snorkel or just relax. When you get hungry, you can enjoy a well-prepared meal at one of the hotel's seaside restaurants, the Caneel Beach Terrace or the more informal, Beach Terrace Bar. Snorkel around the rocks on either side of the bay or explore the sand and grassy center of the bay just off the beach, where you can often find starfish, sea turtles and stingrays.

Trunk Bay (St. John)
Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has white sands, crystal clear water, small fish peeking at your toes, gently rolling swells, and mightily pounding surf, all surroundrd by coconut palms gracefully waving a welcome. The beach is over a quarter-mile long with a spit of sand that juts out in the direction of Trunk Cay giving the bay a heart-shaped appearance. There are also historic ruins, sun as hot as you like it, and an under-sea trail for snorkeling and sight-seeing. The St. John Virgin Islands National Park maintains an underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay with under water signs providing a wealth of interesting information. The water is calm and clear, warm and inviting.

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United States Virgin Islands Golf Courses

Mahogany Run (St. Thomas)
This Tom Fazio-designed, par-70, 18-hole course overlooks the Atlantic ocean with a view of the neighboring British Virgin Islands beyond. Most spectacular is the Devil's Triangle - a trio of holes so challenging that golfers who play through them without a penalty shot earn a prize in the pro shop. Overall, the course has rolling hills, tropical valleys and greens that are really green, thanks to a recently completed multi-million dollar renovation which included a brand new irrigation system, recently regrassed greens and renovated bunkers.

Buccaneer Hotel (St. Croix)
Set on the grounds of a former sugar plantation and located just east of Christiansted, the Buccaneer Hotel is an island within an island, offering one of the most extensive roster of activities on St. Croix. A challenging, 18-hole, par 70 golf course, encompassing 5,810 yards with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Designed by Bob Joyce in 1973, The Buccaneer Golf Course is known as St. Croix's most scenic, with sea views from 13 holes.

Carambola Golf Course (St. Croix)
Nestled in the valleyed northwestern section of St. Croix, is the Laurence Rockefeller built, Robert Trent Jones-designed Carambola Golf Course. Since opening thirty years ago, the Carambola has been awarded a gold medal by Golf magazine for being one of the finest golf resorts in the world and has been given a four-star rating by Golf Digest. The par-70 course winds through a deep valley, full of water hazards in the form of spring-fed lakes. Bright tropical foliage makes for an exotic appeal. The rolling terrain and nearly 100 bunkers provide a stern test for the accomplished golfer, but four sets of tee markers and ample landing areas make Carambola a golf course players of all skill levels can enjoy.

The Reef Club (St. Croix)
This 9-hole mini-course on the northeastern part of St. Croix has a casual personality perfect for some carefree putting. Friday afternoon scrambles are an event. There's also a driving range.

 

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