10 FREE THINGS IN ST. THOMAS

  • 1 – Sapphire Beach – Nestled on the jagged coast of the island of St. Thomas, this spacious beach boasts fine white sand and beautiful views of St. John and the offshore cays of the U.S. Virgin Islands. When the sea is calm, you can rent proper gear to go snorkeling among coral reefs and see colorful tropical fish. Otherwise, windsurfing in the waters of Saint John Bay is always a great option. Hit up the beachside restaurants and bars to refuel afterward. You can visit Sapphire Beach on your own, as part of a tour, or on a private boat charter.
  • 2 – Coki Point Beach – Some say Coki Point Beach is the best place for shore snorkeling on the island. You can see a variety of sea life, including eels, blue tangs, conchs, angel fish, and lots of coral. You can also rent snorkel and scuba diving gear, and the dive center offers guided dives.
  • 3. Secret Harbor – Secret Harbor is a small, lovely beach. Nestled in a quiet, protected bay the water is usually very calm; perfect for swimming. Snorkeling is good along the rocky coastline on the right side. Palm trees are scattered along the shoreline giving the beach a very tropical feel; hammocks suspended between the palms help to enhance the atmosphere. A floating raft anchored in the middle of the bay is great for laying on and catching some rays. Children enjoy the raft as well; swimming out to it, climbing on and jumping off. Secret Harbor is home to the Secret Harbor Resort. A great restaurant and nice beach bar are available. Secret Harbor is a great beach for snorkeling, swimming, having lunch, a few drinks and relaxing!
  • 4. Water Island – The fourth-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this quiet 492-acre island beckons travelers in search of a laid-back vacation. At the pristine Honeymoon Beach, which is a short walk from the ferry dock, you can swim, snorkel, kayak or chill by the beach bar. You can also bike around the island to view birds and other wildlife that call this place home, or hike up to the historic fort and explore remains of military fortifications. To reach Water Island, you can take a boat tour or ride the ferry from St. Thomas.
  • 5. Mountain Top – This cafeteria and bar claims not only spectacular views from its 1,500 feet perch on the summit of St. Peter Mountain, but is the inventor of the famous banana daiquiri.
  • 6. Honeymoon Beach – Honeymoon Beach is a white sand beach on the west coast of Water Island in St. Thomas. It’s a popular destination for travelers and is known for its clear blue water, relaxed atmosphere, and palm trees.
  • 7 – Brewer’s Bay – Take the West End to Brewer’s Bay, a lovely white-sand beach popular with the locals.
  • 8 – 99 Steps – Step streets used by the residents of Charlotte Amalie, these historical 99 steps (the actual count is 103) were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world, which would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
  • 9 – Drake’s Seat – The vantage point where Sir Francis Drake was supposed to have looked for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet, this lookout includes a panoramic view of the Virgin Islands where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Caribbean Sea.
  • 10 – Morningstar Beach – This beach has two faces: a quiet spot to relax in a lounge chair and sip tropical drinks purchased from the beach bar; or, a sporty beach to snorkel, windsurf, sail and play volleyball. The choice is yours.

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