Morning Star Beach is the closest to Havensight. It is the beach at the Marriot, has a beach bar/restaurant, Coco Joe's. Lots of taxis there, too! Have fun..

The taxi from Havensight to Marriott Frenchman's Reef should be between $4 to $6/pp each way. I talked to someone who works at the Reef today, and they said the taxis charge $8/pp to go to town (one way). Since Havensight is closer to the Reef, it should be less than what they charge to take the guests to town.

The previous posts are 100% accurate, and the Morningstar Beach is a nice one. However, my 2 cents is that the island is small and a taxi ride to Magens Bay will take just a few minutes longer. If you've never been to St. Thomas, I really encourage you to make that small extra effort. It's a beautiful beach and is a conversation point for you in the future. Again, Morningstar is perfectly fine - nice beach - pretty water - hotel and restaurant/bar located right by it. I personally would just take the extra few minutes to visit a world-famous location. Taxis are abundant going both to and from Magens Bay. Either way - you cannot lose! Have fun!

I concur with the above three posts. Morningstar is closest, but I would make the effort to get to Magens. Morningstar is a lovely beach, but Magens is a little better...and not much farther. Magens is more tranquil.....more tropical feeling.

I would agree that of the two mentioned beaches Magens would be the choice. The 30 minute ride across the island allows one to see more of the island with only comprimising a few minutes of beach time.

However I would caveat my recommendation.

I would definitely count the number of Cruise Ships that are docked. Magens can handle one or two in port, but when the number gets greater than that it looks like a beach on the NJ shore on 4 of July weekend. http://community.webshots.com/photo/547685030/2170876580082606958EtgjyF The linked picture shows Magens when 4 ships are in. To me Magens looses some of its charm when it is this crowded.

To ensure that a taxi will be available when you want to head back to the ship, let the driver that brings to the beach when to pick you up. I've never been disappointed by a late taxi no matter what island I'm on. Make sure you give a desent tip when your dropped off as a little insentive.

Agree with the other posters about Magens. The first time my wife and I came to St. Thomas was on a cruise in 1993. Following someone's advice, we went to Charlotte Amalie in the morning to experience the shopping scene and then to Magens about noon. Generally, we're not beach-goers, but standing chest high in that gorgeous, crystal-clear, gently-moving water while gazing around the "horseshoe," we thought we had died and gone to heaven. Add to that a couple of relaxing drinks and a jumbo order of killer steak fries - we never wanted to leave! That was our last cruise but the first of 13 annual trips to STT/STJ to follow. Although we've been to a lot of great beaches since (including some like Trunk and Cinnamon that many people find more beautiful), Magens holds a special place in our hearts because that's where we fell in love with St. Thomas.

Magens is definately THE BEACH if visiting only one. From the cruise ship you can easily take a safari taxi along with other folks from your ship. I believe you can actually sign up onboard if you want.

I drove with a safari taxi guy in making this run, and it's totally awesome because he and the bus are right there at the dock to pick you up when you disembark the ship first thing in the morning, and he then stays with you until your return to the Havensight shopping area mid-afternoon.....providing plenty of time to do some shopping right there before getting back aboard your ship.

There are many safari taxi's that make this run each day.

Magens has refreshments, drinks, food, equipment rentals and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

We were told Magens Bay is very crowded and there are 6 ships docking when we are. We were told to go to Sapphire Beach (quieter). Were also thinking of Coki Beach because we're going to Coral World and you can see fish in shallow water without snorkeling. Any advice. Thanks, Gayle

Sure - if you're planning a trip to Coral World anyway do go to Coki. It's right next door. It, too, will be busy with 6 ships in.
Have fun!

Once in Coral World you can use the changing rooms/ lockers and showers. You can leave and re-enter all day. Very handy if swimming at Coki.

Bassman