The WICO cruise ship facility is a taxi ride away from beaches. I think I understand what you mean when you say that you're not interested in "hotel beaches" but I wonder too if you've visited here before or are basing your negativity about "hotel beaches" based on other experiences at other places.

Sapphire Beach is highly recommended, as is Secret Harbour. They are pristinely beautiful, very quiet and with some good snorkelling areas and basic amenities - but are backdropped by condo units. That's NOT an issue for anyone, never has been, you can always find your own spot.

Magens Bay is a mile-long beautiful beach. At one end of the beach is the concession area which comprises a basic good bar, hamburger and fries restaurant, along with a couple of shops. Nothing too grandiose but definitely tourist-oriented. Walk that mile, along with your cruise-ship complimentary beach towels and your cooler if them's your druthers and revel in the day. And there is good snorkelling way to the left.

Just some hints and I'm sure others will have many more. Cheers!

Hello Garrett,

Check out the St. Thomas beach guide on this website; top of page, click St. Thomas, select Beach Guide from drop down. There you will find photos and descriptions of STT beaches. What are you looking for at the beach; snorkeling, food/drink, watersports (which ones)...? This will help with giving recommendations.

--Islander

garret....believe it or not :o) I actually agree with STT! Go to Sapphire, it's a really nice beach with good snorkeling. Our party loved going there. Kept very clean, beautiful view, good snorkeling. I especially liked the left side as you're looking out onto the water and that's not usually the area where alot of snorkelers go.

I would also go to sapphire, it's some of the most beautiful water you will ever see. Very nice beach.

Take a taxi to Red Hook get on the ferry to St. John then take a taxi to Trunk Bay. It's the best beach in the VI and has food, drinks, showers, and bathrooms.