I don't think the rain is anything to be concerned about. It rains almost everyday,but only for about20 minutes, then the sun is back out...usually with rainbows. With something like 43 beaches here, you won't hit them all. Morningstar at the Marriott is only so-so. Magens (of course) is a must see. Coki is great. Secret Harbor and Emerald are very pretty Neltjberg and Lindqvist are good, secluded beaches. What are you looking for in a beach? Amenities? Beauty? Sand? Snorkeling? Privacy? Nudity?

Crime? Been here almost 8 years and never had a problem. I mean, if you left your $1,000 camera sitting on your car's seat with the windows down, I wouldn't expect it to be there when you got back. But, if you use your head, like anywhere else, you won't have any problems. Also, there are little cigarette-pack-sized, waterproof cases you can buy that hang by your neck for keeping cash/room key/car key, etc. when snorkeling.

Dear Kelly,

May is still "in season" here and if you're planning on going downtown for shopping you're better off checking the cruise ship schedule and going there when only a couple of ships are in - otherwise it's wall to wall elbow-bumpers.

The same goes for STT and STJ beaches - Magens is a big drop-off excursion for cruise ship passengers. as is Coki. Trunk Bay on STJ ditto or go later on in the day when the cruise ship passengers have left. I've always been a fan of Hawksnest for peace, quiet and harmony while Jumbi was always a favourite for excellent snorkelling.

When travelling to any beach on any island, take as little in the way of valuables as possible and you're best advised to leaving nothing of any value on the beach if you go out swimming or snorkelling in tandem. An alternative to your digital camera for such excursions is the waterproof "point and shoot" instant camera.

As far as money and keys are concerned, you might check online for waterproof pouches which can either be hung around the neck or secured around the waist. Most of the dive shops here carry them but they're more than likely cheaper off-island, although be sure to buy water "proof" and not water "resistant."

I'd also advise you to buy some of the books listed at the top of this page. They're filled with helpful information. Even the "Settler's Handbook" is an excellent source of information for a vacationer as it tells you almost everything you want to know about about living here - and you'll be living here for a week, anyway!

Planning is good and you're obviously doing your homework but don't go overboard in trying to do everything all in a week. That week you have is for relaxation and sheer enjoyment!

Good luck with your planning and enjoy your trip!

stayed at marriott in sept. morningstar not best beach on island but better than most beaches in the states. nice pool and bar at the beach. go to magens and coki, both different atmosphere. best advice for running around is to rent a car for the week. it averages about 10 per person to go anywhere one way so if you run a little it pays for itself.

Hello Kelly,

What are the 8 beaches you have on your list; perhaps we can give you feedback on them. 🙂

Are you renting a car on St. Thomas? How about on St. John - you going to hike, take taxis, rent a car there or take your rental from St. Thomas over? Depending on your plans for getting around on St. John you can visit different beaches. For example if you wanted to hike; you could start out right from Cruz Bay on Lind Point Trail to a couple beaches. If you had a car you could beach hop to a few different beaches.

--Islander

The beaches I'm interested in at St. Thomas are:

- Magens Bay
- Lindquist Beach
- Hull Bay
- Cowpet Bay
- Sapphire Beach
- Limetree Beach
- Secret Harbor
- Lindberg Bay

I was leaning towards renting a car at St. John (definitely in St. Thomas for a few days). Do you think its worth it? If I didn't rent a car and just hiked around, what beaches would I be able to hit?

Thanks so much for your help!
Kelly

Hello Kelly,

Nice selection of beaches for St. Thomas (tu). Magens Bay is a good choice for a few hours, all day, nice afternoon walk along the shore. Hull Bay is nice for a picnic, good snorkeling on the side along the rocks - look out for anchored boats. Sapphire Beach - Sunday afternoons there is live music so that might be a good day to go. Secret Harbor - great for a beach day, nice beach side restaurant for lunch. Limetree is good for a couple hours, swimming can be tough because of the rocky areas; nice spot to watch the sunset.

On St. John you can hike along the Lind Point trail right from Cruz Bay to Saloman, Honeymoon and Caneel Bay. At Caneel Bay you can walk to the hotel parking area and get a taxi, if time permits you might do an island tour from there so that you can see a little of the island and then get dropped back in Cruz Bay.

Have a great time.

--Islander