Hi Mary,

It's a tough decision. Both beaches are nice. Both beaches are about the same travel time from the cruise ship dock. Coki has better snorkeling and is right next to Coral World if you want to visit that spot also. Magen's is the 'postcard' beach on STT and usually has calmer waters. You can also get the beverage service on the beach andin the water at Magens.

Just my opinion, but Magens is one of my 'must do' beaches on every visit to STT.....Coki isn't. I don't think you can go wrong with picking either beach for a visit.

Schultz

We found Coki more crowded but Coral World is a nice place to go to. To be honest, as a New Englander in the Virgin Islands, ALL beaches are great.

It depends...

You've only got a short time...what's your main interest?

Magen's Bay makes almost every top ten list of beaches in the world I've every seen. Postcard perfect - a long wide expanse of white sand, torquise waters, palm trees. Depending on how many other ships are in that day it may look a little crowded - but that's because most people plop down right next to the bar/grill area...walk for 5 more minutes and you'll leave the crowd behind...The drink girl may visit a little less often away from the crowd, but I just order doubles 🙂 Also offers rental beach chairs which is nice depending on how sturdy your back is. Taxi's are abundant til sunset.

On the other hand, if snorkling is your interest then Coki's the choice between the two. There's no snorkling of interest at Magen's. Coki's smaller. It seems to me to get real crowded real fast. The cruise ship daytrips drop off 25-50 people in a group to hit the snorkling area (as will 3-4 other ships at about the same time). There's something about 200 people bumping into each other that takes away from the experience. I like the snorkling at Coki's when I stay on St. Thomas, but always make it a point to get there before the crowd. If you're not interested in snorkling or if you're going to snorkle in St. John in the am, then, hands down, go to Magen's Bay.

FWIW

BB

I vote for Megans. It is beautiful and long. It may be crowded bur at least there is room to spread out. Coki is beautiful too but VERY crowded. I was there on Feb 14 and tried to snorkel but couldnt becuase there were too many people in the water running into me. I enjoyed relaxing on Megans and walking the 1/2 mile beach! Enjoy.

Both are way too crowded! Spend some more time on St. John, if you want a beach, or do the St. Thomas thing, which is touring and shopping.

Dear MARY,

I would rather suggest Magens bay beach because it is the best beach on the island that everyone have to go to.It has a wide variety of stuff to do.The beach service is spectacular.Living in St.Thomas from since birth, I would tell u to go to Magens.

One very important thing to consider is how many ships are in that day, check schedules on this site, 3 or less is about the best, stay away if theres more than 5 big ships

Just came back from St. Thomas yesterday. We went to both Magen's and Coki. If you only have a few hours, I would choose Magen's. It is a beautiful, long beach. The beach service is a nice plus.
Coki is a much smaller beach and easily gets crowded. It does have some very good snorkeling and the water there is crystal clear. However, the area surrounding the beach is really run down and took away from the experience.