hi gary
most of the stj beaches do have plenty of trees for cover. :o) better then carrying an umbrella!? :o) have a great trip.

I too burn pretty fast. In fact I have always had the fear of bursting into flames the minute I step off the plane in St. Thomas. To prevent this problem, I spend a month prior to our trip making routine visits to the tanning booth. There is plenty of trees to hide behind but with all the fun and sun you tend to forget. We do use sun screen lotion whenever we are on the beach.

If you want to buy a beach umbrella - you can try K-mart on St. Thomas. Not sure you would want to drag a big beach umbrella with you everywhere you go. Your friends best bet is to stay under the tress between 10:30am and 1:30 pm when the sun is the brightest and sun burn is the most common. The hour before and after noon is hot hot hot - very very easy to get burnt - 30 minutes during noon sun and you could be cooked if you are not wearing sun block. So of course let your friend use a high spf sunblock generously and reapplying often - as sweat and water washing some of it away. If they are very very sensitive they might want to wear a t-shirt when in the water and snorkeling so the shoulders and back does not get burnt.