Beaches for swimming and a day by the sea in the US Virgin Islands
From calm north-shore swimming to a beach reached by boat, these spots pair time in the water with space to linger.
The US Virgin Islands offer beaches for easy swimming, snorkelling and unhurried days by the water. These six picks include well-serviced shores, a protected stretch with limited access and a beach stop on a boat trip.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Parks & Nature, Offshore of Christiansted
Reached by licensed boat tours from Christiansted, Buck Island pairs snorkelling on an underwater trail with a swim at Turtle Beach, between reef sessions.
Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)
Beach, Smith Bay
On St. Thomas’s East End, Lindquist Beach has shallow clear water, picnic tables and basic facilities. Its setting within Smith Bay Park gives it a quieter feel than busier resort beaches.
Magens Bay
Beach, Northside
Magens Bay is a mile-long, sheltered curve of sand with calm water, shaded picnic groves and a beach bar, making it easy to spend the day swimming and relaxing.
Maho Bay Beach
Beach, North Shore
Inside Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, Maho Bay has shallow, calm water and seagrass beds where green sea turtles graze a short swim from shore.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Parks & Nature, Southwest coast near Frederiksted
Sandy Point has a two-mile stretch of undeveloped sand and swimming on St. Croix. Public access is limited to weekends outside nesting-season closures, and there are no facilities.
Trunk Bay
Beach, North Shore
Trunk Bay combines clear water and a marked underwater snorkel trail with showers, changing rooms, lifeguards and a snack bar for a full-day beach stop.