Top 5 Beaches for Snorkeling on St. Thomas
Love snorkeling? Then you’ll love St. Thomas! It’s a beautiful tropical island with clear waters and lots of cool beaches. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to snorkeling or really good at it, you’ll find great spots to explore. We’ve picked out the top five beaches for snorkeling on St. Thomas. We looked at how easy it is to snorkel there, the cool stuff you can see, and what facilities are available. Keep reading for our top 5 list.
Secret Harbor Beach
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Secret Harbor Beach ranks high on our list and is a beloved spot for residents, visitors, and even cruisers. Not to mention, it’s a thriving hub for various marine life. With a predominantly sandy shoreline peppered with a few rocky areas, you can easily enter the water and start your snorkeling adventure. As part of the St. Thomas East End Reserve, Secret Harbor promises excellent snorkeling experiences.
You can explore the left side near the docks and make your way towards the middle of the bay. Don’t miss out on the marine life along the rocks on the right side too! In fact, at Secret Harbor, every corner is a snorkeling spot waiting to be discovered.
And it’s not just about the underwater experience. The beach also houses a resort, bar, and restaurant. You can rent chairs and snorkel gear, and there’s even a dive shop. Plus, with amenities like bathrooms and a taxi stand, your comfort is assured. Dive into the fun at Secret Harbor Beach!
Pro Tip – The restaurant and bar, Sunset Grille, is literally right on the beach. You can easily grab a pina colada (or your drink of choice) with some food in between snorkeling breaks.
Coki Beach
Difficulty Level: Easy
Coki Beach is another must-visit spot on our list. Particularly known for its ease of snorkeling, this beach welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, making it perfect even for those with minimal swimming and snorkeling skills.
At Coki Point Beach, you can explore the near shore rocky reef area on the right side or snorkel along the rocks on the left side. You don’t have to go far out to see marine life. In fact, the fish here are quite used to human presence and will swim towards you, even in very shallow water, making your snorkeling experience incredibly easy.
When it comes to amenities, Coki Beach has you covered. There’s a dive shop, vendors renting snorkel gear and chairs, multiple bars and restaurants, as well as bathroom facilities and a taxi stand. For those who love a good party, there is often local music playing for enjoyment and large crowds. This is a great beach to interact with the local community and vibe out, in addition to great snorkeling.
Pro Tip – Coral World Ocean Park is right next door offering an underwater observatory, tons of exhibits, and excursions like a sea lion encounter, sea trekking underwater, and SNUBA.
Lindquist Beach
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Lindquist Beach, also a part of the protected 21-acre area called Smith Bay Park, offers a moderate-level snorkeling experience that’s worth exploring. The right side of the beach is adorned with sea-grass meadows, often overshadowed by the more vibrant coral reef environments but equally captivating. If you’re lucky and patient, you might spot turtles, stingrays, and juvenile fish hiding and darting around in the sea-grass.
You can also snorkel on the left side along the shallow rocky outcrops and coral, but this is recommended only when the conditions are very calm. While you dive into this underwater wonderland, remember to avoid standing on or touching any coral. If you encounter turtles and rays, maintain a safe distance to respect their natural habitat.
There’s an entry fee for accessing this beach, but the amenities like bathrooms, showers, and the presence of a lifeguard make it a safe and comfortable choice for your snorkeling adventure. Dive in and enjoy the marine marvels at Lindquist Beach!
Pro Tip – There aren’t any restaurants on the beach, which often means smaller crowds if you want more space to yourself. However, make sure to bring your own snacks. Read our top beach tips here!
Hull Bay
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hull Bay Beach, a picturesque little beach, might not be on every visitor’s radar, but it’s a firm favorite among local residents. With numerous small fishing boats moored, it offers a unique view, although the boats can sometimes limit swimming and snorkeling areas.
The bay’s underwater terrain is rocky, providing good hiding places for juvenile fish and occasionally lobsters. However, these rocky outcrops can be a bit tough on the feet. The right side of the beach offers sandy spots for easy water entry, making it a preferred spot for snorkeling. Here you can snorkel above the rocky outcrops running parallel to the shore and around the rocks.
After your water adventure, you can unwind at the bar and restaurant within walking distance from the beach. Hull Bay, with its moderate snorkeling difficulty level, offers a unique and locally-loved beach experience.
Pro Tip – Hull Bay is the perfect off-the-beaten path beach for a quiet snorkeling experience. Bring water shoes as it’s a rocky beach.
Brewers Bay
Difficulty Level: Easy
Brewers Bay Beach is a serene and lovely beach, perfect for those who prefer a less crowded snorkeling experience. With its sandy shoreline and crystal clear water, you’re in for an easy and enjoyable snorkeling adventure. The beach also offers an interesting view of the airport.
Start your underwater exploration from the middle to the left side of the beach where you stand a high chance of spotting Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Brewers Bay is part of The University of the Virgin Islands Center for Marine and Environmental Studies and is home to the “VI Sea Turtle Project” (VISTP). While it’s exciting to see turtles, remember to keep your distance. Not only is this important for their safety, but it’s also against the law to harass or touch sea turtles.
For your convenience, the beach provides bathroom and shower facilities. A couple of road-side food trucks nearby sell food, snacks, and drinks. Brewers Bay is not just a beach; it’s a beautiful eco-conscious space where you can experience nature in its purest form.
Pro Tip – Get food from the nearby food trucks and fruit stands as they typically serve the best local food on-island. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with drinks and snacks.
Why not dive into the crystal-clear waters of St. Thomas and discover its incredible marine life? Whether you’re floating above vibrant coral reefs, swimming alongside tropical fish, or exploring hidden underwater treasures, the island’s beaches offer some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. With warm waters, excellent visibility, and diverse marine ecosystems, every snorkel adventure is a chance to witness the beauty beneath the surface.