Magens Bay beach. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons license

The best St. Thomas beaches near the cruise port are known for their pristine beauty and crystal blue waters.

Each one of them offers soft sand, warm sun and ocean water as warm as a bathtub. Although they do have many similarities, they are each unique in their own way.

Magens Bay

If St. Thomas cruise visitors flock to any one beach, it is Magens Bay. It has the best and closest St. Thomas beach near the cruise port.

This heart-shaped bay is a public park and the most popular beach on St. Thomas. It also is one of the best known in the Caribbean.

Very calm waters and an entire one-mile stretch of land makes this beach perfect for families to relax and enjoy a sunny day. There is a snack bar, beach chair rentals, and a lifeguard on duty daily.

The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Rates are $8-10 per person one way.

Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. Children under 13 are free. A family of four may end up spending $80 to $100 for the entire trip or $20 to $25 per person.

Shore excursions that only visit Magens Bay are rare because it is so close, so taking a taxi is one of the best options. Otherwise, cruise visitors who want more freedom to see other St. Thomas attractions in addition to Magens Bay can rent a car. A major national travel site recently quoted $85 to $95 for one day with an economy-rated car.

Coki Beach

Magens Bay isn’t the only beach worth visiting. Coki Beach, which is about 20 minutes from the cruise port, is a common shore excursion in combination with the Coral World Ocean Park. Excursion prices start at about $50 per person including transportation. Prices go up to more than $100 per person or more for the dolphin swim at Coral World, depending on the dolphin program.

The clear tranquil waters of Coki Beach offer a great atmosphere for spotting underwater life. A local dive shop rents snorkel and diving gear, and food concessions are available. It is located on Coki Point, directly next to Coral World.

Like Magens Bay, the beach is about five miles from the cruise docks. The Virgin Islands Taxi Association has promoted a three-hour package to Coki for $35 per person, which is more expensive than simply hiring a taxi for Magens Bay. The package includes a one-hour island tour and two hours at the beach.

Other St. Thomas Beaches

Bolongo Bay: This south shore beach is at the Bolongo Beach Resort. Families can choose to entertain themselves with a wide variety of watersports offered there. Children can even rent beach toys if their bucket washes away in the waves.

Brewer’s Bay: With an ample shoreline and warm shallow waters, this beach is perfect for wading and splashing along the shore. Families often come here to partake in picnics and celebrations.

Sapphire Beach: Located at the east end of the island at the Sapphire Beach Resort, this gorgeous setting brings snorkelers and divers alike. The beach was named for its sapphire blue waters, where colorful fish and sea life live abundantly on the ocean floor. If you like to be on top of the water, jet skiing or windsurfing may be a better choice of entertainment.

Hull Bay: This bay has is the top surfing spot on the island, bringing in a north swell where surfers can shred some waves. Fish must like the area too because local fishermen flock there as well.  It has cool vibes all around.

Secret Harbor Beach: Small lapping waves, gentle breezes and sunny skies are all over this beach. It is pleasantly calm for a relaxing afternoon beach break. The beach is located at the Secret Harbor Beach Resort.

Lindquist Beach: It is known as one of the most stunning beaches on the island, with calm glassy waters and warm sand. It is also a nice place to snorkel.

Morning Star Beach: With watersports, food, cocktails and cruise ships in the distance; this beach has a fun upbeat vibe. Of course, it has the amazing clear water and beautiful white sand as well.

Lindbergh Bay: This area has peaceful waters and swaying palm trees, making for a picturesque view. It’s an enjoyable beach to read a book or take a swim. Visitors won’t be alone though; three hotels are in the surrounding area.