Cruise passengers with a rental car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National can visit some of the best beaches on St. Thomas during their port day. Here are the top beaches for cruise visitors with a rental car.
1. Magens Bay
The crown jewel of St. Thomas beaches:
- Drive time: 20 minutes from the rental facility
- Best for: Families, swimmers, first-time visitors
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, snack bar, lifeguards
- Parking: Ample on-site parking
- Entrance fee: Small fee per person and vehicle
- Highlights: Heart-shaped bay, calm water, mile of sand
2. Sapphire Beach
Excellent snorkeling on the east end:
- Drive time: 30 minutes from the rental facility
- Best for: Snorkelers, couples
- Facilities: Resort facilities, restrooms
- Parking: Limited — arrive early
- Entrance fee: Free
- Highlights: Reef snorkeling, calm water, great views
3. Coki Point Beach
Lively beach near Coral World:
- Drive time: 30 minutes from the rental facility
- Best for: Snorkelers, families with kids
- Facilities: Vendors, restrooms, food
- Parking: Limited
- Entrance fee: May charge for parking
- Highlights: Colorful fish, lively atmosphere, near Coral World
4. Lindquist Beach
Quiet, pristine beach in Smith Bay Park:
- Drive time: 25 minutes from the rental facility
- Best for: Relaxation, families with small children
- Facilities: Limited
- Parking: Small lot
- Entrance fee: Small fee
- Highlights: Shallow water, soft sand, uncrowded
5. Secret Harbour Beach
Calm, sheltered bay on the east end:
- Drive time: 30 minutes from the rental facility
- Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, relaxation
- Facilities: Resort facilities
- Parking: Limited visitor parking
- Entrance fee: Free
- Highlights: Calm water, good snorkeling
Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Arrive early: Popular beaches fill up by mid-morning on cruise ship days
- Check cruise schedule: Visit less popular beaches on days with multiple ships in port
- Bring cash: For entrance fees and parking
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen: Required at some beaches
- Limit to 1-2 beaches: Don't try to see them all in one day
- Watch the clock: Never miss your ship's departure
Choosing Based on Your Interests
- Best overall: Magens Bay
- Best for snorkeling: Sapphire Beach or Coki Point
- Best for families: Magens Bay or Lindquist Beach
- Best for avoiding crowds: Lindquist Beach or Secret Harbour
- Best for a lively scene: Coki Point
