Snorkeling in St. Thomas

Known for its distinctive atmosphere, St. Thomas is the perfect place to visit for both families, couples, and individuals alike. There is so much to do on the island that you will wonder if you will ever get through it all.

Snorkeling in St. Thomas is one of the most memorable adventures you will ever go on. This is because of the incredible scenery, coral reef communities, and much more.

Read on below to learn more about snorkeling in St. Thomas.

What You Should Know About Snorkeling in St. Thomas

While in many places where snorkeling is possible, in St. Thomas, it can be done almost year-round. This is because of the extreme temperate climate that keeps the water and air warm just about any time of the year.

Outside temperatures on the island mostly stay in the 80s no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. At night the temperature can dip down to the 70s, but it typically does not go much lower than that.

Because of the warmer temperatures, the water temperature in St. Thomas tends to stay in the range of 75℉ and 85℉. This means that you will not likely need a wetsuit for your snorkeling adventures.

Lastly, you should know that snorkeling in St. Thomas can result in some incredible views since the reefs are located just off the shore. This means that you do not need to take a boat out to them, instead, you can access them easily.

Best Spots to Snorkel on St. Thomas

Although snorkeling anywhere on the island can give you a phenomenal experience, there are some beaches that are said to be better than others. Each of these locations provides visitors with the opportunity to see not only the reefs but also some incredible marine life.

Read on below to learn about the best spots to snorkel on St. Thomas.

Secret Harbor Beach

On the south side of St. Thomas sits a secret harbor that is not so secret. This is the incredible area of Secret Harbor Beach where snorkelers of all experience levels can enjoy the reef and various marine life that live there.

Keep in mind that while the shore is mostly sand, in the water, it is recommended that you wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky areas. Coral reefs are said to be found on both sides of the bay, however, you should be mindful of the stronger currents that are located on the left side.

This beach features a restaurant for some incredible dining, and visitors also have access to the restrooms during their visit. This means that you can go and enjoy a day trip here and not have to worry about leaving early or bringing along your food.

Brewers Bay Beach

If you want to snorkel closer to the cruise ports, Brewers Bay Beach may be the perfect place for you. This popular spot is not only great for snorkeling but also fantastic if you just want to swim and look for green sea turtles.

This beach is located on the west side of the island near both the airport and the cruise ports, which makes it a convenient location for people coming in by various methods. Although the location is so near transportation meccas, the area is one of the best on the island.

Even though you will not discover much in the way of coral reefs, the seagrass that grows in abundance in this area attracts many green sea turtles. Be aware that there is not much shade in this area, so you should bring an umbrella to provide a bit of shade.

Coki Beach

Coki Beach is not only one of the prettiest beaches on the island but also one of the busiest for snorkeling and other activities. The water in this area of the island has been described as crystal clear, while the shore is rich with soft sand.

On the right side of this beach is the Coral World Ocean Park, which is known to be one of the best places to snorkel on the island. The opposite side of the beach, which is incredibly rocky, is another great place to snorkel.

The great thing about this beach area is that it is packed with various amenities that tourists can take advantage of. Some of these include a beachside bar, shops to get snorkeling gear and more, and even a kid's playground.

Lindquist Beach

If you are looking for a place to snorkel that is less crowded with those who are coming off of the cruise ship, Lindquist Beach is the perfect place. This beach is a part of the Smith Bay Park protected area and is one of the residents' favorite places to snorkel.

From the shore of Lindquist Beach, you can look over to the neighboring island of St. John, which is another of the Virgin Islands. This area of the island is also famous for the seagrass that grows to the point that green sea turtles frequent the area.

If you choose to snorkel a bit further out than the shore, you will find a phenomenal coral reef that is worth the swim out. If you stay closer to the shore, you will likely see rays that are grazing or resting in the area.

Magens Bay Beach

This public beach on the beautiful St. Thomas Island is a mecca for both tourists and locals alike. It is known as one of the most popular beaches on the island and runs for about a mile with currents that are mild enough for any level of snorkeler to enjoy.

This is not an area of the island for snorkeling if you are looking for a lot of coral reefs, since there is not much here. However, if you are mesmerized by the protected areas that are famous for green sea turtles and other marine life, this is the place for you.

The area also boasts restaurants and bars that will provide you with refreshments during your adventure. In addition, there are also shops in the concession area that will assist you with purchasing a limited amount of snorkeling gear.

Mermaid’s Chair

Located on the westernmost tip of St. Thomas you will find this uniquely incredible beach area that is only accessible by foot. This amazing area is located within the Preserve at Botany Bay and is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.

Keep in mind that you should bring water shoes to protect your feet from the elements such as coral, shells, and sea glass pieces. The incredibly beautiful waters are just perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

The area also features beautiful rock formations that are pounded by the ocean currents that come crashing down.

Best Time to Go Snorkeling on St. Thomas

While the most popular time to go to St. Thomas is the summer months, you can actually visit the island any time of year. This is because the temperatures stay steady at around 80℉ during the day and 70℉ at night.

The best time to visit and go snorkeling on St. Thomas is whenever you decide to go since the water temperature is also mild. Keep in mind that since it is located in the Caribbean, you may have to contend with tropical storms from time to time.

The best thing to do is to make sure you have checked the weather forecast in advance so you are keeping yourself and your family safe. If you happen to be on the island when a weather emergency comes up, you should consult with locals to understand what to do next.

What You Should Know Before You Go

Like when preparing for any vacation, you should always check out the area and do your research before you go. There are many websites on the internet that give reviews and recommendations on places to stay and things to do while you are there.

Check out the following details you should know about St. Thomas before you pack your bags.

How to Get Around

No matter where you go for your adventures, you will find various forms of transportation to get you to where you need to go. These methods include via airplane, taxis, or renting a car, depending on what you need.

Flying in and out of St. Thomas can be either incredibly easy or difficult, depending on the direction you are going. While coming to the island can be a breeze, you should plan to get to the airport at least two hours before so you can get through customs and such.

Almost anywhere you are on the island, you should be able to find a taxi to get you around the different locations. If you are not familiar with driving in the area, taking a taxi can be the best way to get around since the drivers tend to be friendly and helpful.

If you don’t mind learning to drive on the islands, you can rent a car which gives you the independence you need to get where you want to go on your own time. The most important factor you need to know is that you will need to drive on the left side of the road.

Places to Stay

One of the factors that people consider when choosing to visit St. Thomas, is where they will stay when they get there. Whether you prefer staying at a resort or hotel or prefer to rent an AirBnB, you will find an abundance on the island.

St. Thomas is in the United States…Sort Of

While St. Thomas is technically a part of the United States, and you can go there without a passport, there are some things you need to know. The same rules and laws that you will find in the U.S. proper mostly do not apply on the island.

For example, you will find that drinking and driving are common, as is carrying a drink in your hand no matter where you are is the norm. With the laid-back atmosphere, you will find that locals do not care about the same things as those on the main island.

Make Sure Your Sunscreen is Reef Safe

You should understand that there is a difference between sunscreen and reef-safe sunscreen that many people do not know. While you may not be able to buy reef-safe sunscreen where you live, you will find it in abundance on St. Thomas.

Be Mindful of the Cruise Ship Schedule

If you do not want to contend with the huge crowds that are common during the times that cruise ships are docked, you may want to check the schedule before you go. When the cruise ships are in port, you will face droves and droves of tourists that are wanting to see the same things as you.

While on the Island, Adopt the Island Life

One of the most important things you should know about being on St. Thomas, like being in other places, is that you should embrace island life. This means that there is not often the same hustle and bustle as you will find back home.

In fact, most of the locals on the island, while they have jobs, embrace doing things at a slower pace without the stresses of the fast-paced life.

Final Thoughts About Snorkeling in St. Thomas

The bottom line about snorkeling in St. Thomas is that it can be one of the most incredible places you could ever go. Your adventure is one that you are sure to remember for years to come.

Whether you go with your family, friends, or by yourself, you will find many things that you can do and enjoy. While you are on the island, it is recommended that you take your time but also see as many of the features the island is known for as possible.

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