10 Bodies of Water in U.S. Virgin Islands That You Shouldn't Miss

June 16, 2021 Margarita Chappel

Made up of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, the laidback USVI offer sophisticated dining, turquoise waters and quaint towns. On St. Croix, Christiansted's colorful Danish Colonial buildings provide a lovely backdrop for dining or sailing. Underwater coral gardens are heaven for divers. On St. Thomas, shopping mecca Charlotte Amalie has hopping nightlife. Tranquil St. John offers quiet trails, secluded coves and lively Cruz Bay's shops and bars. Ferries and local air services link the islands.
Restaurants in U.S. Virgin Islands

1. Hurricane Hole

St. John
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Hurricane Hole

A storm-protected bay in the arms of mangrove trees with a lively and colorful nursery of fish.

Reviewed By noseeums2019

My fiance and I rented a tandem kayak from Crabby's in Coral Bay and spent the day kayaking around Hurricaine Hole and out to Princess Bay. Gorgeous trip. We were on our own the whole day. We stopped in Borck Creek and found a secluded stop to get out of the kayak and snorkel. Absolutely beautiful starfish we saw here. Then we kept going to Princess Bay, checking out the Mangroves and then stopping at Whitesand Bay on our way back to Coral Bay. We were completely alone and the views were so amazing. Bring snacks and drinks!

2. Isaac Bay

Point Road St. Croix
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 182 reviews

Isaac Bay

You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here, but it's well worth the trip to this scenic and secluded beach, perfect for swimming, and a barrier reef for snorkeling.

Reviewed By OregonLawyer

The hike to Isaac's is really easy--only 0.5 miles and pretty flat. The beach is nice. But go another mile or so to Jack's and I thought the beach was even better, and the bay better protected for better snorkeling. If the sea is calm you won't need fins, but if it's rough at all don't go out very far without fins. The hike from Isaac's to Jack's is moderate with a big hill, but I'd say "moderately easy" for anyone in decent physical condition. I'll repeat what other's have posted: park up by Pt Udall, take EVERYTHING out of your car, and leave it unlocked. We hiked into Jack's twice and didn't have any trouble at all. Bring MORE WATER than you think you will need because this hike is a scorcher--this is desert hiking--imagine Phoenix with a beautiful view of the ocean. Both beaches are beautiful; there were a few more people on Isaac's just because it's a shorter hike, but both days that we spent at Jack's we only saw a few other people. Can't wait to go back to do this hike again in a couple months!

3. Coral Bay

St. John +1 860-287-7956 http://www.sailpoetslounge.com
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Coral Bay

A home decidedly away from home for a number of U.S. expats who now reside in this eclectic community.

Reviewed By Cosmopolitan724616 - Wailea, United States

Peaceful, gorgeous location. aqua bistro for the best food take out we thought. zemi had the coolest most unique jewelery on the island, and the best prices. beaches are just about as close from this side. you do need a vehicle, a jeep most likely. miss lucy's is great for a laid back meal on the water. flyaway charters leaves for private boat snorkel tours out of coral bay and was the best snorkeling we have done anywhere. we hit cruz bay about once a week for a meal, gas and extra food shopping but didn't miss the crowds of tourists at all. if you are coming to party stay in cruz bay. if you want to enjoy the natural splendor of st john and try to enjoy the local culture when you travel, coral bay will give you more of that.

4. Leinster Bay

1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, VI 00830, Usvi 18. 363469, -64. 731270, Virgin Islands National Park 00830 St. John
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 163 reviews

Leinster Bay

A rocky, windswept bay on the northern coast of St. John.

Reviewed By Beachgirl42 - Woodstock, United States

This was one of our favorite hikes. Beautiful walk and hike in. Encourage going the entire trail up to the Great House! Passed some sweet donkeys along the trail. Brilliant views. Snorkeled at Watermelon Cay afterwords. Gorgeous.

5. Waterlemon Cay

Water Lemon Cay Beach Virgin Islands National Park,, Virgin Islands National Park 00830 ‎ St. John
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 923 reviews

Waterlemon Cay

A short swim from Leinster Bay, you'll find some of the best snorkeling on this small island, with its plethora of marine life.

Reviewed By GJL79 - Walkersville, United States

This is our favorite place to snorkel on St. John's. Wear sneakers and walk on a gentle hike for about a mile, from the Sugar Mill parking lot and then enjoy the beautiful view. Swim around the tiny island just offshore. The live coral is beautiful and there are lots of fish, sea turtles, birds and starfish to observe. Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen so you do not get sunburned. If you plan to picnic after your swim, be sure to either hang your bag in a nearby tree, carry it in a thick plastic cooler or leave your food in your car. The mongoose steal food from backpacks and plastic bags when no one is around.

6. Davis Bay

St. Croix
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Davis Bay

Beside the crystalline waters of Davis Bay, this beautiful white sand beach lined with palm trees is a great spot for swimming, bodysurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

7. Tektite

St. John
Excellent
70%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Tektite

The clear waters of this cove, once the site of an underwater NASA research station, make for excellent diving.

Reviewed By lccTulum_Mexico - Collegeville, United States

My husband and I hiked this trail in the morning. We were the only ones in it. Spectacular views and a nice work out. It gets hot so go early. A dip in Little Lameshur Bay afterwards was perfect.

8. Teague Bay

St. Croix
Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Teague Bay

There’s little to do at this pristine beach except sit back and watch the windsurfers. Perfect.

Reviewed By 72amieb - Tucson, United States

I snorkeled the waters here after returning from a chartered sailing to Buck Island that disembarked from the St. Croix Yacht Club. The first mate on the ship stated he spotted an octopus right where we had docked the dinghy and I had been trying to find octopus for weeks on my tour of all the USVI. I snorkeled bot piers at the yacht club, and while I did not find my prize, I did see a turtle and a lot of different fish and different types of coral on the older pier. There is an overwhelming amount of sea grass, but that is what attracts the turtles, just keep that in mind. As I was exiting the water I saw a pelican at the helm of a dingy in the distance.

9. Hawksnest Beach

N Shore Road, Virgin Islands National Park 00831 St. John
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 605 reviews

Hawksnest Beach

This narrow, sea-grape-tree-lined stretch of sand is a popular beach on St John, especially for island residents, which offers gazebos for parties, barbecues or family get-togethers.

Reviewed By thouks1 - Fort Worth, United States

Ample parking right next to the beach, fine sand with decent snorkeling, snady bottom for swimming, gentle wave action, potential to swim over to Gibley / Oppenheimer Beach, picnic tables, restrooms and many beachside spots with shade. Only things missing are a beach bar and rental chairs, so bring your cooler, snacks and beach chairs.

10. Brewer's Bay

St. Thomas
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Brewer's Bay

Take the West End to Brewer’s Bay, a lovely white-sand beach popular with the locals.

Reviewed By michaeljohncummins - Brook Park, United States

I bought the wife a very nice mask and snorkel so she could try it. She did great once she got comfortable breathing. She held my hand and I pulled her along with me. We saw many turtles and I saw a big ray. She also did some searching for sea glass. If you want to find some this is the beach for it. Make sure you buy a beverage from the wonderful older lady in the grey food truck. She is a real sweetie.

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