Sapphire vs. Morningstar vs. Coki

[TallyRockChick]

We are looking for a nice beach that has chairs/umbrellas to rent, a place to eat and get drinks and beautiful views. I think I have narrowed it down to these 3 beaches after reading reviews, but of these three, which one is a must see? Im not sure if we would rent snorkel equipment, were more loungers then anything. Any help in deciding would ROCK!

Thanks everyone!

[The Islander]

Coki is a very small beach. Sapphire is longer but also not a very long beach when looking at the sandy part only. Morningstar is the longest of the three. Coki has a gentler slope in the water than Sapphire which deepens more quickly. Morningstar deepens quickly. Coki is usually very calm, and Sapphire calm. Morningstar is also usually calm but often has a bit of an under-current. Coki is usually super clear, Sapphire also clear. Morningstar is not so clear. Regarding calm and clear; this is the usual status but in both cases it depends on weather systems affecting the water and possibly stirring up the sand.

At Sapphire if you wanted to take a stroll there is the opportunity to do this, you can walk along to the peninsula, walk around to the marina and walk the beach. At Morningstar you could walk along the beach and around the resort. At Coki you don’t really have that option but if you wanted to go to Coral World, it is right there. Sapphire has resort/condo/marina developments around/near it and Morningstar has a resort; the areas around both are maintained accordingly. The area before/around Coki is a bit seedy.

Coki is all sandy. Sapphire has pebbles mixed in with the sand from around the middle of the sandy part of the beach over and then has a lot of pebbles/coral rubble on the far right side, it’s pretty much all sandy on the far left side. Directions are when facing the water and the comments apply to both the shore and in the water. Morningstar has some pebbles mixed in with the sand, most noticeable when you are in the water.

Coki has various vendors that sell drinks, food, souvenirs/gifts and they are housed in small booths along the beach. The vendors approach beachgoers to take drink orders and to sell their wares, rent chairs and so on. Sapphire and Morningstar don't have vendors on the beach. All three places have food/drink. At Coki there is food/drink service on the beach. Burgers, chicken, sandwiches and the like are available. Sapphire there is a small place a short walk from the shoreline that sells burgers, fish sandwich, beer/soda a few mixed drinks and a couple other things and also beach wait staff taking orders for the restaurant up at the condos. At Morningstar there are restaurants at the resort.

All three have chairs for rent. Coki and Morningstar has umbrellas for rent, Sapphire does not. Sapphire has natural shade on the right side under sea grape trees, and some on the left side also, little to no natural shade in the middle. Coki has little natural shade but there are a few shade providing trees along the shore. Morningstar has very little to no natural shade. There are restrooms at all three. At Sapphire, the restrooms were part of the now closed restaurant so they aren’t getting the upkeep they need but they are open. As far as the restrooms being clean, at both Coki and Sapphire it’s hit or miss. Morningstar’s restrooms are usually clean; they are part of the resort.

--Islander

[The Islander]

PS: You said you aren't interested in snorkeling, in case you change your mind -Sapphire and Coki have good snorkeling and rent snorkel gear. Morningstar isn't known for snorkeling. Also you can find photos and more information in a beach guide for St. Thomas, try http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...&aq=f&oq=&aqi=.

--Islander

[TallyRockChick]

Thanks Islander!!! Great info!!!

Anyone else want to weigh in?

[kjeanne2001]

We just went to St. Thomas for the 1st time this Sept. I loved this beach. When we go back I will probably go back to this beach. It was beautiful and has now taken 1st place on my fav beach list. There was a guy who took drink orders on the beach and there was a table set up where you could get beer/snacks on the beach. The place where you rent chairs also sold beer and I'm not sure what else. The trees provide enough shade that you won't need an umbrella. We were to the left. You can see pics in my review in my sig. There was also someone who took pizza orders at lunchtime

[TallyRockChick]

I think, after more research, that we are going with Morningstar Beach. Thanks again!