Best Beach?

[james'mommy]

Looking for a good beach in St Thomas. One with facilities would be nice. A good snorkel spot is good but not a deal breaker if there is no snorkeling. And how much would a taxi cost per person. There will be 3 or us (2 adults 1 child). We will be there early in the day so hopefully before it is too crowded. Just looking for a place to hang for a few hours. TIA.

[jodisu]

We just returned from our trip, and I would highly recommend Coki Beach. The taxi was about $16 per person, round trip. The ride was only 15 minutes or so. The taxi driver will hook you up with their person on the beach who is the one who will get you whatever you need - chairs, umbrella, drinks, food, snorkel equipment, Benadryl... whatever. On that note, if you are introduced to someone as the person who will do that, do stick with that person. That's their job to take care of you, and they will make sure you get back to the taxi on time. Look for Big Sonny and Ryan, great guys.

 

Coki has restrooms which are very clean, drinks, food available (Try the fresh whole red snapper!!), and amazing snorkeling off to one side along with a couple of little shops. There's snorkel equipment available to rent as well.

 

The water is incredibly clear, very little current or waves as it is in a cove. There's some coral and rock off to one side which makes for great snorkeling, especially if you get a dog biscuit to feed the fish. Saw an iguana on the beach, which was pretty cool as well. We'd go back to this beach every time we were on the island. Loved it!

[blue_water]

Coki is a beautiful, small bay with snorkeling and many vendors so it has a "lively" vibe if you want that. Another option that's a bit quieter laid back vibe with a restaurant on the beach and home to a condo resort is Secret Harbor, also good snorkeling and rentals. Both are on the East End, generally $10pp each way but may be lower.

[Ms411]

Coki can be too lively for some, so if you want a more conservative, relaxing environment, Emerald Beach might be better for your family. No vendors, and there are chair rentals and other amenities. Snorkeling is not good, but people go there to relax and enjoy the water.

 

It's also closer to the dock. Taxi should be no more than $6 per person each way.