2. Best St Thomas Beach for Spotting Turtles
Brewers Bay beach is located near the airport and part of the University of the Virgin Islands campus. It is open to the public and very popular with locals. I have read it is not uncommon to find large families grilling out here and playing loud music, but this was not our experience. We saw several small groups of locals quietly relaxing in the few shady spots available. We didn’t see chairs or umbrellas, possibly because we visited on a weekday in off season. The locals brought their own chairs. We were happy with our beach blanket under a mangrove tree.
Here you can watch planes take off and land on a very small airstrip at sea level. It may not be entertaining for everyone, but we enjoyed the show from such a unique point of view!
The best part of course is the grass beds which means turtles are everywhere. At first, I didn’t see any but before long I was surrounded by them! Remember they are protected under territorial law. Anyone caught touching or disturbing a turtle can be subject to a $5000 fine and up to 6 months in jail.
As far as facilities go, there are a few food trucks with very basic fare. We had a delicious smoked chicken quarter with a johnny cake. The bathroom and shower area are very clean and maintained by the university. Parking is free but limited.
3. Best St Thomas Beach for Snorkeling
Ask anyone well versed in St. Thomas beaches which beach is best for snorkeling and the answer will almost always be Coki Beach. It is a small beach near Coral World and you have to pay $5 for parking. The fish are abundant and will eat dog food directly out of your hand. You can bring your own but rest assured someone will be selling dog biscuits on the beach. There are multiple restaurants here, but parking and beach space is a bit limited, so I recommend coming early.
If you plan to bring small children, be aware many visitors have complained about marijuana smoke and loud music. The music was loud near the eating venues, but we came early and plopped down on the sand at the farthest righthand corner of the beach closest to Coral World. We had no issues with either though a friendly gentleman did offer to sell us edibles. We politely declined and he moved on. Honestly this is one of my favorite beaches!
