Sapphire is among St Thomas' prettiest white-sand beaches, and accordingly it draws a big tourist crowd. Amenities include water-sports rentals (paddleboards, snorkel gear, kayaks), bathrooms and a bar-restaurant. There's good snorkeling on the reef to the right of the beach.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.85 MILES
If you need a reason to hire a water taxi, Isla Culebrita (Culebrita Island) is it. This small island, just east of Playa Zoni, is part of the national…
27.45 MILES
This collection of sky-high boulders marks a national park and the BVI’s most popular attraction. The rocks – volcanic-lava leftovers from some 70 million…
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Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
29.06 MILES
More than 20% of Culebra is part of a spectacular national wildlife refuge, which was signed into law more than 100 years ago. Most of it lies along the…
13.84 MILES
At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
26.68 MILES
Head to the eastern end of the island and you’ll eventually run out of road at Playa Zoni. Many locals think this is a better beach than Flamenco and it's…
5.12 MILES
The sugary mile that fringes Magens Bay, 3 miles north of Charlotte Amalie, makes almost every travel publication’s list of beautiful beaches. The seas…
8.73 MILES
This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…
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8.13 MILES
Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…
Nearby US Virgin Islands attractions
0.4 MILES
Part of protected Smith Bay Park, this narrow strand off Smith Bay Rd is a beauty all right: calm, true-blue water laps the soft white sand, while several…
1.17 MILES
Small and hammock-strewn, this west-facing beach in front of the eponymous resort could hardly be more tranquil. It’s an excellent place to snorkel with…
1.42 MILES
Coki is on a protected cove at the entrance to Coral World marine park. The snorkeling is excellent, with lots of fish action, and you can dive from the…
2.43 MILES
This colorful artists' colony near Tutu Park Mall lures hippies, thinkers, musicians and outcasts with its good-times vibe and welcoming spirit. On any…
5. Virgin Islands National Park
3.72 MILES
VI National Park covers two-thirds of St John, plus 5650 acres underwater. It’s a tremendous resource, offering miles of shoreline, pristine reefs and 26…
3.94 MILES
Honeymoon is a mile's hike from the park visitor center along the Lind Point Trail. The handsome, white-sand strand is often empty and quiet – except on…
4.46 MILES
Gondolas whisk visitors 700ft up Flag Hill to a scenic outlook. The ride takes seven minutes. At the top a restaurant, a bar, a gallery of shops and a…
4.49 MILES
A hundred years ago the area on the east side of Charlotte Amalie Harbor was a bustling steamship wharf. Known today as Havensight, the district is still…