Sapphire Beach at a glance
Sapphire Beach is on the East End of St. Thomas, close to Red Hook, where the ferries to St. John leave. Snorkeling is the main reason to come. This guide is independent and not connected to the beach, the resort or any authority.
The snorkeling is at the rocky ends of the beach, and the tourism board singles out the eastern end. Seagrass beds nearby are habitat for sea turtles, but neither calm water nor an animal sighting is ever guaranteed.
Snorkeling at Sapphire Beach
How to do it well and safely.
Start at the rocks
Swim along the rocky edges rather than straight out to open water. Stay close to shore and check the wind and the current before you get in.
Bring your own gear
Pack a mask, snorkel and fins, a rash guard and a towel. A fixed set of beach rentals is not guaranteed, so do not plan on renting at the water.
Protect the reef
The US Virgin Islands ban sunscreen with oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. Choose mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and read the ingredients. A "reef safe" label alone is not proof. Do not stand on or touch coral.
Turtles
If you see a sea turtle, keep your distance and do not touch it. Boats are asked to stay at least 50 feet (about 15 m) away.
Snorkeling trips and boat tours from St. Thomas
Catamaran and snorkel trips from Red Hook and elsewhere on St. Thomas, plus island tours, with live prices and availability.
Parking and getting to Sapphire Beach
Parking and taxis are listed among the beach's facilities. Fees and the number of spaces can change, so do not count on a free space, and arrive early on busy days.
- Taxi. Sapphire is close to Red Hook, so Red Hook fares give a rough guide. One taxi operator lists $23 for one passenger and $17 per person for a group from the airport to Red Hook. From downtown Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook it lists $20 and $15. Confirm the exact fare to Sapphire before you get in.
- Rental car. Traffic drives on the left. The airport and car rental page explains the basics.
- Bus. Route 401 runs between Contant and Red Hook via Smith Bay. The route list does not tell you whether it stops at the beach, so ask the driver.
Combine the beach with a boat trip: some snorkel tours leave from American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook. See the excursions page for options and the St. John day trip page for the ferry.
Lindquist Beach on St. Thomas
The East End beach park run by the Magens Bay Authority, in Smith Bay Park.
Lindquist Beach, also spelled Lindqvist, lies in Smith Bay Park on the East End. It has restrooms and picnic pavilions. The park is run by the same authority as Magens Bay, with the same price list.
| Lindquist Beach | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Entry, non-resident, per person and day | $7 |
| Entry, resident with local ID | $2 |
| Children under 12 | Free |
| Parking | $2 |
The authority's website shows 7:00 am to 5:30 pm every day, but this is the general website header, so confirm the gate hours before you drive out. The authority advertises loungers, umbrellas and kayaks, while the tourism board describes the beach without rentals or food. Bring your own water, snacks and shade in case rentals are not running.
Sargassum can close the beach to swimming. In early July 2026 a sargassum closure banned swimming at Lindquist, and lifeguards were not on duty while it lasted. The weekly water tests of 16 October 2026 listed both Sapphire and Lindquist as meeting the standard. For the other big beach park, see Magens Bay.
Sapphire Beach and Lindquist Beach compared
Pick the one that fits the day.
| Sapphire Beach | Lindquist Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Snorkeling at the rocks | A park-style beach day |
| Entry | – | $7 non-resident, children under 12 free |
| Parking | Listed as available, check on arrival | $2 |
| Facilities | Parking and taxis listed | Restrooms and picnic pavilions |
| Water check, 16 October 2026 | Met the standard | Met the standard |
More beaches are on the St. Thomas beaches page. For snorkeling with an on-site ocean park, read about Coki Beach.
More on St. Thomas
Other pages for the rest of your plan.
Sapphire Beach: frequently asked questions
Where is Sapphire Beach?
It is on the East End of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, close to Red Hook and the ferry to St. John.
Is the snorkeling good?
The rocky ends of the beach are where people snorkel, especially the east side. Conditions change with wind and swell, and sea life is never guaranteed.
Is parking free at Sapphire Beach?
Parking is listed as available, but fees and space can change. Check on arrival and carry a card and some cash.
How much does Lindquist Beach cost?
Non-residents pay $7 per person and day, residents pay $2 with a local ID, children under 12 are free, and parking is $2.
Can I swim at Lindquist Beach right now?
Sargassum closed the beach to swimming in early July 2026. Check the authority's notices and the weekly beach advisory before you go.