We spent the day at Sapphire Bay beach last April. It had the best snorkeling of any of the islands we've been to (including boat charters to St, John's). We saw more fish and coral there than any other beach or snorkeling site. We didn't see any sea turtles or sting rays, but we also didn't go to the far right or left of the beach (where people have spotted them). I do recommend that you wear water shoes or flippers upon entering the water, as coral and sharp shells reside just under the surface. Also, be careful strolling along the beach for the same reason. The Sapphire Bay condo resort is rather run down, and there are few services available for lunch (there is an overpriced snack shack if you are in a pinch- beware that service is very slow and not the friendliest, but it will do in a pinch), but the beach and snorkeling are fantastic. The dive shack has the better rum punch, and cheap at $4-5 a cup. We felt very safe at the beach, there were a lot of other cruise ship people there, but the beach wasn't too crowded. There are plenty of iguanas around if you want to get photos. One nice thing about this beach is that it doesn't get very deep even if you get far out from the shore. If you can, bring some of your own snacks or water to the beach, have a great day, and maybe stop by Red Hook or Havensight on the way back for a late lunch or some island cocktails. I think our cab fare from the cruise terminal to Sapphire Bay was about $15-20 per person, each way.
My review of Sapphire Beach & Paradise Point
in St. Thomas/St. John
Posted
We spent the day at Sapphire Bay beach last April. It had the best snorkeling of any of the islands we've been to (including boat charters to St, John's). We saw more fish and coral there than any other beach or snorkeling site. We didn't see any sea turtles or sting rays, but we also didn't go to the far right or left of the beach (where people have spotted them). I do recommend that you wear water shoes or flippers upon entering the water, as coral and sharp shells reside just under the surface. Also, be careful strolling along the beach for the same reason. The Sapphire Bay condo resort is rather run down, and there are few services available for lunch (there is an overpriced snack shack if you are in a pinch- beware that service is very slow and not the friendliest, but it will do in a pinch), but the beach and snorkeling are fantastic. The dive shack has the better rum punch, and cheap at $4-5 a cup. We felt very safe at the beach, there were a lot of other cruise ship people there, but the beach wasn't too crowded. There are plenty of iguanas around if you want to get photos. One nice thing about this beach is that it doesn't get very deep even if you get far out from the shore. If you can, bring some of your own snacks or water to the beach, have a great day, and maybe stop by Red Hook or Havensight on the way back for a late lunch or some island cocktails. I think our cab fare from the cruise terminal to Sapphire Bay was about $15-20 per person, each way.