Beautiful beach recommendations

[zippybossrock]

We are returning for the 2nd time to STT via cruise ship.  Last trip with the kids we did a tour that had a beach stop at Megans Bay.  We were blown away by the beauty of the beach a calm water.  This trip is with the hubby and we’re looking to spend the day floating at a calm water beach.  Our ship is in port from 12:30 - 8 on Jan 11th.  It looks like multiple ships in port that day as well.  Is Megan’s Bay going to be a mad house? Any recommendations for a similar beach?  
I’m thinking we’d need to do a taxi to Megans but can you also get island tours through the taxi service or should we just return to the port after the beach and try to find an independent tour that way?

[Ms411]

Imo you need to see what time the other ships arrive in port. 12:30 may be pretty late for a cruise ship arrival so the earlier ships may be leaving Magens by the time you arrive. 

 

Magens is one of the most consistently calm beaches, but if other beaches are rough, more people may head to Magens.

 

If you get or bring snacks/drinks you can set up on the far left end of the beach away from the crowds. You have to walk a ways to the taxi stand, though, because taxis are limited to an area near the beach entrance.

[blue_water]

Yes with 17k + fellow day visitors in port, Magens will certainly be crowded when you get there. It is the most-touted VI beach by the ship directors and a favorite of many.
But all popular beaches will be crowded by the time you arrive.

 

Our “go-to” beach is Sapphire, but that can be very calm or rough depending on conditions. If we were looking for a calm bay for floating we would consider the Secret Harbour Resort in Secret Harbor. The water is typically dead calm there because the bay is protected. Secret Harbor also offers better food and drink options than Magens.
 

The beach will be busy, but AADivers rents lounges and umbrellas and you can reserve them in advance of your arrival. So you’d be guaranteed a spot in the day visitor area…Read their cancellation policy if you choose that option…
 

 

[butterfly55]

22 hours ago, blue_water said:

Yes with 17k + fellow day visitors in port, Magens will certainly be crowded when you get there. It is the most-touted VI beach by the ship directors and a favorite of many.
But all popular beaches will be crowded by the time you arrive.

 

Our “go-to” beach is Sapphire, but that can be very calm or rough depending on conditions. If we were looking for a calm bay for floating we would consider the Secret Harbour Resort in Secret Harbor. The water is typically dead calm there because the bay is protected. Secret Harbor also offers better food and drink options than Magens.
 

The beach will be busy, but AADivers rents lounges and umbrellas and you can reserve them in advance of your arrival. So you’d be guaranteed a spot in the day visitor area…Read their cancellation policy if you choose that option…
 

 

How far away is the beach and best way to get there? Also, is it good for snorkeling?

[blue_water]

11 hours ago, butterfly55 said:

How far away is the beach and best way to get there? Also, is it good for snorkeling?

Sapphire and Secret Harbor are on the east end, a 30+ minute, ~$11/pp taxi from Crown Bay. Both are popular snorkeling beaches…

[butterfly55]

5 minutes ago, blue_water said:

Sapphire and Secret Harbor are on the east end, a 30+ minute, ~$11/pp taxi from Crown Bay. Both are popular snorkeling beaches…

Thank you very much for your reply.