The 7 Best Snorkeling Spots on St. Thomas

If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, snorkeling in St. Thomas is likely your top priority. With water temperatures averaging 80°F (26°C) and visibility often exceeding 60 feet, the underwater world here is truly world-class. As a specialist reseller of island experiences, St. Thomas Activities has hand-picked the best operators to ensure your tour is safe, fun, and memorable.

1. Coki Point Beach: The Interactive Aquarium

Coki Point is the most popular shore-snorkel spot on the island for a reason: the fish come to you! Because it’s adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park, the marine life is extremely abundant. Expect to be surrounded by schools of Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, and Trumpetfish the moment you step into the waist-deep water.

Where to go: Head to the rocky areas on the right and left sides of the beach. The center is sandy and great for swimming, but the reefs hug the edges. Look for Brain Coral and Elkhorn Coral just 10-15 feet from the shore.

2. Secret Harbour: Calm Waters and Hidden Gems

Located in a protected cove on the East End, Secret Harbour offers some of the calmest snorkeling on St. Thomas. This is the ideal spot for beginners or families with small children. The water is rarely choppy, making it easy to float and observe the Hawksbill Turtles that occasionally visit the seagrass.

Marine Life: Keep your eyes peeled for Octopuses and Squids hiding in the rocky crevices on the right side of the bay. In the sandy middle area, look for Southern Stingrays camouflaged on the bottom.

3. Lindqvist Beach (Smith Bay Park)

Lindqvist Beach is part of a protected marine park, meaning the reefs are remarkably healthy. It’s less crowded than Coki or Sapphire, offering a peaceful experience. The crystal-clear water and bright white sand provide incredible visibility.

Pro Tip: Snorkel toward the rocky point on the right (East) side. You’ll find elkhorn coral structures that serve as “apartments” for Spotted Drumfish, Blue Tangs, and Angelfish.

4. Brewers Bay: The Turtle Capital

If you want to swim with sea turtles without the crowds of a tour boat, Brewers Bay is your destination. Because it is slightly off the main tourist path near the university, it remains a quiet local favorite. The vast seagrass beds are a buffet for Green Sea Turtles, which can be seen here daily.

5. Sapphire Beach: Coral Reefs and Iconic Views

Sapphire Beach combines stunning views of St. John with a shallow reef that starts right at the water’s edge. It is one of the most convenient spots to snorkel because you can rent gear, grab a drink at the beach bar, and be back in the water in minutes.

What to see: The eastern rocky ledge is home to Large Sea Fans and Parrotfish. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a Spotted Eagle Ray gliding through the deeper channels just past the reef.

6. Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge (Shipwrecks!)

Accessible only by boat, Buck Island is the “Gold Standard” of St. Thomas snorkeling. It features Turtle Cove, where dozens of turtles gather, and the Cartanza Senora shipwreck. For snorkelers, the wreck is swarming with Porcupine Pufferfish and Barracuda.

7. Cas Cay & The Mangrove Lagoon

For a totally different experience, visit the Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve. Instead of open ocean, you’ll snorkel in shallow, winding waterways. These mangroves act as a “nursery” for the ocean. You’ll see juvenile sharks, lobsters, and even the rare “Upside-Down Jellyfish.”

Snorkeling Safety & Reef Protection

• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Non-mineral sunscreens are banned in the USVI. Protect the coral by using Zinc or Titanium-based products.
• Don’t Touch the Life: Touching turtles is a federal offense, and touching coral can kill the reef.
• Stay Hydrated: Caribbean salt water and sun lead to quick dehydration. Drink more water than you think you need!