Dear
Sleeping Tourist,
My husband and I are planning a 3 day cruise that
departs from San
Juan, Puerto Rico & has 2 stops the
first in Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas, the second
in Philipsburgh,
St. Maarten. We are looking
for a relaxing vacation, can you recommend beaches
in Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas
& Philipsburgh,
St. Maarten?
Thanks for your help
Sandy Richards
Dear Sandy
First let me congratulate you on your next caribbean
adventure. The Sleeping Tourist has traveled to these
beautiful locations and enjoyed many beaches at both.
Lets discuss Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas
first. By far my favorite beach in St.
Thomas
is Coki Beach. Coki Beach is a small beach but perfect
for snorkeling and sun bathing, there is a large rock
formation on the edge of the beach and the fish love
it! You can go just waist deep and see dozens of fish.
Coki Beach also has a bar, souvenir shops, & many
small restaurants.
Magens Bay Beach is another great beach. Magens Bay
is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been
to. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear turquoise
water, you may even see a few little fish swimming
around. Magens Bay has lifeguards, water sports equipment
rentals, changing facilities, showers, a picnic area,
snack bars and a short nature trail.
The main difference between these two neighboring
beaches is that Coki Beach is more favorite with the
locals and Magens Bay Beach is more of a tourist destination.
I recommend seeing both!
Now lets discuss Philipsburgh,
St. Maarten.
Alive with energy and activity, Orient Beach is the
best location for para-sailing, beach bars, people-watching
and just limin’ (“hanging out” Caribbean
style). On my list of “party beaches”,
this definitely makes the top 10. Although Orient
Beach is known as a clothing optional beach (as are
many beaches in Europe), it is very possible to spend
the day at Orient Beach without feeling the necessity
to shed your bathing suit. The south end of Orient
Beach, near Club O, is reserved for naturists. If
you venture to the other end of the beach, it is very
doubtful that you will encounter any nudity. Water
sports, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing,
snorkeling or diving can all be found here
Simpson Bay Beach, a long half-moon of white sand
set between a picturesque fishing village and the
murmuring sea. There are no watersports, no resorts,
just the sound of water gently lapping at your feet.
You can stroll, swim, or simply relax, all the while
seeing barely another soul.
Cupecoy Beach is another unspoiled landscape with
pure white sand, sandstone cliffs, and shoreline caves
as a setting. The surf can be strong, but the wind
is blocked by the rocks. Lying near the border with
St.
Martin,
its dress code is influenced by that of the French
beaches: clothing is optional.
Best Regards,
The Sleeping Tourist |
