What’s a Virgin Islands vacation without a beach? There are hundreds of beaches in the Virgin Islands. There are small beaches and large beaches; pebbly beaches and fine-sand beaches; beaches with bars and restaurants and beaches with no man-made development at all. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others have great waves. Some are comfortable and easy, others awe-inspiring. Most likely, the best beach of your visit will be the one closest to your hotel, but if you need some more inspiration, then check out these standouts.

U.S. Virgin Islands

• Trunk Bay, St. John: Fluffy sand, picturesque coconut palms, and a charming offshore cay. This beach is as perfect as it gets.
• Salt Pond Bay, St. John: If off-the-beaten-track is important to you, then this beach on St. John’s east end is a keeper. It’s a 10-minute hike to the sand, but you are rewarded by good snorkeling and few crowds.
• Magen’s Bay, St. Thomas: The finest beach on St. Thomas, this deep, heart-shaped bay is always calm. It’s also expansive, providing plenty of space to spread out along the powdery sand and under the shade of palm trees.
• Cane Bay, St. Croix: A windmill ruin stands watch over this north coast beach, which attracts scuba divers and snorkelers. On shore there is a festive, fun-loving atmosphere.
• Jack and Isaac Bays Preserve, St. Croix: Protected and unspoiled, these twin beaches on St. Croix’s east end are accessible on foot and reward hikers with peace and solitude.

British Virgin Islands

• Long Bay, Beef Island: An expansive half-moon bay near the T.B. Lettsome Airport, Long Bay is good for long walks.
• Apple Bay, Tortola: Hardly a beach, but it’s where the surfers come for the waves. You can come here to watch them, plus the pelicans that dive for their dinner.
• Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda: Just down the road from the Baths, this lesser-known bay is littered with giant boulders that make it fun for swimming and soaking.
• Loblolly Bay, Anegada: Part of Anegada’s unspoiled and unbroken north coast beach, Loblolly Bay has excellent offshore snorkeling and lots of cabanas on the sand for shade.
• White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: So picturesque it seems unreal, this delectable bay has powdery sand, an off-shore reef, and a handful of friendly beach bars. You can also camp under the palm trees.