St. Thomas Beach Guide - Northside

Beach View Tours of St. Thomas typically include the Northside. Why? Because its home to the island’s most popular sandy hangout, Magens Bay! In addition to having this superstar beach in its lineup, the Northside is also home to the highest point on the island, Crown Mountain (1,556 ft, 474.3 m). The curvaceous roads that wind around the mountains provide stunning views of the area's green peaks and the surrounding sapphire seas.

While Magens Bay sits in the limelight, the Northside does have other beaches. Included in this guide are: Hull Bay, a favorite with residents of the Northside for family picnics; Dorothea Beach and Mandahl Bay, both of which are rocky and windswept; and Little Magens, a small often deserted cove located within the deep U shaped Magens Bay.

Getting Around: Magens Bay is easy to get to and from by taxi. The other Northside beaches require more planning. If you rent a car you can explore on your own; enjoy a scenic drive, stop at lookouts for great photo opportunities, and beach hop!

Northside St. Thomas Beach Map

Dorothea Bay
Waves wash the sand and rocks along this rugged shore sometimes playfully and at other times in sweeping curls. The raw beauty is meditative. Beachcombers may find entertainment in the assorted rocks, seeds and driftwood along the shore. Read More

Hull Bay
Hull Bay is a tranquil cove with a rootsy, no frills atmosphere. It is off the beaten (tourist) track. The shore is largely sandy; sea grape trees provide natural shade; the snorkeling is OK; and there is a restaurant and bar across the street. Read More

Magens Bay
Rightfully famous for its beauty Magens Bay's palm fringed, strollable shoreline and clear, shallow water is popular with residents and visitors. It is the most visited and loved beach on the island. A variety of amenities are available at this beach park. Read More

Little Magens
There are several bikini-sized sandy pocket beaches along the peninsula that frames the right side of U shaped Magens Bay. The largest one is Little Magens. In a clam-shell it's small, pretty and quiet. You have to hike or wade to get there. Read More

Mandahl Bay
Typically sparsely-populated by a few fishermen, chances are you’ll have this place all to yourself. The beach is largely rocky. Check small tide pools along the shore for tiny fish and crabs. Wading birds hang around the neighboring salt pond. Read More

Beach Information and Tips:

All beaches on St. Thomas are open to the public. Beyond the tree line however is often private property and should be respected as such.
There are no clothing optional beaches on St. Thomas; public nudity is illegal.
Removing shells from beaches on St. Thomas is illegal.
Don’t feed marine life or sea birds. Food not naturally in their diet, like various human foods, can create health problems for these animals.
Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sun block, a hat and sunglasses.
Sun, rum and fun can spell dehydration; drink plenty of water.