The east side of St. Thomas is filled with famous beaches, amazing restaurants and world-class shopping, but what about its lesser-known other half? St. Thomas’s West End is quiet, more relaxed and ruggedly beautiful. It’s the perfect place to spend a day if you’re ready for a day of peaceful beaches and outdoor adventures. If you’re ready to experience St. Thomas’s West End, check out our tips and must-dos below.
What to Know Before You Visit St. Thomas’s West End:
Pack a lunch: Dining options are limited on this end of the island. Pack a picnic lunch or have one of our amazing chefs prepare one for you.
Plan your transportation: St. Thomas doesn’t have ridesharing programs, and taxis are sparse on the West End. We recommend renting a car or hiring a driver to drop you off and pick you up at a designated time. Island Luxury guests can contact our concierge service for help.
Bring the essentials: Don’t forget the sunscreen, water and a hat.
Respect private property: St. Thomas’s West End is home to many year-round residents. Avoid trails that cut across private property and only park in designated areas.
Stay local: Get the full West End experience by staying at Siren’s Song, an eight-bedroom villa located in The Preserve at Botany Bay.
1. Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Brewer’s Bay
Brewer’s Bay is a local favorite, known for its calm, clear water and abundance of sea turtles and rays. There are bathrooms and showers at this beach, and you can grab a snack from one of the food trucks serving up Virgin Islands favorites like salt fish and johnnycakes.
2. Visit the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market
Get a taste of St. Thomas’s finest at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market. You’ll find homegrown fruits and veggies, baked goods, beauty products, island-made crafts and more. The market is open the second and last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the intersection of Fortuna Road and N. Meander Place.
3. Explore Caves and Coral Reefs
The rocky outcroppings of St. Thomas’s West End are perfect for the adventurous snorkeler. You can swim through sea caves, explore coral reefs and look for octopi, sea urchins, lobster, turtles and eels. Many of these areas aren’t accessible from the shore, so you’ll need to kayak or enjoy a day on a private chartered boat (ask us for recommendations!) Your captain will be able to recommend the best spots for you based on your snorkeling expertise and the water conditions.
4. Hike to Stumpy Bay Beach
It’s not easy to get to Stumpy Bay Beach, but it's definitely worth it! This remote beach is located on the northwest side of the island and is accessible via boat, 4WD (we recommend a guided tour only, as the road is rough) or a half-mile hike. The crescent of sand is fringed with trees and has an outcropping on each end. Enjoy some sun and solitude, or go for a swim if water conditions allow.
5. Watch the Sunset at Mermaid’s Chair
Mermaid’s Chair is a geological wonder - a narrow strip of beach that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. You can watch the waves break on either side of you as you stroll along the sand, or admire the sunset at dusk from western-most point on St. Thomas. Mermaid’s Chair is accessible via a 1.5-mile hike on a mostly paved route. To reach Mermaid’s Chair, park outside The Preserve at Botany Bay and check in at the guard shack. They’ll give you a map and a voucher that permits you to walk through the development on your way to the beach. There are no amenities, so remember to bring your own water and snacks.
6. Visit Sandy Bay Beach
Sandy Bay Beach is another West End beach that is slightly off the beaten track but worth the extra effort. This beach is a 1.5 mile hike from the main road. At the end of the path, you’ll find a stunning beach with clear water and soft white sand. As with Mermaid’s Seat, check in at The Preserve at Botany Bay gate house to access the beach.
We Hope You Love the Wild, Wonderful West End!
We hope we've inspired you to explore St. Thomas's West End gems! If you have questions, we'd love to help. You can contact us here.
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