4 Must-See Secluded Beaches on St. Thomas

Are you searching for a quiet and secluded beach in the US Virgin Islands? These are my picks for the best-secluded beaches on St. Thomas!

St. Thomas is full of beautiful beaches with sugar-white sand and crystal blue waters – many of which are lined with high-end hotels and resorts. But every now and then it’s nice to escape somewhere a bit quieter. So if you’re like me, searching for a more secluded plot of sand, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, I’ve included my picks for the TOP secluded beaches on St. Thomas with instructions on how to get there. Unlike the easily accessible beaches on the East End of the island, these beaches require a little extra effort – whether that be a 4 Wheel Drive or a hiking trail.

But hey, the little extra effort that few people are willing to put forth is the EXACT reason why these beautiful beaches remain secluded!

4 Most Secluded Beaches on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

4. Mermaid’s Chair

How to get to Mermaid’s Chair on St. Thomas

Of all the secluded beaches on St. Thomas, Mermaid’s Chair requires the most effort to reach as it’s accessible by hike-in only. It’s an easy hike on the way down but be sure to save some water for the way up after your beach day.

You’ll park at The Preserve at Botany Bay where you’ll enter an upscale community of private villas. From there, the roadway winds westward before culminating its descent at Mermaid’s Chair and Sandy Bay.

In a way, it’s not a hike in the truest sense since you’ll be on a paved road the entire way. Just be sure to pack plenty of sun protection and water as there is no tree cover!

🏖️ Packable Beach Blanket: We never go to a secluded beach without our handy, packable beach blanket from Grand Trunk. The lightweight and compact design are perfect for beaches that require a hike.

3. Santa Maria Bay

How to get to Santa Maria Bay on St. Thomas

Santa Maria Beach keeps relatively quiet as it requires a short, half-mile hike to access its shoreline. You can find the trailhead along Fortuna Rd as you head west on St. Thomas. There’s an old red gate with a few parking spaces available. The trailhead is found just to the right of the old gate.

🤿 Travel Snorkel Gear: It’s easy to have unlimited free fun in the Virgin Islands if you bring your own snorkel gear. Almost every beach has something to witness below its waterline like sea turtles, coral reefs, and unique rock structures.

2. Stumpy Bay Beach

How to get to Stumpy Bay Beach on St. Thomas

You’ll be able to access Stumpy Bay Beach with a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle or hiking the dirt road down. I would never try to make the trek if you don’t have a 4WD, so if you’re using a rental car, just park at the peak of the road and hike down. It’s not too bad of a trek and will be well worth your troubles after enjoying the beautiful ways of Stumpy Bay!

1. Neltjeberg Bay

It’s the easiest to get to and has the most things to do with a nearby hiking trail, long stretches of sand, palm trees overhanging the waters, snorkeling opportunities, and sugar mill ruins.

How to get to Neltjeberg Bay on St. Thomas

Neltjeberg Bay is accessible with a 4 Wheel Drive car or after taking a short hiking trail originating at Dorothea Beach. I have heard of people using a standard two-wheel drive, but I think it’s risky. If it happens to rain while enjoying the beach, there’s a good chance you might have trouble reascending to the peak of the road.

You can find the road to Neltjeberg along the northside road. If you don’t have a 4WD, head down to Dorothea Beach and you’ll find a trail near the west end of the beach that leads to Neltjeberg Bay.

Packing List to Visit the Secluded Beaches of St. Thomas

These are a few handy items that are packable, lightweight, and make an excellent addition to your beach day away:

• Packable Beach Blanket: lightweight, sand-resistant, and packable beach blanket perfect for beaches requiring a hike.
• Travel Snorkel Set: Because you should never go to any beach in the Virgin Islands without a snorkel set!
• Hammock and Hammock Straps: You never know when you might need to hang a hammock between two palm trees.
• Dry Bag Backpack: sudden showers are not uncommon in the Caribbean.
• Waterproof Speaker: JBL makes the best waterproof speakers that sound great while being durable in sandy environments.
• Pelican Case: I keep this in my bag at all times to keep my wallet, phone, and car keys safe and dry.

Secluded Beaches on St. Thomas: Debrief

So there you have it! My top picks for quiet and secluded beaches on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. I know a few more exist and I’d LOVE to hear your feedback in a comment below!

In the meantime, if you’re interested in the best overall beaches on St. Thomas, check out my article “Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI” that I wrote for TravelLemming.com! Enjoy, ya’ll!