🏖️ Beach Safety 101: How to Enjoy the Ocean Responsibly in St. Thomas

STVG
May 27
3 min read

The beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the most beautiful in the world...calm turquoise bays, soft white sand, and clear waters teeming with marine life. But to truly enjoy them safely and sustainably, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines that protect you, your family, and the environment.

Here’s your essential guide to enjoying the ocean responsibly while visiting St. Thomas and the surrounding islands.

🌊 1. Know Before You Go: Check Weather + Water Conditions

Before heading to the beach, check for:

Rip current warnings
High surf alerts (North swell)
Jellyfish or sea lice reports (seasonal)
Rainy season runoff (which can affect water clarity)

📱 Use apps like MyRadar/Windy or follow local Facebook groups for daily updates.

Pro Tip: Northside beaches like Hull Bay can get rougher waves than east- or south-facing bays.

🧴 2. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen (It’s the Law!)

The USVI has banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene because they harm coral reefs. Instead, choose:

Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based lotions
Brands labeled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly”

💡 Spray sunscreens are discouraged—they drift and end up on the sand or in your eyes.

🦺 3. Watch Your Step: Coral, Urchins & Marine Life

Never walk or stand on coral reefs, even if they look like rocks. They’re living animals, and stepping on them causes long-term damage (plus you could get cut).

🦠 Be cautious of:

Sea urchins in rocky areas
Jellyfish, especially in late summer
Fire coral, which can sting even without contact

👣 Water shoes are a great option for rocky beaches or tide pool areas.

🐠 4. Respect the Wildlife: Look, Don’t Touch

The waters around St. Thomas are home to sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even the occasional dolphin. Enjoy observing them, but please:

Don’t chase or touch sea turtles (it’s illegal + stressful for them)
Don’t feed the fish
Don’t remove starfish or conchs from the water

📸 Snap your pics—then let them swim free.

🏊‍♀️ 5. Swim Smart: No Lifeguards on Most Beaches

Most public beaches in the USVI do not have lifeguards. So always:

Swim with a buddy
Keep a close eye on kids
Stay within depth limits
Avoid alcohol while swimming or snorkeling

If you’re snorkeling, use a brightly colored float or vest to stay visible to boats.

🧃 6. Hydrate & Shade Yourself

The sun here hits different. Bring:

Plenty of water (and drink more than you think!)
A hat or rash guard
Shade—a beach umbrella, tent, or plan to stick to sea grape trees

🌞 Avoid the midday sun (12–3 PM) if you’re not used to strong UV.

🗑️ 7. Leave No Trace

Keep our beaches beautiful for the next visitor:

Take your trash with you
Avoid single-use plastics (bring reusable water bottles & containers)
Don’t leave food out—it attracts wildlife and pests
Pack out anything you bring in

♻️ Bonus points for picking up extra litter you see—it all helps.

💛 Travel Like You Love the Place

Beach safety isn’t just about avoiding sunburns and strong currents—it’s about honoring the ocean, the local culture, and the creatures that call it home.

So whether you're snorkeling at Coki, floating at Secret Harbour, or exploring tide pools at Neltjeberg, follow these tips to keep yourself and the island thriving.