Those seeking solitude will love secluded Lindquist Beach in the 21-acre Smith Bay Park, a place protected from development on the island’s northeast coast. Stroll along the shoreline (it’s not your imagination; the sand has a light pink hue). Take a dip in the calm, clear water to snorkel. You’ll be surrounded by sea creatures such as crabs, stingrays and turtles. On land, admire seabirds, giant iguanas, coconut groves and sea grapes. Bring a lunch to eat under shade trees.

On the edge of Nazareth Bay, take in the views at the small Secret Harbour Beach. The calm water here makes it a favorite place to anchor sailboats offshore from southeastern St. Thomas. The rugged coastline attracts snorkelers to see fish congregating around the rocks. You might opt for an excursion aboard a dive boat to go out farther and see more marine life. There’s no need to lug too many supplies for your day at Secret Harbour; rent lounge chairs and umbrellas.

The peaceful Brewers Bay Beach offers authentic slices of Caribbean island life. View coral beds while snorkeling in the clear water; go near the seagrass for the best chances to see sea turtles, colorful fish and rays. Collect shells along the shore and watch flights come and go from the nearby airport. Visit one of the roadside food trucks to order local favorites such as johnny cakes, fried chicken and rice, and fruit drinks.

Go to Virgin Islands National Park and see for yourself why Trunk Bay Beach regularly appears on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s lists of the world’s top beaches. Trunk Bay is known for its turquoise water, coconut palms and population of leatherback turtles. Arrive early, rent snorkel gear and follow 650 feet of the park’s self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail. You’ll likely see the big turtles in addition to blue bell tunicates (also known as sea squirts), coral reefs and fish.

You’ll want to linger in nature at Cinnamon Bay Beach, Virgin Islands National Park’s longest beach. Of course, you’ll snorkel or paddle in the warm waters, but activities also include walking along that mile-long shoreline, going on an offshore boat excursion and taking a spin on a mountain bike. Hike shaded trails and visit historic plantation ruins and sacred mounds. Continue your stress-free visit by relaxing during meals on the patio at the on-site Rain Tree Café.

After the 10-minute walk on a graded trail from the parking lot to get to tranquil Salt Pond Bay Beach, cool off in calm, clear waters in the crescent-shaped cove near the southeast tip of St. John. It’s known as one of the island’s best places for snorkeling around four reefs and one seagrass bed – you’ll spot sea turtles, fish, rays and hermit crabs living in conch shells.

Two miles long. That’s the length of shoreline you can enjoy at Sandy Point Beach on the southwestern tip of St. Croix. It’s so special that you’ll need to plan your visit at specific times. The beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is open only on weekends; additionally, it’s closed from April through August to protect nesting leatherback sea turtles. Be amazed at this beach’s natural state – just sand, sun, shells and the glorious blue hues of the Caribbean sea.

Take a one-hour charter boat trip from Christiansted to reach Buck Island Reef National Monument. Discover a thriving marine life ecosystem in the elkhorn coral barrier reef, which stretches around two-thirds of the island. It’s a snorkeler’s dream to explore reefs where federally protected fish live in crystal-clear water. On land, follow trails through tropical forests and along the shore.

Secluded Shoys Beach just might be one of the loveliest (and quietest) stretches of shoreline on the north side of St. Croix. Get there by entering the gates of the Buccaneer Hotel, then drive to the crescent-shaped beach. Walk the path through a mangrove tunnel to reach the soft sand and clear water with gentle waves. Sit in the shade, go swimming or snorkeling, and watch sailboats and parasailers. Bring what you need for the day, as no services are offered.