A popular spot with locals, Secret Harbor St. Thomas snorkeling is considered some of the best on the island, yet not too crowded… yet. St. Thomas has a large volume of cruise passengers arriving nearly daily, so finding a great snorkeling beach that isn’t complete packed is key. With a reef just off shore, and rocky side walls, this protected little secret harbor beach is a great place for everyone from beginner to advanced snorkelers.
Entry: Beach
Experience: Beginner
Access: No Fee, Free Parking Available(Read More Below)
Facilities: Dive Center with Rentals, On Site Restaurant, Public Restrooms
Look Out For: Limited parking near beach- arrive early
GETTING TO SECRET HARBOUR
The resort on the beach is actually called Secret Harbour Resort, which uses the British spelling of Harbor and can cause some confusion. However, whether it’s Secret Harbor or Secret Harbour, everyone is talking about the same place.
From the main road, the entrance may be easy to miss, especially when coming from Red Hook, so make sure to keep an eye out for signs for the “restaurant/bar”.
For parking, follow the road down the hill and try to find a space in the parking lot at the restaurant if you plan to eat ONLY. The parking is free, but very limited there and for the restaurant and resort only. If you aren’t able to park in that parking lot, head up the STEEP hill, to the small parking lot near the tennis courts that is open to the public and usually has plenty of space available.
WHERE TO STAY
We love staying right on the beach, and the Secret Harbour Resort offers condos with walk out access to some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Check prices and availability here.
There are also plenty of condos available just a short easy walk from the beach that can be found here on airbnb, or here on VRBO. Make sure to check both sites because they have similar options, but different properties to choose from.
If you prefer to stay at a major resort, we love the Ritz Carlton(find more info here), and it’s just down the road from Secret Harbor.
The bay at the Ritz Carlton has some great snorkeling right on the property, and is also just minutes from the 3 of the best spots to snorkel on the island. If you prefer a resort over vacation rental, you can’t beat the location and amenities here.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Just down the road from the parking near the tennis courts, you’ll find a small staircase that will lead straight down the side of the condos and right on to the beach.
The restaurant seems to be “THE” place to go for regulars to the island to watch the sunset. So , it does get a bit more crowded toward the end of the day.
The beach is uncrowded, but has a swim platform about 30 yards out from shore. In addition to the condos and on site restaurant there’s a dive shop, and chair rentals. Make sure to pop in to the dive shop to find out the latest snorkeling sightings and what to watch out for.
Both sides of the beach have some pretty good snorkeling with the right being more rocky and the left having a double reef.
Rocks on the right side of the beach
On the left side of the beach, just past the concrete dock, you’ll begin to see the first reef.
After the first reef, there well be a little rock out cropping, and drop off, and then you’ll find the second reef.
Overall
Secret Harbor Beach was one of my favorite beaches on the island to snorkel. For families, the incredibly calm protected bay water, swim platform, and beach rentals make staying at Secret Harbor Resort the perfect home base.
Looking for more great St. Thomas snorkeling location? Check out our guide to all of the best spots HERE.
