Sapphire Beach Info
Question
Security
Answer
Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina is a gated community with 24-hour security patrols. However, all beaches in St. Thomas are public so we recommend that you store your valuables In the electronic safe in the closet and keep the sliding glass doors locked while you are away from the unit.
Question
Sargassum at Sapphire Beach
Answer
Due to the possible presence of critters, Virgin Islands law forbids removal of the sargassum while it is still in the water and requires that it be allowed to dry on the beach to allow any critters to return to the water. The sargassum is therefore collected into piles until it is removed from the beach. While the main beach on the property remains free of sargassum, it washes up on the beach in front of our building and is collected into piles prior to its removal. You will see the workers on the beach every day. Additionally, the condo association is installing a boom across the beach in front of our building in order to divert the sargassum away from the beach. They are currently testing out different locations/orientations to see which is most effective. The boom is bright orange and you will definitely see it in the water.
Question
Laundry
Answer
There are laundry facilities in the trailer next to the marina which is across from the parking lot from E Building. You can buy tokens in the dock master’s office which is the first door on the right as you go up the stairs from the parking lot. The laundry is the fourth door on the right. Tokens are $4.00 and can be purchased with a credit card.
Question
Sunscreen
Answer
The USVI recently banned the use and sale of sunscreens that contain chemicals harmful to coral. Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Octocrylene are chemicals that result in bleaching of coral. They are poisonous to coral ecosystems. Mineral based sunscreens that contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the only products that may be used in the USVI.
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Lounge Chairs & Beach Rentals
Answer
Sapphire Beach has just about any kind of rental you could want, from beach chairs to snorkel bobs! If you want a noodle to float or a paddle board to explore the bay, you can find it all just near the beach bar. Guest Lounge chairs are complimentary through the resort, the attendant is located between the B and C buildings. Your lounge chairs will be placed at you chosen beach spot.
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Swimming & Snorkeling Spots
Answer
The swimming beach is in front of the A & B buildings. There is good snorkeling at the beach and also in front of the D building but you will need water shoes in the bay in front of D. Down the beach is Sapphire Beach Bar and Grill. Next to it is the Beach Buzz coffee house. The best snorkeling is near and along the rocky outcropping, where you will see plenty of small and medium sized colorful fish, and quite a bit of large coral. We absolutely recommend renting a condo along the beach. Make sure to keep your distance from the coral as touching it can not only damage the coral, but hurt you as well. Beware of the FIRE CORAL!