What it is
Secret Harbour is a protected bay on St. Thomas's south-east coast with a resort beach club atmosphere, calm swim conditions, and house-reef snorkeling suitable for beginners on clear days.
Why cruise passengers visit
Couples and snorkelers choose Secret Harbour when they want quieter water than Coki Beach with more structure than a fully public strip — chair service, a beach bar, and easy entry to a small reef.
Distance from port
Roughly 6–7 miles from Charlotte Amalie terminals — about 20–30 minutes by taxi depending on route and traffic.
Time needed
Plan 3–4 hours including transfers for snorkel and lunch. Half-day excursions work well on 7–8 hour port calls.
Best for
Facilities
- ✓Resort beach bar and restaurant
- ✓Chair and umbrella rentals
- ✓Snorkel gear rental (availability varies)
- ✓Restrooms through beach club
- ✓Protected swim area
Cruise suitability
Strong for passengers who want snorkeling without a boat tour but prefer calmer vibes than Coki Beach. Confirm resort day-pass or excursion access before you travel independently.
Recommended excursions
St. Thomas Resort Beach Day
Organized resort-beach access with transport — useful when you want guaranteed facilities and return timing.
View on St. Thomas Shore Excursions →Snorkeling tours
Boat tours that visit outer reefs when you want more marine life variety than the house reef.
View on St. Thomas Shore Excursions →Related planning guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Secret Harbour the same as Secret Harbor Beach Resort?
Yes — the beach is associated with the resort on the bay. Cruise passengers usually arrive via excursion, day pass, or taxi drop-off at the beach club entrance.
Can you snorkel at Secret Harbour without staying at the resort?
Day visitors can typically access the beach through the beach bar area. Excursion bookings often include chair rental and facility access — confirm inclusions.
How does Secret Harbour compare to Sapphire Beach?
Both offer east-end snorkeling. Secret Harbour is usually quieter and more sheltered; Sapphire Beach has more open-water views and a livelier strip.