Snorkeling Lindquist Beach with kids is an amazing option for families visiting St. Thomas. The beach is part of the 21-acre protected area of Smith Bay Park on the east end of St. Thomas. It’s one of the few remaining beaches on the island that hasn’t been overdeveloped. Instead, it offers a quiet and natural setting that’s ideal for families looking for calm, safe water and a low-crowd environment for snorkeling and beach play.
For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Thomas and St. John:
- Best Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
This beach is especially good for families who want to avoid the more tourist-heavy areas. Lindquist is a favorite among locals and rarely visited by cruise ship passengers, which means it stays relatively quiet—even in the middle of the day. It’s a great alternative when planning a low-stress beach day with kids.
What to Expect when Snorkeling Lindquist Beach with Kids
Lindquist Beach has calm, shallow waters with a gradual, sandy entry—ideal for kids who are just getting comfortable in the ocean. Parents can feel at ease knowing there’s a lifeguard on duty. The beach itself is large and clean, with soft sand for building castles or relaxing under a tree.
Just offshore, seagrass beds are home to turtles and rays. These are visible without swimming far out, making them easy to spot for beginner snorkelers and children. With minimal effort, families can experience marine life close to the beach, including sea turtles grazing or rays resting on the sandy bottom.
For stronger swimmers, there’s a coral reef a bit farther out on the left side of the beach. It’s worth exploring but should only be attempted on calm days. The reef area can have rougher surf and breaking waves on windy days, which may not be suitable for younger children.
On the right side of the beach, the snorkeling conditions are often calmer. The seagrass here continues to attract marine life, and visitors often see schools of fish, starfish, and the occasional stingray.
Video of Snorkeling at Lindquist Beach
Facilities and Amenities
Lindquist Beach is part of a protected park, so there’s a small entrance fee. Non-residents pay $5 per adult for beach access, and there’s a $2 fee for vehicle parking. These small fees help maintain the park and its facilities.
Amenities include:
- Lifeguards on duty
- Bathrooms and changing rooms
- Showers
- Picnic tables
- A small snack bar (seasonally open)
- Chair rentals
There’s also a shaded grove of coconut and sea grape trees near the back of the beach, offering a break from the sun for younger kids or a spot to enjoy lunch.
Tips for Families Snorkeling Lindquist Beach with kids
- Arrive early to get a good parking spot and secure space in the shade.
- Bring your own snorkel gear and flotation devices, as there are no rental shops on-site.
- Watch for waves near the reef on windy days, especially with younger swimmers.
- Pack snacks and drinks, especially if the snack bar is closed.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your children and the marine environment.
- Check tide and wind conditions before swimming out to the reef.
Why Families Love Lindquist Beach
Snorkeling Lindquist Beach with kids stands out for families because it offers the right balance of nature, safety, and simplicity. It’s not overrun with crowds or vendors. Kids can explore the underwater world without needing to swim far, and parents can relax knowing lifeguards are nearby. It’s a solid option for families with younger kids, early snorkelers, or those just looking to enjoy a peaceful beach day away from the tourist rush.
Whether it’s spotting a sea turtle in the shallows or relaxing in the soft sand while looking across the water toward St. John, Lindquist Beach is one of the top choices for snorkeling with kids in St. Thomas.
Planning your USVI family trip to St. Thomas or St. John? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the islands:
- St. Thomas with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Snorkeling and Beaches around St. Thomas and St. John for Families
- Best Family Hikes in St. Thomas
- Top Rated Family Restaurants in St. Thomas
For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Thomas and St. John:
- Best Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Thomas. Here is the info on St. John.
