Chris G.
Yelp
This is one of the top 3 beaches on St. Thomas! (Lindqvist and Magens are the others.) If you're hoppin' off a cruise, just grab a cab and head down. ALL your needs will be met! Sand, surf and sun! There will be a cab waiting whenever you're ready to leave, or just grab the cab's phone number before you go; I promise you they'll be glad to pick you up!
Some days there is a band (at least Wednesdays and Sundays), but you can get as close or as far away as you like and still enjoy the beach and water. Some people use swim shoes while swimming in the beautiful water, as some areas can have some rocks on it. DO NOT STAND ON THE CORAL; enjoy the snorkeling!
There is a huge expanse of sand, great snorkeling, and plenty of room to spread out, even when it's 'busy'. Just head on down to the right side of the beach away from the crowds. Grab an inexpensive chair from the Dive Shop boys (Blake and Joey are awesome!!), and a Bushwhacker in the cup you brought along, from the beach bar. Sadly, I'm not there at the moment, so feel free to grab my little favorite spot on the right. (You'll know when you find it.)
Visit with the many locals who are staying at Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina. Feel free to take a walk over to the marina to see the boats and to escape what some might think of as 'crowds' (there is so much room, it doesn't seem crowded. You can MOVE your chair, y'know....) Take a jaunt over to the point for a different perspective. There's even a rock beach on your way to the marina.
Enjoy the view of all the islands in front of you, from St. John (no 's'), to the BVIs in the distance, and even Shark.
This is not my 'peace and quiet' beach, because I'm always going to over to grab a drink, or visit with some people I know, but if I make a little effort, I can be very secluded while sunnin' and feelin' peaceful.
I only saw one vendor on the main part of the beach, selling bracelets. Security keeps a route along the beach, unobtrusively. And if you ever wanted to see iguanas and aren't docked at Crown Bay, here is your chance!