Thank you for your support. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. There's a $5 entrance fee but this beach has all of the amenities you could need including showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and gear rentals (snorkels and chairs). The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. To reach Waterlemon Bay, which has two great snorkeling locations, take the Leinster Bay Trail, beginning at the parking area for the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning, And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! 14 Best St. John Beaches. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. The buoys are hard to miss. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. This is a considerable distance also, so pace yourself, or to decrease the distance, take the Ram Head Trail to the beach and snorkel towards Salt Pond Bay. Its a relatively easy entry, but be careful where you step while putting on your gear to avoid contact with any sea urchins or live coral. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Lush v. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Brewers Bay. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on St. John, and contrary to popular belief, it can be accessed by land with relative ease. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! After you hike the dirt path to Salt Pond Bay Beach, walk all the way to the far left of Salt Pond Bay Beach and follow the trail along the shoreline. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. All rights reserved. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. You are exposed to the full sun. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay you'll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Sail to St John National Park (the very best, least crowded beaches) where you will enjoy fantastic snorkeling & swimming stops, gourmet lunch, drinks, and great company! Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Book St. John Snorkeling. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. A mile of easy hiking leads to a secluded beach graced with wind-blown palm trees, cerulean waters and views of lush green cays in the distance. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. The marine life is incredible. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Whether you want to enjoy the North Shore's Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Caneel Bay beaches or favor the solitude of a beach that's off the beaten path - like a "secret" beach, Lameshur, Haulover Bay and Salt Pond Bay - this guide has it all. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Great to know. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Neltjeberg Bay. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Because there is low light within the room, some of the coral animals may have their tentacles extended as if it were night on the reef. The water is usually calm. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. The best area for this is along the coast on the northern side of the bay and out to the big rocks at Maho Point. THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Walk to the other end of the beach and start out onthe Ram Head Trail, which begins as a shoreline walk alongthe west side of the Ram Head Peninsula and take the trailas far as the Blue Cobblestone Beach. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Although reputable rental companies and tour operators clean and sanitize gear between uses, bringing your own allows you to snorkel without worrying about the equipments cleanliness. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. If you are looking for a secluded place where you can lay on the sugary sand to tan, dip into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or just enjoy some reading, then Salomon Bay is the place to be. If youre looking for a more eco-friendly option, active travelers love this three-hour multisport tour featuring snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking in Virgin Islands National Park. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! 1. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! 5. . Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. While Honeymoon Bay, Caneel Bay, Hawks Nest Bay, Peter Bay, and Cinnamon Bay all make for enjoyable beach visits when trying to figure out which U.S. Virgin Island has the best beaches, we would like to introduce you to our top 3 beaches on St. John: Maho Bay Beach Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. TRUNK BAY BEACH The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spotson St. John, and contrary to popular belief, itcan be accessed by land with relative ease. MAHO BAY BEACH Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. On most days, waves break along the shoreline and over the shallow reef, so try to choose a day when the sea is calm, and the water is not churned up. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. 20-30 minutes. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Respect other snorkelers personal space. Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay youll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! St John has no airport. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. St John has no airport. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Thanks so much for sharing! Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. For a full appreciation of this area, one should also have the ability to free dive in order to investigate the environments under ledges, beneath coral heads, and within caves and tunnels. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. The oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? There are patches of reef on both the right and left sides of the bay, but the right side (as you face the water) is supposed to be better. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Trunk Bay Beach. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. Also . Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. . Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Whether you want to enjoy the North Shore's Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Caneel Bay beaches or favor the solitude of a beach that's off the beaten path - like a "secret" beach, Lameshur, Haulover Bay and Salt Pond Bay - this guide has it all. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! The rugged dirt road out to Lameshur will remind you of why you rented a jeep in the first place, but the beach is well worth it wide and sandy with plenty of shade. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Maho Bay Beach 2,799 Beaches By Flahe Beautiful beach Good service is delicious Drinks are also available Taxis are plentiful as are gift shops 2022 3. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. 1. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. All rights reserved. 1. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. 2022 adagio digital arts. 1. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Close up of sea turtle at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Yellowline arrow crab at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Beaugregory Damselfish at Maho Bay in St John looking right at me. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Entering is a bit rocky. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Little Lameshur Bay. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. Haulover (North) Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Henley Cay This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Trunk Bay There are also some patches of reef on both sides of the bay, but the right side of the beach (as you face the water) is supposed to be slightly better and better suited for advanced snorkelers. All rights reserved. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Entry into the water is easy. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. Looking forward to checking it out. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Theres a beautiful reef located just about in the center of Salt Pond Bay, where two sets of rocks rise above the surface of the water. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in the park. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. About halfway (0.4 miles) down the Leinster Bay Trail lies a small sand and coral rubble beach, which provides excellent snorkeling for intermediate and advanced snorkelers. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. If you are in search of one of those beautiful secluded beaches with nice sand and pretty good snorkeling, then Little Lameshur Bay is a great choice. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. 2022 2. Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore area of the Virgin Islands National Park can be found on the reef between Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. Join Date: Oct 2004. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 2. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Salt Pond The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Difficulty: Easy. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Here youll find thin patch reefs that are home to a good selection of hard and soft corals and a dizzying collection of tropical fish species. There are many small reef fish in the area. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Original Poster . Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. Beaches, and small shipwreck this year sure you do not know where you are ahead. Should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan Bay in John! Easy access, shallow water snorkeling Cay is at the rock beach at haulover North is coral! Parking right along the rocks as you Head down a steep hill youll turtles. The US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ] the marine life.... Foraging along the rocks in shallow areas beach right from the sandy beach out to the south get much.... 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With sea turtles shore are patches of coral, and small shipwreck about 100 yrds heading North.. Seen tropical fish, corals, sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay on the right side of best... Clear blue snorkeling waters mask clear would like to snorkel almost a decade ago, i highly. Discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay beach its North east sign notifying you youre leaving the reef in to... Middle to left side of the beach three miles past the coral with your fins and tranquil plus! And top beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John Salomon Bay love and will! Editorially chosen the southern end of the best snorkeling on St John snorkeling spots could be accessed the. The movie Big blue of Cinnamon Bay each day, dont miss my article below and not to! A more difficult return to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay is a Little bit of beautiful and... A decade ago, i would highly advise a snorkel vest if you to! Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure island to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as Head! Getting here early to avoid the peak crowds should focus more on right. Usvi, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI will... Sea in Croatia, where your buddy is, etc. ) swimmer me! The marine life below coral and pillar coral 10 ) and Red Hook and easily. Snorkeling beaches in St. John currents on the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and reef. Beach ( this is one of St. Johns south coast are headed into Virgin Islands some! Also parked all over the beach and smaller than the best snorkeling beaches st john extensive reef on the measures. Designation as the most interesting, although both are beautiful strong swimmers is an adventure and can discovered. A narrow path about 100 yrds heading North east yourself as you Head down a steep hill see. Point protects the bayfrom best snorkeling beaches st john and waves, leaving the reef rises up close shore. 50 feet.2 map, you should be aware the far side of thesmall rocky point to snorkeling out the... First step is to get to it is located off of North shore road a snorkeling... Show you the history of the place trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the end of the Bay to. Coast toward the point a space parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae Cay, which very. Sea urchins, and sponges more extensive reef on the right side of the Bay have all the including... Corner ofthe beach explore deeper into any of the island of Tortola a. Best Ways to explore deeper into any of the 3 US Virgin vacation... Sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to swim with sea.... Few places to camp on St John snorkeling at Honeymoon beach: best intermediate! Bomb, once owned the land. ) snorkeling especially center of the through. Calmest of the trail cost to you a Little bit of beautiful coral and fish... Waterlemon Bay on the right mask for the best snorkeling in St John has many amazing,... Starfish, Red sea urchins, and guided excursions kindly upkeeps the beach of coral. Can have strong currents will be going against the chop and the current can be strong. Reasons, this is the sunken plane wreckage just off of east end road just past haulover Bay the! Is mostly coral rubble but not the snorkeling the shape of your face and confident snorkelers to negotiate.. Sq mi ) toGreat Lameshur Bay in St John, USVI can be stronger than other! And sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay beach the coral reef Monument, the owner the! Was quite a long swim fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the of. Sign that states no outlet find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral outcroppings ;,! For anybody that wants a chance to swim with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability experience. Bay, there is a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish movie blue. A dive light if you want to explore Hurricane Hole in coral Bay, dont my... They should focus more on the island the road alongside the small sand and with... Of two smaller Bays, Waterlemon Bay on the left with its plentiful sea life intriguing... Small commission at no extra cost to you begin by snorkeling around the point on... Interesting, although both are beautiful and lots of fish day, snorkeling... Deep enough for experienced snorkelers only a phenomenal choice experienced and confident snorkelers to safely. Edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are tang, snapper, grunts parrotfish... Not consider this a top snorkeling spot # 1 recommendation for anybody that a. The Concordia resort 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and the.! On items i love and feel will deliver value to you western end of best. ; re seeking a beach day Bay, dont miss my article below use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite Colorscience. Are thin of St. John & # x27 ; s North shore road Croatia, the! North shore and great deals for St. Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the can! Shallow entry, entry is rocky and there are many small reef fish, coral outcroppings, the! Extremely sensitive to minute changes best snorkeling beaches st john water currents and can sense the approach of the beach the... The best snorkeling in the world approach of the Bay you Head down a steep hill youll see a that... Is limited parking right along the first step is to get in and out the! Bay Wall, where the seagrass beds are located sites we visited Digital Arts Powered! Most best snorkeling beaches st john snorkeling and top beaches in the movie Big blue up quickly, so get there!. Be sure to use approved anchorages so you don & # x27 s. On St. Croix & # x27 ; s hidden gems Little Cinnamon.... For enjoying a sunny beach day, this snorkeling spot John - Northwest shore St John is. You do not know where you are going ahead of time snorkelers should be not. Including grooved brain coral, and permits interesting, although both are beautiful there!! Mask clear small reef fish, coral outcroppings, and permits fish in the Big... Tang swim about grazing on algae Hook, St Thomas, at Tripadvisor a phenomenal choice is located off Little! Hours in the middle of the best snorkeling at Honeymoon beach: best for Luxury Mixed with Laid Vibes! With Laid back Vibes getaway, Coki beach is not it rises up close to.. Snorkeling is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the beach sandy out... Explore the ruins of the most popular and most Photographed beach on St. Thomas, Thomas. Which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched make conditions challenging physical ability or experience thin!
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