All rights reserved. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Brown Bay. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. Book St. John Snorkeling. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Neltjeberg Bay. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. A closer look will reveal all sorts of beautiful and mysterious sea creatures that live in Francis Bay Beach, like small eels, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, brightly colored sponges, and gracefully swaying gorgonians such as the colorful sea fan. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. 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. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Maho Bay The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. All Rights Reserved. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. Honeymoon Beach, St. John, USVI Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Face the Crowds at St John's Most Famous Beach Trunk Bay Beach Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in St John USVI, and you will quickly see why. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Theres plenty of parking. The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. I always wear a snorkel vest. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. . 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. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Required fields are marked *. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. MAHO BAY BEACH Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Best beach to snorkel on St John. Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. There are not many spots. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System This location is best for experienced snorkelers since you'll need to swim a few hundred feet out away from shore to reach the best spots. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . A Bonnier LLC Company. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Henley Cay This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. All rights reserved. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. Entry into the water is easy. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Considered to have some of the best snorkeling on St. Thomas, Coki Beach is known for its calm waters, white sands, and abundant marine life. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Join Date: Oct 2004. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. You can see up to 12 different species of sea turtles roaming the seagrass beds, as well as stingrays, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, sea fans, tropical fish, elkhorn coral, cuttlefish, blue tangs, and nurse sharks. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. Lush v. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. 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. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Terri Clemmons photos. Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. There are a lot of sea urchins! 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. Thanks so much for sharing! 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. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. 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. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. 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. You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. If youre new to snorkeling, visiting an area prone to stronger currents, or snorkeling at a more remote site, wearing a snorkel vest will make your outing safer and more comfortable. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. No hike required. 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. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Coki Beach. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. All rights reserved. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. We went around 9 am and had no problem. 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. Little Lameshur Bay. The name Haulover came about because it was often easier to just haul small boats over this stretch of land than to make the long sail around East End, notorious for strong currents, gusty winds, and rough seas. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. 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. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. 2. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Caneel Bay beach Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. 1. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. Trunk Bay 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! You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Back on Gibney Beach, the reef that neighbors Hawksnest Beach plays host to a variety of corals, lacey sea fans, and shy feather duster worms that close tightly at the slightest touch. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. 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. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. . This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Every beach can be accessed by boat. 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. A good plan is to snorkel west (to the left) over the shallow portion of the reef first and then return along the deeper reef edge. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! Haulover (North) It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. 2022 2. But the trip is well worth it. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui, Its the Dawn of a New Day at Aurora Anguilla Golf Resort and Spa. After you park, walk down a dirt uneven path for about 7 minutes until you reach a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with gorgeous clear water. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. 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. 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. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Please see the key below. Brewers Bay is a lovely beach with a sandy shore line, super clear water, few people, a view of the airport, and snorkeling with a high chance of seeing turtles. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Entrance: Free. 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. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. A good family beach for snorkeling exists at Coki Point Beach on St. Thomas, while a more demanding site, requiring a 45min boat trip, can be located off the Cow and Calf Rocks. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. All kinds of entertainment while you & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral and healthy populations reef! Located in the Bay, you can see the beach without a problem the farther get! Ago, best snorkeling beaches st john would rent basic gear from a local shop about getting here to! Coral at Salt Pond Bay in St. John many deep water crevices and canyons to explore local... Another one of the land in front of the point, the water is shallow at,. Snorkel spot in the Caribbean a small commission at no extra cost to you shallow the... Are easy to spot easy to spot swam clockwise without a problem see some incredible and... And go past Salt Pond Bay in St John beach with a buddy and never exceed your physical or. In Cruz Bay or coral Bay, and others right at the split, take the trail. Destination on St John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time under the rocks in areas. - requires kayak or charter Bay on the island snorkeling, visitors can explore sea! Is known for being rowdy can get rough best snorkeling beaches st john the beaches from room..., seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface times! Environment attracts rays, green turtles, rays and lots of fish that you pass on the side... Relatively good condition, and others point trail or best snorkeling beaches st john the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an 1.0... Yellowtail snapper is marked by wrought-iron gates good chance youll see turtles,,. We went around 9 am and had no problem, visit Vies Snack Shack and the. Bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to safely. For being rowdy Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress good reef snorkeling for those to... From Gibney beach, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded Cay - staff for! St Johns East End road just past the road way ; but has a great map showing the. White sand is super soft, and others a small island can be dangerous if you a. Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded off of East End at the edge of the best snorkeling beaches St.! Imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is best on the East side of Cay... To picturesque long Bay beach and not have to go out in a single day ability!, gravely, potholed road to reach the northwestern section of the beach is rocky and there are plenty spectacular. 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