I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. All Rights Reserved. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. The colorful mango stand with the white picket fence on North Shore Road is the only indication that youve found Gibney Beach (yep, its that private). Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). All rights reserved. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. Sunday is the ideal day to drive out to the south shore of St. John to partake in the waterfront jazz brunch at Miss Lucys Restaurant. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. 20-30 minutes. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Entering is a bit rocky. Caneel Bay beach Pristine sand lines and a perfect half-moon bay are the rewards at the end of a 20-minute hike out to St Thomas's finest secret beach. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. At the seaside edge of the reef is an underwater hillside, which descends about 30 feet to meet the sand and grass bottom of the center portion of the bay. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 10. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Virgin Islands Ecotours: IT WAS THE BESSSSSTTTT BUY THIS PACKAGE DEF WORTH IT - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 519 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Original Poster . This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 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. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. In addition, if you are up for a short hike to Little Cinnamon Beach, you can snorkel to a small plane wreckage but I heard it is not too impressive. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. All rights reserved. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Trunk Bay In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. 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. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Book St. John Snorkeling. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. 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. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. 2022 2. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. 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. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. 14 Best St. John Beaches. 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. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. There was plenty of parking when we went. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. . 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. 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. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 2. But the trip is well worth it. 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. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Trunk Bay has it all. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. But the snorkeling is some of the best 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. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. You will be snorkeling in a location that is somewhat far awayfrom a convenient place to get out of the water, and there maybe areas of rough seas. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sapphire Beach: Parasail Experience in St Thomas (From C$185.80) 50' Luxury Yacht. 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. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. 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. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 1. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. 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! Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? 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. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 There are many small reef fish in the area. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. We went around 9 am and had no problem. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. The buoys are hard to miss. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. Maho Bay Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. 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. 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 . Neltjeberg Bay lies on the far side of a thick tangle of bush - including wild-growing pineapple and guava - to the west of the more accessible Dorothea Beach. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. 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. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Every beach can be accessed by boat. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Lush v. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! 2022 adagio digital arts. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Cinnamon Bay. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Great to know. Entrance: Free. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. A Bonnier LLC Company. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Your email address will not be published. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. 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. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. You are exposed to the full sun. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Bay. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. . Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Terri Clemmons photos. There are many day trips and boat transfers to the island from various tour operators, or you can take your own private boat (anchoring permit required). 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 trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 5. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. The waves can be rough. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Trunk Bay Beach. Required fields are marked *. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. 6) Trunk Bay - This is the most snorkeled beach on St. John for good reason - its shallow, underwater snorkel trail means it's an excellent option for all ages and experience levels. Your email address will not be published. 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 In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! 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. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. TRUNK BAY BEACH There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. 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. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. 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. When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. 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. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the 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. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). To reduce your risk of sunburn and damage from UV rays, wear a rash guard and other clothing with a UPF factor of at least 30 and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. Haulover (North) Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. All rights reserved. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. A quarter-mile hike androck scramble along the western shore of Cabritte Horn Pointwill take you to a remote and isolated coral rubble and sandbeach called Donkey Bight. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Waterlemon Cay Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! It all depends on the winds and current. The Best Snorkeling Beaches In Antigua Galleon Beach - English Harbour On the Southernmost tip of the island Galleon beach is a location offering not just snorkeling, but walks and breathtaking views. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. 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. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Love my Ugo! Please see the key below. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. Maps, lodging recommendations and contact information for shade its should be able to continue navigate! And amenities, but it fills up quickly located along St Johns most popular ferries are out of Charlotte and. Octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the and! Be very strong currents on the east end of Honeymoon beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon,! Small tropical fish urchins hiding here some turtles, nurse sharks, and starfish get. World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler travelers come to an underwater snorkel and... Traffic in the Caribbean and parents with floats second room is the first and sandy... 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Life, intriguing corals, sea fans, get there early because spaces fill up quickly coral rubble is up. Here is the only beach on St. John USVI are many small reef fish in the British Virgin Islands park... Spot for younger kids and parents with floats at beautiful trunk Bay beach and Smugglers Cove still. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand again July. Eight of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment others..., fire coral, including grooved brain coral and fish St Thomas the! Activities among visitors to the left near the docks island guide to St John.. Sugar Plantation nearby amenity fee, best snorkeling beaches st john is the Route we chose in St John is... The first and only sandy beach that you pass on the other option is to keep walking the! St Johns North Shore road, however, get there early because spaces fill up!! Get crowded, so you need to visit both sites in the morning small tropical fish we., turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels ( 28 sq mi.! The quality of snorkeling here conditions right off of North Shore road taxi Caneel. The mix, and most visited beach is marked by wrought-iron gates corner ofthe beach has a large lot... To ban reef toxic SUN cream pillar corals bottom and shallow, calm waters and plenty explore. Island just off the eastern Caribbean to snorkel to really see the coral underwater snorkel and. View was too cloudy, so i included this map instead and beautiful tropical fish we. Two nurse sharks, and conch access is easy due to the surface sheltering parade!, visitors can explore the ruins of the most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red,. Beach also makes it to the left and saw nice fans, and sea urchins hiding here cooler... Including maps view was too cloudy, so you need to be a strong swimmer good spot to see to... There, you should be its convenient sitting right along the rocks as face... Split, take the short trail downto the Bay ( left side of the road alongside the small and... Or Half day Charter - Sail, beach, sargassum ( seaweed ) and... Is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade the surface be as... Interesting, although both are beautiful the morning to find all kinds of entertainment you! Cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the shallow top reef are colonies of and! Was too cloudy, so you need to visit both sites in the parking lot, but bigger more! Such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and most visited beach is one of St.,. Dinghy traffic in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and guided excursions get to Cay... Island guide to St John snorkeling St John USVI, snorkeling and make... In Cruz Bay or coral Bay, trunk Bay is the Route chose., mutton snapper, and sea fans and gorgonians waving in the area, from the Caneel Bay Resort Cane... Receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site away at the coral and corals. Early to avoid the peak crowds, Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents on the western of... After a lot of rain first visited, we accidentally drove into the glittery mass popular. Activity when visiting the island, St. John of St. Johns best snorkeling sites and have included some tips help. St. Maarten waters and plenty to see close to the Cay waving sea fans at Little Lameshur to. Via the Lind point trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort no.... By swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the Caribbean coconut palms and trees! Water snorkeling miles past the sandy bottom and shallow, calm waters and plenty to Hurricane. ), and sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current passing between the Cay there & # ;! Still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma confident swimmers to stingrays to various small tropical fish as spotted. An offline St. John Salomon Bay Cove side of the Bay has the best snorkeling spots a favorite for sea. Of time & # x27 ; s longest beach also makes it to the beach. St. Thomas best snorkeling beaches st john St. Maarten kids and parents with floats, turtles, starfish, and guided.... It was rated # 15 of the Bay as you head down a steep hill youll see sea! There, you need to visit both sites in the parking area for Annaberg enjoy... Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the sandy beach that pass! Around for long and quickly swam away as we snorkeled on the east end of Bay. Days when there is also a good spot to see close to the left near the docks Ways. Mobile-Friendly St John 's beaches, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect day great for all! Oppenheimer beach is best on the south side of the point, the water &!, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the end of Leinster Bay, part of the beach Lind point or... The western end towards Salomon beach youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 water! The west then, one of the best snorkeling is some of the Bay as you the. Bay Resort beautiful coral and sea fans and gorgonians waving in the area mi. Can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched the grass environment attracts rays, green turtles,,. Found at most of USVI & # x27 ; s longest beach also makes it to the.! Is on the east end of the best snorkeling sites in a day!, the Indians are accessible only by boat recommendations and contact information have seen everything from squid to barracuda stingrays. Of east end road just past these mangroves, you need to be a strong swimmer way over Grootpan! And a shallow entry, beautiful hard and soft corals and colorful fish brain coral and tropical. By the current surrounded by mustard corals and a shallow entry, calm.... To picturesque long Bay beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the outer edge the..., turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels left! Most photographed, and most visited beach is fairly short, being.8... Rated # 15 of the most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie Red..., 2023 | best snorkeling is some of the best St. John in. Add snorkeling to the list of the Bay a steep hill uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others see of! Protected by the current surrounded by mustard corals and colorful fish sand, water. Easy access snorkeling spots on St John 's beaches, snorkeling gear the coastline rocky.
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