Entry into the water is easy. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Great to know. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 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. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. 4. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 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. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Difficulty: Easy. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. On the outskirts of these living clouds, in slightly deeper water, lurk predators, such as jacks, yellowtail snapper, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda as well some respectfully-sized tarpon and pompano. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? 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. All rights reserved. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Thank you for your support. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Yawzi Point Your email address will not be published. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. It was better than I was expecting. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Northwest of St John Island. 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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . The marine life is incredible. There were plenty of beautiful tropical fish including some adorable balloonfish (aka pufferfish or porcupine fish) with their wide-spread big eyes and half-smiling mouths. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. There are many small reef fish in the area. Theres plenty of parking. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. 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. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! 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. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. 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. Waterlemon Bay and Waterlemon Cay This bay (and the small island that sits in it) is one of our favorite spots to snorkel around St. John. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. 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. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) 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). You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. 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. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Jumbie Bay Beach. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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 Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. 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. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Snorkeling the Mangroves. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. 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 snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Book St. John Snorkeling. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. A couple of beach shacks sell drinks and snacks and rent stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear, but there are no restrooms or other amenities. 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. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Love my. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! In the midst of all this activity, large schools of French grunts, oblivious to the drama around them, hover, almost motionless, over and around colorful live coral. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. 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. Trunk Bay has it all. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. The currents can be strong. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. 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! It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. . For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. There can be a moderate current here which sets to the west, as well as the possibility of a strong breeze blowing in the same direction. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. 20-30 minutes. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Brown Bay. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Best beach to snorkel on St John. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. All rights reserved. The northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. 1. 2022 adagio digital arts. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. 5. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. The only sign of civilization . Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. 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. 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. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. 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. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Henley Cay Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. 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