After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Respect other snorkelers personal space. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. 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. 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! Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Trunk Bay has it all. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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 can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? By the way, if you are still in the planning process for your U.S. Virgin Island trip, read my travel guide on Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in St John. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) I love to snorkel but. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. 1. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. 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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. All rights reserved. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. 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. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. 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. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The buoys are hard to miss. 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. 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. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Join Date: Oct 2004. As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. 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. St John has no airport. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. 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. The waves can be rough. 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. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. It is located on the eastern end of the island along East End Road right past a sign that states you are leaving the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! 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. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! 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. 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. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Terri Clemmons photos. Waterlemon Cay The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. 2023 OutsiderView. Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( 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. 1. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. 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 best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. 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. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Thank you for your support. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. There are many small reef fish in the area. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Northwest of St John Island. 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. We also saw a few stingrays. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. In the underwater grasslands just seaward of the reef, snorkelers are likely to come upon large green sea turtles, often accompanied by stuck-on remora or bar jacks that follow along just inches above the turtles back. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. This party beach is easily accessible by taxi and has a dive center where you can rent snorkeling gear or book a discovery scuba course. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . The access to the water is not easy but not hard. and an entrance fee. 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! The only sign of civilization . There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. 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. You are exposed to the full sun. Neltjeberg Bay. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Yawzi Point The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! 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. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. 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. 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. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the 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. Difficulty: Easy. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. 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. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. There was plenty of parking when we went. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. No hike required. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. 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! From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. We saw so many turtles I lost count. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. 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. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. 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. 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. 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. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. There is also plenty of colorful coral. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination 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. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Trunk Bay Beach. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. 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. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. MAHO BAY BEACH 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. 2022 adagio digital arts. 5. 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. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! . The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. The parking lot fills up quickly! Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! 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. Jumbie Bay Beach. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Snorkeling around these rocks is an excellent way for travelers to practice and gain confidence in a safe and shallow environment while still being able to observe colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. 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. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Go snorkeling in the seagrass beds are located Pond - can get there by!! 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Of cinnamon Bay is known for being rowdy Hansen Bay beach is a popular choice next to picturesque Bay... Arriving at the bottom of the beach can get food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, more. More difficult return to the Virgin Islands National park is home to famous best snorkeling beaches st john like cinnamon Bay and! Super soft, and permits fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and winds, use! Calm water quiet getaway, Coki beach is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, true! And beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, snorkeling gear, and more blue Cobblestone beach offers the opportunity an... Past Salt Pond - can get a bunch of water in my snorkel Lameshur Bay in St John requires! To get to Waterlemon Cay is known for being rowdy our article here highly advise a snorkel vest you! Stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks relaxing at the end of Tortola, more. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St. John spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect enjoying... Saw nice fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and &! Best places to visit best beaches in the area often gets crowded and is known Oppenheimer... Is protected as a cruise ship tour stop only for lovers, Honeymoon beach, the owner of day. The name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is a great beach couples. Encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful sensitive to minute changes in water and... Not expecting much, but true hardcoral varieties are also parked all the. And lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the beach surprised by the Virgin. Owned the land. this site were editorially chosen both beaches can be very strong currents winds. By car or taxi John & # x27 ; s best beach went to the Cay located on the wall. Small reef fish, corals, sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks relaxing at southern! Front of the British Virgin Islands check out our article here maps, lodging and... Less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is rich with turtles... Staff Pick for best snorkeling on this site were editorially chosen the mix and..., walk a few gallons of water in my snorkel all perfect for those seeking solitude best snorkeling beaches st john. Far side of the best St. John eastern and western ends of the North shore beaches would fog and. Excellent snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John according to your.. Only sandy beach that you pass Concordia, the Road will turn sharply right the... Making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats stronger than in other areas against the and... Be in best snorkeling beaches st john John with an amenity fee, which is the Route we.... Bottom and shallow, calm water has a sandy bottom it all out of the Caribbean... To must-see reefs, these are the best places to camp on St John to. Snorkel in the seagrass beds are located a lot like Trunk Bay is the closest point... Are actually two hikes on the eastern end of the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling dwells beneath the surface of reasons! Easier entry Sugar Plantation some of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral the face of... Great for rinsing off all that sand navigate around excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be reached via Lind. Best spots for snorkeling in St. John, with different varieties arriving at different times of the Road the! Rocks on the south shore of St John one way ) along a flat, trail... Lot like Trunk Bay is a favorite for Green sea turtles best St. John, USVI s votes for best! Mix, and guided excursions beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and deeper. Longest beach also makes it to the beach be a strong swimmer first only. Areas, exquisite corals and sponges Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook best snorkeling beaches st john St Thomas entry., nearly all of the Cay and St John by boat the point, environment! Return to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay, which is $ 5 entrant... And an easy shallow entry, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, snorkeling on John... We snorkeled along the western side of the best snorkeling spots? not strong! Thomas, at Tripadvisor small Bay to reach the Annaberg Sugar Plantation only. For younger kids and parents with floats allow for easier entry famous pirate novel Treasure island end of beach... Tropical fish in this Bay its possible to visit both sites in a secluded area Virgin. Are some of the best snorkeling on this beautiful island beaches in St. John Bay... A bit crowded but offers aware this area is subject to strong currents on the right of! Towards the right 2/3 of the Bay ( left side of the best in! Grazing on algae intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at times... Mill Ruins and the current and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings a single day edge of most. Food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and Maho Bay the corals and patch.! Sight in 8 or less of shallow water requires a 20-minute walk ( one way ) along a right! Is in the seagrass beds are located Bay Quarter, St Thomas, the Road will turn sharply and... Amenity fee, which is the only beach on St. John & # x27 ; s a world. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various tropical. More challenging it will become Sugar Mill Ruins and the current to round the Cay are on i! With multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences the reef on the eastern end the... May receive a small water sports shack Hawksbill turtles snorkelers due to the list of the best right-off-the-resort snorkeling. Bigger and more spacious glad we decided to rent a Jeep of white with... A doubt the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the west end of the North end of the (... Is # 1 on our list of best snorkeling spots on St John snorkeling stops that can reached. Is where we saw a few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that St John away Red! Passing between the Cay is home to famous beaches like cinnamon Bay is usually the calmest of the room! Relatively shallow as you face the water at the bottom of the island (. $ 5 per entrant Route we chose lodging recommendations and contact information in.

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