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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. 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. No hike required. The oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! And we agree! There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. 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. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! 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. There are not many spots. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. 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. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Required fields are marked *. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. The currents can be strong. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. 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. But the fact is that the top of the list is always Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Beach, Maho Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Salomon Beach, Gibney Beach, Caneel Bay or Honeymoon Beach. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. About halfway (0.4 miles) down the Leinster Bay Trail lies a small sand and coral rubble beach, which provides excellent snorkeling for intermediate and advanced snorkelers. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. 20-30 minutes. The marine life is incredible. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. To help differentiate between all of the St John snorkeling spots, I have created a rating system to help you decide which ones to try out. Northwest of St John Island. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! Jumbie Bay Beach. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. Copyright 2023 Islands. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Snorkeling with schools of blue tang at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Beautiful coral at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Stingray at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI. 4. 10. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Respect other snorkelers personal space. 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. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. Lush v. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. 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. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. 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). Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Maho Bay Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. 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. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. 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. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! 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. . Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. 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. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. 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. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. 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. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! There are a lot of sea urchins! You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. 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! Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. 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. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. The best area for this is along the coast on the northern side of the bay and out to the big rocks at Maho Point. 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. 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. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! 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. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. St John has no airport. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. 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. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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 This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. 1. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Trunk Bay Trunk Bay Beach is also quite famous for the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, which makes it one of the premier spots in the U.S Virgin Islands National Park for snorkeling. Activity itinerary. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Book St. John Snorkeling. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. 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. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Henley Cay The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Best beach to snorkel on St John. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. There is also plenty of colorful coral. 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. If you are in search of one of those beautiful secluded beaches with nice sand and pretty good snorkeling, then Little Lameshur Bay is a great choice. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. The only sign of civilization . Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. I love to snorkel but. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Difficulty: Easy. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 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 island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Your email address will not be published. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. 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. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. MAHO BAY BEACH Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. 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. It was better than I was expecting. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. . Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Great to know. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. The waves can be rough. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Love my. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Looking forward to checking it out. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. 2023 OutsiderView. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral 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! Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Original Poster . There are many small reef fish in the area. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. 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. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. The buoys are hard to miss. 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. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. 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