Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. 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). I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Jumbie Bay Beach. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. 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. 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 NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. 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. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Terri Clemmons photos. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Trunk Bay Beach. Trunk Bay There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. It was better than I was expecting. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. READ CURATED LIST OF BEST ST. JOHN VACATION RENTALS, READ 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRUNK BAY, READ MY PERSONAL TRAVEL SNORKELING GEAR PICKS. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Please see the key below. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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 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. 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. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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. 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. There are not many spots. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. 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. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Trunk Bay has it all. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Salt Pond Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Cinnamon Bay. . The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Northwest of St John Island. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Lush v. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Getting there is part of the fun. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Entrance: Free. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Honeymoon Beach From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). The marine life is incredible. 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). It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. 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. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. Looking forward to checking it out. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. 1. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. 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. I love to snorkel but. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. The buoys are hard to miss. 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. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. 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. It all depends on the winds and current. 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. There are many small reef fish in the area. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? 10. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. 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. 20-30 minutes. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. 4. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. Every beach can be accessed by boat. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 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). Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. 2022 2. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. But the trip is well worth it. 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. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! 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. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Respect other snorkelers personal space. 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. Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. The waves can be rough. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. 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. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. 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. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. Maho Bay Beach 2,799 Beaches By Flahe Beautiful beach Good service is delicious Drinks are also available Taxis are plentiful as are gift shops 2022 3. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. 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. All Rights Reserved. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Hansen Bay That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. St John has no airport. 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 Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Join Date: Oct 2004. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. 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. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. 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