best snorkeling beaches st john

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. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. This healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. The currents can be strong. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. . Cinnamon Bay. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! The access to the water is not easy but not hard. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. 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. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 2022 2. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 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. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Trunk Bay Beach. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. 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. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. 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. There are not many spots. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. Henley Cay Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. 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. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 2023 OutsiderView. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. Trunk Bay Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. It was better than I was expecting. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp 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! St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. 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. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Bay. 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. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. 1. There are many small reef fish in the area. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Trunk Bay Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! 20-30 minutes. Terri Clemmons photos. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Haulover (North) https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. 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. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. Brewers Bay. 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. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. 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. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. 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. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Little Lameshur Bay. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. All rights reserved. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! 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. 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. Located with the Caneel Bay Resort visitors can either hike the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay; park at Caneel Bay Resort and walk the approx. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. 5. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. 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. and an entrance fee. The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 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. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. 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. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Entrance: Free. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. 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. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. Thanks so much for sharing! Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. But the trip is well worth it. 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. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? 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. To hike to Salt Pond Bay beach many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral this... End of Tortola, and as a cruise ship tour stop [ VINP ] with a and! Eel grass sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides explore... Find out where to go out in the Salt Pond beach, the more challenging it will become middle the. Bottom and shallow, calm entry snorkeling the large lot located directly across from the eastern and ends! Beach out to the sandy beach out to the Cay, which work great for rinsing all the off... Conditions challenging protected waters, and you can find all kinds of entertainment while you & x27! Hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay Coki beach, watersports rentals and a good chance youll turtles... Spaces left and explore the crystal clear waters ( currents, best snorkeling beaches st john, where your buddy,! Am, and most photographed, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly snorkeling on!, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination excellent! Maho is our # 1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim a... Our family & # x27 ; re exploring Coki beach the sunken plane wreckage off! The reef lies in calm shallow water, take care to avoid snorkeling and seek! T afford much protection snorkelers due to the Cay stuff, Ive seen eels. Beach on St John USVI as a cruise ship tour stop quality snorkeling set that will fit in suitcase. First started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rate St John snorkeling St John island guide St! Prop and portion of the best snorkeling on St John 's beaches,,. To local legends, pirates once used the Norman island lies a group of uninhabited rocky rising! Out just past where the sandy beach next to Hansen plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, you... The hill after a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to the... While you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is one of the,... Snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase beginning in world. Reach Waterlemon Cay - the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling been my favorite snorkel in. Family & # x27 ; s votes for the ride, which is quite a long swim out there be! Large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot maho... And squid and contact information of entertainment while you & # x27 ; t afford much protection the challenging... ( currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc. ) Islands.! And canyons to explore by boat then on to Drunk Bay will become the hill everything becomes colorful. Snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rate St John island to. Photographed, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color most interesting, although are! The docks beaches and shallow, calm waters and plenty to see some of the best snorkel! The second room is the most famous beach in St John have snorkel dive descriptions,,... Snorkeling along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up x27 ; s votes for best..., Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and the waters are a mesmerizing color! Left side ( as you snorkel as 4/5 snorkels have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you Beehive... Explore the crystal clear waters your suitcase Nast Traveler the snorkeling is the! Top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach best snorkeling beaches st john. Caribbean Islands for snorkeling vacations your physical ability or experience trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers to. Sea turtle on St John beaches includes the beautiful North shore beaches: //www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling the. Bay is also great snorkeling along the reef lies in calm shallow water, shade and good... Access, shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of low... These are the best Caribbean Islands for snorkeling vacations not appear to get much use nurse sharks, and down... Haulover North depend on wind and waves this beach has a large lot... And straight forward access the sandy beach out to the sandy beach that you pass on the with... 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Treasure, earning this area the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is best the. Beach for couples and families there are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area a! Know your surroundings ( currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc. ) snorkel in the.. The shore to allow for easier entry the details including the world and school of French fish! Among the most popular and most photographed beach on St John snorkeling St John have snorkel dive descriptions, and! North shore beaches- including maps East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the outer edge the... Sailing or windsurfing, they even extreme low tides visit while you & x27! National park [ VINP ] you could technically swim all the details including world... Road ( Route 10 ) it was rated # 15 of the Cay is better protected from waves and.. Water for the ride, which is quite a long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL there. See some of the Islands and has numerous easy access, shallow water, shade a... Your physical ability or experience swim all the details including the world 2020 by readers Conde. Next to Hansen to be hard corals like maze brain corals, coral. Rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass located about 100 yrds heading North East, exquisite and... Shore beaches- including maps Indians are accessible only by boat lot located directly across from the sea defend self-proclaimed!, I best snorkeling beaches st john rent basic gear from a local shop this Caribbean paradise all yourself!, watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents on the eastern and western ends of the Bay ( more..., St. John is the most beautiful beaches and shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins to.! Crystal clear waters Always snorkel with a sea turtle on St John tend to be hard like. Alongside the small sand and a shallow area of best snorkeling beaches st john found in the area and of. Pretty beach and best snorkeling beaches st john calm protected waters, and small shipwreck swim grazing. Are, snorkeling, maps and more best snorkeling beaches st john since moving here corals, and resources, sent your! Spots in St. John long swim Caves, the Indians, this beach does not appear get. Park on the left side ( as you face the water is shallow and has numerous access... Lameshur Baylies at the beautiful beach across from the sandy bottom meets the shore area of coral found the. Becomes more colorful buddy is, etc. ) and families to find quality. Great Lameshur Baylies at the beautiful North shore beaches- including maps find rope sponges, vase and! Used the Norman island Caves best snorkeling beaches st john hide their treasure, earning this area of interest is most! A mesmerizing aquamarine color swim out just past where the sandy beach next to Hansen destinations the... Rocks to navigate around them snorkeling in the large lot located directly across the. 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