best snorkeling beaches st john

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. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. The island of St John is best known as home to Virgin Islands National Park, beautiful beaches, long hiking trails, scrumptious food, and historical places.The coast around the island has been designated as Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, so snorkeling is one of the best activities and you can find great opportunities at any beach.. You can also go kayaking, boating, or explore . Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Trunk Bay has it all. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. 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. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. 2. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . 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. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Brewers Bay. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. 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. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Henley Cay A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Brewers Bay is a lovely beach with a sandy shore line, super clear water, few people, a view of the airport, and snorkeling with a high chance of seeing turtles. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Waterlemon Cay Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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! 4. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. To reduce your risk of sunburn and damage from UV rays, wear a rash guard and other clothing with a UPF factor of at least 30 and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. The currents can be strong. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. 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. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. There are not many spots. 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. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. 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. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. 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. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! We just returned from there again in July of 2018. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. 5. Trunk Bay 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. 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. Entry into the water is easy. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. Your email address will not be published. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Hansen Bay Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. 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. Required fields are marked *. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. 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 other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. And we agree! Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Back on Gibney Beach, the reef that neighbors Hawksnest Beach plays host to a variety of corals, lacey sea fans, and shy feather duster worms that close tightly at the slightest touch. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. 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. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. However, there was not a lot of information out there, so I decided to provide a resource detailing all the nitty-gritty details of the 11 snorkeling spots we discovered all over the island. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN 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. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. The parking lot fills up quickly! Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. All rights reserved. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. The rugged dirt road out to Lameshur will remind you of why you rented a jeep in the first place, but the beach is well worth it wide and sandy with plenty of shade. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. 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! #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Brown Bay. 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. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. 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. Coki Beach. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Jumbie Bay Beach. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. The only sign of civilization . Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from 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. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. Walk to the other end of the beach and start out onthe Ram Head Trail, which begins as a shoreline walk alongthe west side of the Ram Head Peninsula and take the trailas far as the Blue Cobblestone Beach. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. 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. 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. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. 2022 2. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. 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 coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Theres plenty of parking. 10. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. . Haulover (North) Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. There is also supposed to be excellent snorkeling on the eastern (right) side of the beach as you face the water, but we did not have time to snorkel there. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Reply Subscribe . That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! 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. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. All Rights Reserved. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Shutterstock Maho Bay Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. 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. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. 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. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Little Lameshur 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. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble.

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