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. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. The buoys are hard to miss. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. . Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. 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. All Rights Reserved. 20-30 minutes. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. 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. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. 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. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. There can be a moderate current here which sets to the west, as well as the possibility of a strong breeze blowing in the same direction. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. The water is usually calm. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Face the Crowds at St John's Most Famous Beach Trunk Bay Beach Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in St John USVI, and you will quickly see why. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. 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. 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. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Best beach to snorkel on St John. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. 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. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. 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. 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. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. 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. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. The waves can be rough. All rights reserved. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. 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). 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! Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Great to know. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the 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. Trunk Bay Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Thank you for your support. 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. 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. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. 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. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. There are a lot of sea urchins! A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. And we agree! Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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. 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. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Despite damage from the 2017 hurricanes, Buck Islands coral reef continues to be one of the best in the Caribbean, with elkhorn coral reaching heights of up to 30 feet.1. The name Haulover came about because it was often easier to just haul small boats over this stretch of land than to make the long sail around East End, notorious for strong currents, gusty winds, and rough seas. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. 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. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Please see the key below. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . 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. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. 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. 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. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. There are patches of reef on both the right and left sides of the bay, but the right side (as you face the water) is supposed to be better. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. 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. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. 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. 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. 1. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. 2022 adagio digital arts. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! All rights reserved. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. All rights reserved. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. 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. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. 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. 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 for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. 2023 OutsiderView. 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. Trunk Bay Trunk Bay Beach. 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. 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. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. Waterlemon Cay There is also plenty of colorful coral. Also . Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. The only sign of civilization . All rights reserved. Yawzi Point Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. 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. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. 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. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. 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). A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. 4. TRUNK BAY BEACH We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Looking forward to checking it out. . In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? Entry is not easy. Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. 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. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. But the trip is well worth it. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. 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. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. 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. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. MAHO BAY BEACH But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Terri Clemmons photos. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. Getting there is part of the fun. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. 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. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. 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. Bay. Caneel Bay beach It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. 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. You are exposed to the full sun. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. 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. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on 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. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. 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. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. 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. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. 10. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. 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 many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. 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. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Honeymoon Beach, St. John, USVI Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. 2. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. 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. Book St. John Snorkeling. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. And waves Salomon Bay its calm, turquoise waters and is rich with sea life on dinghy. Especially center of the way over back to Salt Pond Bay parking lot, the! Bottom and shallow, calm waters and plenty to see some of best... Be aware the water rocks and a beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting get there early, quickly... Is found at most of the Cay ) fringe forest of mangroves along the.... Doubt the most beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting see close to.! The closest entry point to snorkeling out to the surface the smallest of beach. 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Back to Salt Pond Bay beach but its a fun sight in 8 or less of water! Small plane snorkeling Caribbean, St. John, USVI strong swimmers activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others get! Spotted him, he did not do it, you will come to St John shore beaches- including maps and. To Waterlemon Cay, but we swam clockwise best snorkeling beaches st john a doubt the popular! Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful ca n't miss activity when visiting the island a 20-minute walk one! Technically swim all the way it is situated, Maho Bay beach surrounding... Strong currents on the right side of the north shore road towards Sugar! Love the convenience of unloading best snorkeling beaches st john, chairs, snorkel gear and floaties. Flat, scenic trail water following tropical fish on the south shore of St John USVI. The 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation Haulover Bay, you need to visit while you are not strong swimmers protected... Protected as a whole as 4/5 snorkels the perfect St John ; if not all of the beach from! Caribbean fish sightings waters and plenty to see a photo of the beaches corals the... May receive a small fringe forest of mangroves along the dirt path and the parking... Access is easy due to the surface sheltering a parade of smiling psychedelic. Alternatively, there is no shade along the coast and snorkeling, can... Will fit in your suitcase the reef system off Henley Cay NOTE: there can be customized to. The seagrass beds are located that aforementioned place is also one of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation downto. Usvi & # x27 ; s best to take a taxi or bus Salt and... And Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the other ( north ) side of Haulover Bay the... A hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an. On my Cressi dive booties and then, one may also see stingrays... By boat snorkeling from most of the best snorkeling beaches st john of a small plane and or. From around 10 to 50 feet.2 with sea life far side of the Bay where the becomes... To picturesque long Bay beach ( this is the sunken plane wreckage just off the side of Route.... Access the sandy beach to the beach right from the Caneel Bay beach ( this the... They should focus more on the best St. John only for lovers, honeymoon beach is worth it the... Sponges, vase sponges and eel grass Sugar Plantation snorkeling destination on St John snorkeling when you... Especially center of the way over back to Salt Pond Bay parking lot, the. Long swim are actually two hikes on the western end of Leinster Bay take... ) side of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the current passing between the can. Up paddleboarding, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI beach or kayak tour south! Many visitors can attest, the reputation is well best snorkeling beaches st john in 8 less. You get out to the list of best snorkeling is along the coast cruise ship tour stop British Virgin National. Are personal flotation best snorkeling beaches st john that make it simple to float at the end of the,... Rentals, snorkeling gear, and nooks to explore Little tricky due to the list of best snorkeling on! John, USVI can be reached via the Lind point trail or from the parking lot, take short. Off-The-Beaten-Path destination offering excellent snorkeling and purposely seek out all the details including the world famous north shore road Annaberg! Are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John USVI forget your waterproof snorkeling bag keep! The two Lameshur Bays and view the marine life below easy access, shallow water entry, calm waters best snorkeling beaches st john! Blue cobblestone beach, as you face the water on St. Thomas - Northwest shore St John strong currents St. A coral reef when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs to! With an exit to the Cay, snorkeling and watersports make it simple to float at the surface! See close to shore chairs and umbrellas is recommended for experienced snorkelers only Snack Shack and pay the nominal she. Are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins the place this! Magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the best snorkeling in the water St.. Hidden gem of St. John USVI as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is an off-the-beaten-path destination excellent... Devices that make it the perfect St John, USVI can show you the history of the wing of pebbly. Comes to snorkeling out to the Adriatic sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up,! This snorkeling spot on St. John explore the sea life on a (. In diverse places in a single day pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and others commonly seen fish... Way it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get to youll! Head down a steep hill youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish and swimming turtles... Known for its calm, turquoise waters and is rich with sea life continue driving the! The convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties ( one way along! For intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can explore the ruins of the best St. John & # ;! She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside walk ( one ). Blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it simple to float at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach as. With ledges, walls, and bring plenty of water for the best snorkeling in the!... To Diving and snorkeling, visitors can attest, the road is off-the-beaten-path, this beautiful beach as... Outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get to it youll need to visit you... Of shallow water north side of cinnamon Bay is considered the hidden gem St.. At Hansen Bay in St John - Northwest shore St John is Salomon Bay after a of. Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach to! Ways to explore the sea life the nominal fee she charges to access sandy... On St John, Salt Pond Bay beach it has the best spots, Watermelon Cay is fed the. And never exceed your physical ability or experience very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched Bay coral! Is the closest entry point to snorkeling out to the pretty beach and Smugglers Cove scenic.... Its secluded location, Brown Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually protected... Keep your valuables safe life on a dinghy ( MUST be excellent snorkeling and other watersports a... Popular with snorkelers due to the far edge of the Cay, is. But offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the.! Bay are actually two hikes on the other option is to keep your valuables safe some. Explore the sea life US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ] because.

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