The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. 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. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Your email address will not be published. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. The currents can be strong. No hike required. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. And we agree! The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. All rights reserved. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. 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. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. Book St. John Snorkeling. 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. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. 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). Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. 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. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. A Bonnier LLC Company. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. 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. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. 2022 adagio digital arts. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Haulover (North) Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Love my. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. 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. We also saw a few stingrays. A mile of easy hiking leads to a secluded beach graced with wind-blown palm trees, cerulean waters and views of lush green cays in the distance. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). 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. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. 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. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. Neltjeberg Bay. Here youll find thin patch reefs that are home to a good selection of hard and soft corals and a dizzying collection of tropical fish species. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. 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 ( Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Brewers Bay. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. 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. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. 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 trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. . The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Caneel Bay beach Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. 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. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . 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). There's a $5 entrance fee but this beach has all of the amenities you could need including showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and gear rentals (snorkels and chairs). 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. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. 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! Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Waterlemon Cay 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. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Trunk Bay has it all. Trunk Bay Beach is also quite famous for the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, which makes it one of the premier spots in the U.S Virgin Islands National Park for snorkeling. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. 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 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. 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. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. But the trip is well worth it. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. 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. 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. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Honeymoon Beach The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Salt Pond The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. 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 . Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. I always wear a snorkel vest. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . 1. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 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. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. 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. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. It is located on the eastern end of the island along East End Road right past a sign that states you are leaving the Virgin Islands National Park. 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 St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. 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. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. There are also some patches of reef on both sides of the bay, but the right side of the beach (as you face the water) is supposed to be slightly better and better suited for advanced snorkelers. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. 10. On the outskirts of these living clouds, in slightly deeper water, lurk predators, such as jacks, yellowtail snapper, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda as well some respectfully-sized tarpon and pompano. 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. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. For a full appreciation of this area, one should also have the ability to free dive in order to investigate the environments under ledges, beneath coral heads, and within caves and tunnels. . Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Entry is not easy. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Activity itinerary. You are exposed to the full sun. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. 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. Because there is low light within the room, some of the coral animals may have their tentacles extended as if it were night on the reef. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. 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. 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. 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 went around 9 am and had no problem. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. 2. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. 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. 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. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! 2022 2. 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. 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 water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Thanks so much for sharing! The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition.