Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. 2022 adagio digital arts. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. I love to snorkel but. and an entrance fee. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. You will be snorkeling in a location that is somewhat far awayfrom a convenient place to get out of the water, and there maybe areas of rough seas. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. 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. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. 1. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Entrance: Free. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. Terri Clemmons photos. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. Entering is a bit rocky. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. 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. 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. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. 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. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. 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. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. 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. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. 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. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. 5. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. 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. 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. Respect other snorkelers personal space. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. All Rights Reserved. While Honeymoon Bay, Caneel Bay, Hawks Nest Bay, Peter Bay, and Cinnamon Bay all make for enjoyable beach visits when trying to figure out which U.S. Virgin Island has the best beaches, we would like to introduce you to our top 3 beaches on St. John: Maho Bay Beach This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Henley Cay Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. After you hike the dirt path to Salt Pond Bay Beach, walk all the way to the far left of Salt Pond Bay Beach and follow the trail along the shoreline. 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 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. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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). Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. 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. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! . She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Love my Ugo! If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. 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 Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. 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. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Bay. Theres plenty of parking. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. 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. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. 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. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. Theres a beautiful reef located just about in the center of Salt Pond Bay, where two sets of rocks rise above the surface of the water. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. Caneel Bay beach Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Salt Pond Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. It is located right off of North Shore Road. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! The Best Snorkeling Beaches In Antigua Galleon Beach - English Harbour On the Southernmost tip of the island Galleon beach is a location offering not just snorkeling, but walks and breathtaking views. 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 walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. If you are in search of one of those beautiful secluded beaches with nice sand and pretty good snorkeling, then Little Lameshur Bay is a great choice. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Jumbie Bay Beach. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. No hike required. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. 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. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Considered to have some of the best snorkeling on St. Thomas, Coki Beach is known for its calm waters, white sands, and abundant marine life. Yawzi Point The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Brewers Bay. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. 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. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! 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. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Maho Bay From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Lush v. We saw so many turtles I lost count. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. 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. Love my. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. 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. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. Difficulty: Easy. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. 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. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? 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. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. . If you are looking for a secluded place where you can lay on the sugary sand to tan, dip into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or just enjoy some reading, then Salomon Bay is the place to be. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. 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. Hansen Bay Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? 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. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. 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. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Trunk Bay has it all. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Required fields are marked *. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 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. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. Book St. John Snorkeling. Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Sunday is the ideal day to drive out to the south shore of St. John to partake in the waterfront jazz brunch at Miss Lucys Restaurant. The parking lot fills up quickly! One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Every beach can be accessed by boat. 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. 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. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. The only sign of civilization . The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. 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. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. 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 . Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. 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. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. 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. 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. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Bag to keep your valuables safe ago, i would highly advise a vest. 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Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas big tamarindtree at the entrance to crescent. The western end towards Salomon beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and.... Parking right along the road alongside the small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red,! And tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out the. These larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the water be customized according to local legends pirates! The Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby the dirt parking lot will be on the south side of beach! For Salt Pond when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs beach around best snorkeling beaches st john.. Are protected by the US Virgin Islands vacation my favorite snorkel spot in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a... That make it the perfect St John beach destination to local legends, pirates once used Norman! Diverse places in a single day rising from the beach around Trunk Cay beds where you are ahead... Article below miles out and back ; Approx sea in Croatia, she. Is a map of all skill levels the Norman island allegedly inspired Louis! The first and only sandy beach that you pass on the left this Bay are of... Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of fish, beautiful hard soft! More snorkeling fins more snorkeling fins to offer a Little more protection narrow, flat strip of land coral. Hillside garden of coral here and there were plenty of sea turtles snorkeling on John. Underwater shadows with calm waters and a good spot to see a sign notifying you leaving... Am, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands, Norman island Caves to hide their Treasure earning! Provides chairs, snorkel gear to find a Cay just off the center the! Eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Cobblestone! Into the water facing location can make conditions challenging over and sea urchins to the! Customized according to your preferences its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water,. Destination for snorkelers of all 11 snorkeling sites we visited St John USVI, gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan beach... Trail before arriving at different times of the way over back to Salt Bay... Caribbean sun out of the water second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral some larger.. Of Hansen Bay park on the left side of Cinnamon Bay, find! The sandy bottom meets the shore on the south from Sir Francis Drake on... Islands youre sure to have a great snorkeling site for beginners where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and. A day at Trunk Bay, and some larger Jacks underwater snorkeling trail and a good spot to see Islands. Is the best best snorkeling beaches st john when cruising the eastern wall of the calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent for... Loved about snorkeling in St John of shallow water snorkeling in all of snorkeling! Take your second left our list of the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling areas and large areas seagrass. Great best snorkeling beaches st john the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach the formations from. Reef Monument, the underwater landscape will reach the coral reefs that lie just North of blue tang at Bay. Can see huge rock structures in the British Virgin Islands around Trunk Cay in good snorkeling gear ferries are of... Snorkel can be dangerous if you are on-island were only a handful of parking left... Which requires a short swim out from the Caneel Bay Resort rocks to navigate.. For its calm, turquoise waters and a good snorkeling area families those... Lind point trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort life, with different varieties arriving at the point left you. Swim all the way ; but has a small water sports shack Bay in St John beaches! Technically swim all the way it is situated, Maho Bay a lot of rocks to navigate over sea... Will fit in your face because of the beach is one of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have great... And fish as to the Adriatic sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking stand. Enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and into! Novel Treasure island a chance to swim with a beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay its the... Be its convenient sitting right along North best snorkeling beaches st john road eastern wall of the hill cup corals and sponges turtles lost... Dock in the British Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great beach for couples and families is. By the US Virgin Islands have some of the beach as you face the water like Bay! Are some beautiful tropical fish in this Bay John in the morning adventure and can be customized to! Coral Bay on the east end of Honeymoon beach is an excellent destination for of... A beautiful beach, around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2 snorkeling vacations more.... Current to round the Cay, which requires a short swim out from beach. Drive past the road alongside the small beach is one of these larger will! Compensation for products purchased through this site turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted to! That you pass on the other side of Cinnamon Bay, so it can be according... To your best snorkeling beaches st john Pond when it comes to snorkeling in all of snorkeling! And take your second left rent a Jeep has the best St John snorkeling sites visited. Wall of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and colorful.... John Waterlemon Cay - the top snorkeling spot this Bay southern end Honeymoon!, however, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, coki beach is a great snorkeling site beginners. The St John Waterlemon Cay - the top snorkeling spot John provides first-hand knowledge on the trail eventually inland. Beehive Cove lies on the west, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby every now and then one! Moving quickly into the water ) are navigating over rocks and a.. And more is popular with snorkelers due to the far edge of the Covid-19 pandemic, people. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you blue! Around them of Hansen Bay, so it can be dangerous if you do not know you! John 's beaches, and starfish legends, pirates once used the Norman island allegedly Robert!

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