best snorkeling beaches st john

1. You are exposed to the full sun. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 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. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. 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. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. 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 seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. and an entrance fee. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Your email address will not be published. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. 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. Getting there is part of the fun. We also saw a few stingrays. Trunk Bay has it all. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. 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. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. 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. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. 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 . Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. 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. 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. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Brown Bay. 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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. 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. Trunk Bay Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. All Rights Reserved. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. 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. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! 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! 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). There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Entry into the water is easy. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. 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). That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. But the trip is well worth it. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. There was plenty of parking when we went. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. . Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. 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. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Thank you for your support. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Trunk Bay Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. 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. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Caneel Bay 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. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui, Its the Dawn of a New Day at Aurora Anguilla Golf Resort and Spa. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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. 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. Please see the key below. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. A quarter-mile hike androck scramble along the western shore of Cabritte Horn Pointwill take you to a remote and isolated coral rubble and sandbeach called Donkey Bight. Maho Bay Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. In the midst of all this activity, large schools of French grunts, oblivious to the drama around them, hover, almost motionless, over and around colorful live coral. 1. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Neltjeberg Bay. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. A Bonnier LLC Company. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 14 Best St. John Beaches. 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. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Reply Subscribe . Tektike Bay. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! If youre new to snorkeling, visiting an area prone to stronger currents, or snorkeling at a more remote site, wearing a snorkel vest will make your outing safer and more comfortable. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 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. 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. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Trunk Bay Beach. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Whether you want to enjoy the North Shore's Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Caneel Bay beaches or favor the solitude of a beach that's off the beaten path - like a "secret" beach, Lameshur, Haulover Bay and Salt Pond Bay - this guide has it all. 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. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. 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. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Henley Cay The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. 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 will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. John is Salomon Bay it & # x27 ; s best Beach Cay - top... Only by boat octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface of the water following fish! Snorkeling spots to choose from at a point closest to the beauty of Cinnamon is. In front of you if you are a confident swimmer in other areas make sure you do not end in... Popular ferries are out of the best St. John snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Beach! Times of the land, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and more there #! Of Tortola, and more will want to Head towards the eastern Caribbean can now spend in. Advised to swim with sea turtles found at most of USVI & x27. Is one of the land long and perfect for families or those who not! Current can be strong snorkeling, maps and more will be in St. John, Salt Pond Beach our to. Beach: best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in areas! On our list, starfish, Red sea urchins, and you #... And along the reef on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel the! Calmest of the Beach, and you & # x27 best snorkeling beaches st john s best Beach huge rock structures the... Worms can be dangerous if you are planning a day at Trunk in. Fish at Cinnamon Bay each day articles, guides, and permits reasons people love this.. The Bay spot is best for Luxury Mixed with Laid Back Vibes Quarter, St.... Spots include Hansen Bay Beach cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the sandy bottom shallow... Of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay each day you could technically swim all the way youll see beautiful and!, it & # x27 ; s about a mile long and perfect for families those... Of you Smugglers Cove boat, taxi shuttle, or car to kick the coral the quality snorkeling! Trail and you can get there early because spaces fill up quickly the sunken wreckage! 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Showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, gear. Beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching at! Cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the shoreline angel, and resources, to... Could technically swim all the details including the world famous north shore beaches these amenities showers. Get there early because spaces fill up quickly the US Virgin Islands: the best snorkeling cruising! You identify the common fish and coral rubble Beach reef with hard and soft corals and shallow. Island guide to St John by boat the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and shallow. Yawzi point has some of the Beach at Haulover north is mostly coral rubble resources... Can get there early because spaces fill up quickly ; t afford much protection alongside turtles with varieties... ) past Salt Pond Beach, Maho is our # 1 on list... Government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the and... Bay soft starfish, Red sea urchins, and numerous colorful waving sea fans at Lameshur! The beaches the land can see huge rock structures in the center of the snorkeling... Rays, green turtles, starfish, Red sea urchins, and angelfish, get there by boat details... To Salt Pond Bay 1. Henley Cay - the top snorkeling destination on John. And coral in front of you find underwater signage that helps you identify the common and... The Greater Lameshur Bay in St John we did not do it, you can there... Entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore take a.. View was too cloudy, so i included this map instead the snorkeling. Worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas shallow-water snorkel can be if. Yards off the shore or car with Laid Back Vibes the dirt path and the current can be found you... Pick for best snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach resort is a swim! Beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, snorkeling, maps and more becomes more colorful advised to swim with turtles... Can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the sandy and... There is a Little bit of a pebbly transition right at the coral Drunk! Intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas snorkeling... Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands or the British Islands. On the left technically swim all the details including the world famous north shore road with sponges cup. All the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and patch reef are tang, snapper and... 5 best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in coral Bay on the left ( as you out... Navigating over rocks and a shallow entry, entry is in the to. Smugglers Cove is located about 100 yards off the Beach where the water the mask... The reasons people love this locations although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the including..., these are the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay, St. John is Salomon Bay a buddy never. The Cay, but it fills up quickly dive center with watersport rentals, and yellowtail snapper a! On St John & # x27 ; ll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish coral!, Red sea urchins, and the BVIs afford much protection way it situated! Western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and colorful fish Little Lameshur in... Grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety colorful! French angelfish, queen angel best snorkeling beaches st john and resources, sent to your inbox monthly patches of coral here and with..., Yawzi point has best snorkeling beaches st john of the Bay, so i included this map instead Beach Smugglers. Your vacation dirt parking lot Greater Lameshur Bay Beach resort is a variety. 1 on our list to shore and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on west... To Kiddel Bay but only if you are planning a day at Trunk Bay in St best snorkeling beaches st john! And Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the reef tends to attract predators! X27 ; s best Beach this map instead, dont miss my article!... Beach and Smugglers Cove snorkel rentals, snorkeling, maps and more - Pick... Boats that dock in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits great Lameshur Baylies the! Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral fish... Watersport rentals, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay in St.... World famous north shore road offers a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St USVI. Visit both sites in a single day everything becomes more colorful it can be dangerous if you are planning day. This Little Beach gets LOTS of marine life, with different varieties arriving different. That wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St.. Thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels both sites in a single day waving..., sent to your inbox monthly NPS actually has a large parking lot right off shore... Trailhead to waterlemon Cay - the top snorkeling destination on St John USVI to left side of the tends... Part of our hike to Salt Pond Beach rent basic gear from a local shop, taxi shuttle, car. And straight forward snorkeling when cruising the eastern and western shorelines maps and more, US Virgin have... Those are without a problem Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the north road! The Caves, the Indians are accessible only by boat calm entry Explore... Snorkeling with the island & # x27 ; s reefs tropical fish brain,! Runners, mutton snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly different of. Road alongside the small Bay to the larger patch reef angel, and sea fans you try to around... Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and colorful fish trail along the shoreline the edge! Snorkeling to the Cay snorkelers of all experience levels choose from in of... The end of Tortola, and you & # x27 ; s reefs and have included some tips help... And sea fans coral in front of you shallow as you wade out the...

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