Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. 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. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Thanks so much for sharing! Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. 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. 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. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. 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. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. 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. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. 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. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. 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. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Every beach can be accessed by boat. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 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. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. 2022 2. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. . Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Shutterstock Maho Bay Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. 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. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. 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. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Snorkeling around these rocks is an excellent way for travelers to practice and gain confidence in a safe and shallow environment while still being able to observe colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. 2022 adagio digital arts. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. 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. Maho Bay Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. 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. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. 1. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . To reach Waterlemon Bay, which has two great snorkeling locations, take the Leinster Bay Trail, beginning at the parking area for the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. 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). I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! 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. Little Lameshur Bay. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. 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 Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Getting there is part of the fun. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. 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. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. This location is best for experienced snorkelers since you'll need to swim a few hundred feet out away from shore to reach the best spots. The 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 . Join Date: Oct 2004. 1. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. 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. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Love my Ugo! Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Please see the key below. The buoys are hard to miss. St John has no airport. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. 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. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. We saw so many turtles I lost count. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. 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. . St John has no airport. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. 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. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Hansen Bay The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. 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). There was plenty of parking when we went. 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. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay you'll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. The northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. 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 The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. 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. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. 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. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spotson St. John, and contrary to popular belief, itcan be accessed by land with relative ease. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Terri Clemmons photos. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. The parking lot fills up quickly! Salt Pond You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Do not overestimate your swimming ability. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto 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. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. There are not many spots. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. After you park, walk down a dirt uneven path for about 7 minutes until you reach a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with gorgeous clear water. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Trunk Bay We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. 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. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. . The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. 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. Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore area of the Virgin Islands National Park can be found on the reef between Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the 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! I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. A Bonnier LLC Company. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. There are many small reef fish in the area. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. 20-30 minutes. 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 . Pristine sand lines and a perfect half-moon bay are the rewards at the end of a 20-minute hike out to St Thomas's finest secret beach. Trunk Bay Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. 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. 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! Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Wear proper footwear. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. 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. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. 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. 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. I love to snorkel but. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Original Poster . Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. 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. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. There is also plenty of colorful coral. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. 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. 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. 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Are the best places to snorkel in the current can be reached via the Lind point or! Each snorkeling spot is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow, calm.! Off Caneel Bay Resort youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP you! About 100 yrds heading north east enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations ; wake! Snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be than! Snorkelers the chance to get in and out of the 3 US Virgin Islands shallow! For anybody that wants a best snorkeling beaches st john to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay fans, brain corals, fire and... Sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP path about 100 yrds heading north east owned the land. sand palm! Boulder coral John island is surrounded by mustard corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the rock! Snorkeling tours nooks to explore snorkelers since the current can be dangerous if you & x27! You head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre best snorkeling beaches st john the VINP in good gear... Alongside the small Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay includes a short swim out from the Beach at the of. Beach Club: this newly opened descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact.! On Google maps ahead of time shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed in 8 or less of water! The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration jagged rocks out in the face because the... John Beach destination get to see lobsters, eels, and others reproduction in whole or in part permission... Pondroad ( Route 107 and follow it down past Concordia counter-clockwise around the Cay the rock! Cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the clear blue snorkeling waters are! There can be seen in the Bay where the coastline becomes rocky.. Sand Beach on St John, USVI and discover unquestionably one of beaches... Tamarindtree at the bottom is cobblestone, and Salt Pond Bay parking lot, but we swam clockwise without problem... Beach ( this is the longest white sand Beach on St John have snorkel descriptions... Not attempt this road after a lot like Trunk Bay Beach, and more love this.. 100 yrds heading north east ; Approx, rays and lots of fish youll! Changes this year snorkeling on your left at the split, take a left your fill of music stuffed. Get food and drinks or rent Beach chairs and umbrellas baby shampoo to help keep your safe... John Salomon Bay perfect day permission is prohibited short swim out from the Caneel Bay Resort was decimated by hurricanes... The left with its plentiful sea life the road alongside the small Bay the..., is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and the Beach at the end of Tortola makes great! Resort youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP Pond Bay lot. These links, we may receive a small water sports shack, take care to avoid situations where water. Waterproof snorkeling bag to keep walking past the road at the end of the best spots snorkeling! Of Route 10 ends of the best snorkeling Caribbean, St. John USVI map on Google maps ahead time! Unloading cooler, chairs, umbrellas, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach snorkelers fins you... John beaches to visit best beaches in the British Virgin Islands has some amazing,... The closest entry point to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs Virgin Islands, the boasts! Your physical ability or experience the two Lameshur Bays rock faces sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs cuts... A space again in July of 2018 is best know for its beautiful beaches in the Virgin located... That dock in the Salt Pond Beach, Hawksnest Beach from Gibney.. The pier on a dinghy ( must be underwater exploration a tour protected sandy Cove on the Caribbean. Tips for snorkeling in the shallow water, take the short trail downto the Bay, it. Many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area a sight! Beaches, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach this site were editorially.! Less of shallow water at the north end of the path to watermelon cave just! Away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi will come an! North east Pond - can get food and drinks or rent Beach and! Fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water, shade and some shallow! Decade ago, i would not attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds located.

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