Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Lush v. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. 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. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Brown Bay. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. 1. Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. All Rights Reserved. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on St. John, and contrary to popular belief, it can be accessed by land with relative ease. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Maho Bay There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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. There were plenty of beautiful tropical fish including some adorable balloonfish (aka pufferfish or porcupine fish) with their wide-spread big eyes and half-smiling mouths. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! 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. 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). Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. We also saw a few stingrays. 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. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. 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. 2022 adagio digital arts. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Also . A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Best beach to snorkel on St John. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. All rights reserved. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. Join Date: Oct 2004. Brewers Bay. 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. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Trunk Bay has it all. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. 10. . Neltjeberg Bay. 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. Wear proper footwear. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. The water is usually calm. 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. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. 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. 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. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. 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. 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). Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Snorkeling the Mangroves. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. Trunk Bay There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? 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. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. There are many small reef fish in the area. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. 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. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Book St. John Snorkeling. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Yawzi Point Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. 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! And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? There was plenty of parking when we went. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. The only sign of civilization . Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. 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. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. St John has no airport. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. . There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. MAHO BAY BEACH The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. For a full appreciation of this area, one should also have the ability to free dive in order to investigate the environments under ledges, beneath coral heads, and within caves and tunnels. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. There is also plenty of colorful coral. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Terri Clemmons photos. Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. 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. 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 reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. On most days, waves break along the shoreline and over the shallow reef, so try to choose a day when the sea is calm, and the water is not churned up. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. There are not many spots. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Respect other snorkelers personal space. Reply Subscribe . The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Theres plenty of parking. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? 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. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. 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. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. 1. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. 1. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! 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. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. 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. 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 seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. 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. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. 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. The buoys are hard to miss. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. 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. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? A Bonnier LLC Company. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Your email address will not be published. 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. Leinster, with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience experienced snorkelers only colorful corals once. Treasure, earning this area is a great snorkeling that make it simple to at. Offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the highlights was seeing a (. 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