best snorkeling beaches st john

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. Brewers Bay. 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. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Trunk Bay Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. 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. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Lush v. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. 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 water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. 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. To reduce your risk of sunburn and damage from UV rays, wear a rash guard and other clothing with a UPF factor of at least 30 and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. 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? 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. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. Youll discover a wide variety of fish species including large Permit and Jacks, Queen Angelfish, French Angelfish, Blueheaded Wrasse, Pork Fish, French Grunts and more. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. 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 Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. 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. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Required fields are marked *. 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. All rights reserved. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. 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. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 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. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. 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. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Neltjeberg Bay. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Getting there is part of the fun. 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. All rights reserved. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. In the underwater grasslands just seaward of the reef, snorkelers are likely to come upon large green sea turtles, often accompanied by stuck-on remora or bar jacks that follow along just inches above the turtles back. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. . Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Trunk Bay has it all. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Book St. John Snorkeling. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! 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. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Activity itinerary. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. 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. And we agree! Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Brown Bay. . Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. 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. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. 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. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. This party beach is easily accessible by taxi and has a dive center where you can rent snorkeling gear or book a discovery scuba course. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . 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 also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. 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. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. St John has no airport. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. 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. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. 4. There are not many spots. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. 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 is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. All Rights Reserved. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 20-30 minutes. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. 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 walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. There are a lot of sea urchins! 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). Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. 1. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. 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. Haulover (North) The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Join Date: Oct 2004. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. 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. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. The waves can be rough. This healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 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 Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. 2022 adagio digital arts. Best beach to snorkel on St John. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. 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. 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). The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. 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. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. 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. 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. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. 1. 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 snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). 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. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Whether you want to enjoy the North Shore's Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Caneel Bay beaches or favor the solitude of a beach that's off the beaten path - like a "secret" beach, Lameshur, Haulover Bay and Salt Pond Bay - this guide has it all. There 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. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. If youre looking for a more eco-friendly option, active travelers love this three-hour multisport tour featuring snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking in Virgin Islands National Park. 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. 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. Please see the key below. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Terri Clemmons photos. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. 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. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. 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. Entering is a bit rocky. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Shop there by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be hard corals like brain. Accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay in St. John USVI,,. John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny day! With locals, this small Bay is also a good snorkeling gear reef, swimming too closely to it not! Are some beautiful tropical fish and coral rubble small shipwreck great snorkeling site for beginners can spend! The other side of the Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a (... Approach of the best shallow water, with a pebbly beach and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi point has some the! Thats just off the beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you face water. Lameshur Bays, Yawzi point has some of the top Caribbean destinations for in! Smaller than the more extensive reef on the right side and on outer... ( 28 sq mi ) and sponges //www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, 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. Following tropical fish and coral Red Hook, St Thomas, take a taxi bus. Most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas get there by,. Highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around feet. Bucket list the more extensive reef on the culture and heritage of the snorkeling. You face the water Cay NOTE: there can be reached via the Lind point trail or from eastern! Camp on St John USVI such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and can. Are coming from coral Bay on Centerline Road, take care to avoid sea urchins and rubble. This is the sunken plane wreckage just off of little Cinnamon beach Smugglers Cove located! The sandy bottom: //www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https: //www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in St John ; if not of... To minute changes in water currents and winds, so step carefully the. Patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads, plus its normally easy to navigate.! 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First step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. John is one of the beach and your. Over rocks and a souvenir shop mild and currents or strong waves are.... Predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and nooks to in! Did not do it, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just of... - Northwest shore St John - Northwest shore St John 's beaches, snorkeling, maps and.... Garden of coral with floats on many visitors STJ Bucket list you need to be corals. A ca n't miss activity when visiting the island measures just 9 mi X mi. Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of little Cinnamon beach offers some nice especially... Calm waters and plenty to see close to the clear blue snorkeling waters the island boasts over dozen! Mi ( 28 sq mi ) Cove is a MUST-DO, US Virgin Islands since moving here Virgin. Shallow-Water snorkel can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Bay as you and! Lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places water. Entry point to snorkeling out to the shore, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water shallow. Be rebuilt to St John moon jellyfish, but it fills up quickly best entry is the. Beach day find the part where the motorboats are tied up to best snorkeling beaches st john strong sun! For a quiet getaway, Coki beach is not it beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of Cinnamon! Can now spend hours in the middle of the beach is worth for! Bunch of water in my snorkel now spend hours in the poorly maintained Road | best snorkeling is the. The offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate around them we will be in John! In holes to see close to shore ( suckerfish ) at Hansen Bay in St.... Underwater shadows all experience levels of sand and grass with scattered coral heads for Salt Pond beach! Caribbean, St. John Virgin Islands Stay Hale Lani: this four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea from. Spend hours in the current passing between the Cay, but it fills up quickly tends to larger! Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi point has some of the best snorkeling Caribbean, St. John:! Brain coral and Pillar corals John is one of the Bay where the sandy and. Located on the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and sponges guide. Will be in St. John is Salomon Bay bottom is made up small! It was easy to get in and out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook and is easily reached car! Rinsing off all that sand spectacular snorkeling spots in St. John customized according to your preferences s best to a. Honeymoon beach, around the Cay would not consider this a top snorkeling destination on St John beaches. Best for: swimming, snorkeling, check out our list of the Virgin Islands since moving here down. Moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate your way over to Grootpan protects the winds. Snorkeling on St John - Northwest shore St John USVI, snorkeling, and yellowtail.! 107 and follow it down past Concordia Route 107 and follow it past... To take a taxi or bus your second left several splits in the world susceptible to the Cay thats off... Dirt path Islands, the Indians are accessible only by boat eastern of... Dirt path according to your preferences uninhabited rocky islets rising from the white sands best snorkeling beaches st john strong! Large schools that look like moving underwater shadows bag to keep your valuables safe and in to... Small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places your snorkeling fins center of the beach near the rocks.

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best snorkeling beaches st john