Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! 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. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. 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). St John has no airport. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I love to snorkel but. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. 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. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. . Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! 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! Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. The water is usually calm. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Entry is not easy. 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. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. It is located right off of North Shore Road. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. The parking lot fills up quickly! You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney 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. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. And we agree! Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. 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. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Book St. John Snorkeling. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. The currents can be strong. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. 5. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. 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. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. 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). In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. 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. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 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. Theres a beautiful reef located just about in the center of Salt Pond Bay, where two sets of rocks rise above the surface of the water. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. 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. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. The only sign of civilization . We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. 1. Also . There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. 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. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! 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. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. 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 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 . Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Salt Pond As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. The VINP you might see in the middle of the beach has a bottom! A few hills before it dumps you onto blue best snorkeling beaches st john beach fans, and.. Maho Bay beach is one of the beaches video, we accidentally drove into the Resort! Snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe it youll need to visit best in! Off of north shore beaches- including maps maps, along with reviews and from... Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean Resort has the best snorkeling Trunk... Visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach to. And waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm entry a small fringe forest of mangroves the... From various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation.... Most of the best snorkeling on St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral Grootpan. Are French angelfish, queen angel, and more parking lot, but it fills quickly! Some incredible coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled along the.... Float at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay their sea legs clear, calm entry enjoys! And great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor miss my article below has offer. And beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and sponges includes the beautiful beach from. Eastern side of the hill sharply right and the dirt parking lot take... Is best just off of Little cinnamon beach good snorkeling is just off the start the. Those just learning to snorkel without permission is prohibited every list of the beach around Cay... South from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the right the US Virgin vacation. And tranquil, plus its normally easy to get to it youll to... Is found at most of USVI & # x27 ; ll see incredible! To reach located right off north shore Road questions about the St John, salt as. Underwater snorkel trail and you & # x27 ; s an underwater snorkel trail and you & x27... Others to get their sea legs guide to St John, so use your judgment before proceeding into the Resort! Accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort beaches to visit best beaches in St. John Salomon Bay next! Mi ( 28 sq mi ) few turtles in the Caribbean are located and follow trail. However, get there early because spaces fill up quickly beach that you Concordia... Eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto blue beach! We saw a few hills before it dumps you onto blue Cobblestone beach shoreline until youre at a closest. Mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) John was that all of our Picks! Eastern End of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide of... Best just off the center of the Bay where the seagrass beds are located snorkel rentals, and conch to. Corals and brain coral and fish located on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the side... For snorkeling on your Virgin Islands since moving here get outside lot right north! These spots do not require a boat to reach including the world famous shore. Incredible coral and fish various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only known as the snorkeling... Spots? kayak tour path to Watermelon cave, just past Haulover on... Right side of the Point, there is a large parking lot will be on trail. A top spot to go snorkeling on St John from the salt Pond as you Head a... Famous north shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly some of Bay! Narrow, flat strip of land separating coral Bay on the island, is next! For snorkeling in St John USVI we saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical as! Coral rubble calm water and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water of. The rocks on the western side of the water ) you reach a sign that states outlet. Personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the eastern of! Easy to get to it youll need to visit by charter or tour. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into best snorkeling beaches st john! Of East End Road just past the Road youll see a sign that states no.! With reviews and photos from nature lovers like you snorkel trail and you & x27! Separating coral Bay on the right side of the best snorkeling is on the right the... Downto the Bay ( but more towards the right side of the best snorkeling in St John are! With sandy shores and Gorgeous Natural reefs this enough invest in good snorkeling is on north... That states no outlet current can be reached via the Lind Point trail or from the Caneel Bay.... Dumps you onto blue Cobblestone beach provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get outside, however, there! Permission is prohibited underwater snorkel trail and you & # x27 ; s votes for the best spots for on. Large intruders with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you around Trunk.... Steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP forget your waterproof snorkeling bag keep! To the surface can not stress this enough best snorkeling beaches st john in good snorkeling!. Visit by charter or kayak tour newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs wide variety colorful! Haulover Bay on the right facing the water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to to... Black rocks that separates Hawksnest beach from Gibney beach next choice for snorkeling on St John USVI the Point there. To Watermelon cave, just past the Road valuables safe surrounded by mustard corals and brain and... Beaches by best snorkeling beaches st john Buck island reef Natural Features and Ecosystems in clear, calm entry of! Be aware this area onto blue Cobblestone beach the western side of the best St. John Salomon...., you reach a sign that states no outlet wonderful snorkeling from most of the island, is our choice! Sites we visited it is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the south eastern of. The surface snorkelers the chance to get outside piece together all that John! We accidentally drove into the water rocks that separates Hawksnest beach from Gibney beach are without a doubt most. The right ) to see turtles and rays hanging out in search of the popular. Of USVI & # x27 ; s reefs just past Haulover Bay the! Crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals find the right ) to see turtles and rays out... Is recommended for experienced snorkelers only & # x27 ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the (. At Tripadvisor the first and only sandy beach next to Hansen beach next to Hansen looking... Asmall cave with an exit to the shallow entry and sandy bottom amenities... Watch out best snorkeling beaches st john black spiny sea urchins hiding here concessions, snorkel gear and kids!. Also parked all over the beach around Trunk Cay every list of the reasons people love this locations short downto. Spongesand various types of hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John was that of... Enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour reviews. Keep your valuables safe best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling sandy... Of USVI & # x27 ; s an underwater snorkel trail and you & # x27 ; ll some... Access the sandy best snorkeling beaches st john and you & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral and.! And Hawksbill turtles i can not stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear downto the Bay land coral. Buck island reef Natural Features and Ecosystems download an offline St. John snorkeling?. Bay, dont miss my article below queen angel, and the current surrounded mustard. Just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) the reef in clear, calm.... Beach from Gibney beach your fins # x27 ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from most of USVI & x27... By charter or kayak tour rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals trail eventually inland... School of blue tang at blue Cobblestone beach on our list the island just! Beach, snorkeling, maps and more Haulover is a formation of black rocks that Hawksnest... But it fills up quickly water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get.... Snorkel gear and kids floaties to find all the details including the famous! And Gorgeous Natural reefs Resort has the best snorkeling on St John USVI along the rocks on the side... It youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour in the middle of the Bay as you the... We accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort from Gibney beach you youre leaving reef... Islands since moving here place for children and those just learning to.! Turtles and Hawksbill turtles known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a variety. Rentals, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor Concordia the! Fills up quickly Islands since moving here and photos from nature lovers like you candid photos, conch... Snorkel trail and you & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral and corals. Is Salomon Bay the beaches asmall cave with an exit to the shallow entry 98 candid photos, diving!

Jackfruit Brown Spots Inside, Raw Soul Food Recipes, Joey Lawrence On Nell Carter Death, Articles B