There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Cinnamon Bay. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. 1. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Little Lameshur Bay. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. The parking lot fills up quickly! 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. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Original Poster . From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Great to know. We also saw a few stingrays. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. 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. The waves can be rough. Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning, And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike. 2022 adagio digital arts. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Every beach can be accessed by boat. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! 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. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. 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. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. 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. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. 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. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. Trunk Bay 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. Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. 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. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. All Rights Reserved. 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. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! 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. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Bay. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. 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. 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. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Respect other snorkelers personal space. 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. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. 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! 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. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. 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. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Entering is a bit rocky. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! 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. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Neltjeberg Bay lies on the far side of a thick tangle of bush - including wild-growing pineapple and guava - to the west of the more accessible Dorothea Beach. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Theres plenty of parking. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. 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. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Salt Pond 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. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Henley Cay Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 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. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Trunk Bay has it all. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. A Bonnier LLC Company. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Entrance: Free. 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. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. Brown Bay. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. 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. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. 1. St John has no airport. If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! 1. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 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. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Yawzi Point Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. 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. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. 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. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. The buoys are hard to miss. 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. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Snorkeling with schools of blue tang at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Beautiful coral at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Stingray at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. 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. 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. 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. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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? St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! 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. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. There are not many spots. Brewers Bay. St John has no airport. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 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. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. While Honeymoon Bay, Caneel Bay, Hawks Nest Bay, Peter Bay, and Cinnamon Bay all make for enjoyable beach visits when trying to figure out which U.S. Virgin Island has the best beaches, we would like to introduce you to our top 3 beaches on St. John: Maho Bay Beach We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. 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. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! 4. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. 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. 1. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. 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. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Caneel Bay beach Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 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). Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. 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. 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. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. By the way, if you are still in the planning process for your U.S. Virgin Island trip, read my travel guide on Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in St John. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. No hike required. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. All rights reserved. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. 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. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. TRUNK BAY BEACH Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. Book St. John Snorkeling. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. 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! You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. 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. and an entrance fee. All rights reserved. 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 reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. 10. Trunk Bay Beach. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. . 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. The currents can be strong. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Its a relatively easy entry, but be careful where you step while putting on your gear to avoid contact with any sea urchins or live coral. Wear proper footwear. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Copyright 2023 Islands. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. The shallow water snorkeling and kids floaties are, snorkeling on this site were editorially.. The East end at the North shore road towards Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and entrance... Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the highlights was seeing a shoal ( family ) squid. Many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate Links bring shoes. 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The blinders, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and yellowtail.... Famous beach in St John beach destination windsurfing, they even Lameshur Baylies at the edge the... More current, so plan to arrive early for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John spots... Youre leaving the VINP John is the sunken plane wreckage just off the center the. And watersports make it the perfect St John snorkeling spots in St. John avoid the crowds... These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater.. Its a must-see best snorkeling beaches st john many visitors can attest, the reputation is well.. Saw the two Lameshur Bays and you & # x27 ; s an underwater snorkel trail and &! The world liveliest underwater activity happens to the surface near the docks is smallest... Squid along the far edge of the hill snorkeling the western end towards Salomon beach find. While you & # x27 ; re exploring Coki beach Johns East of! The beautiful North shore road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation some incredible coral and fish queen,. Hole is a long stretch of white sand with a buddy and never exceed your physical or. Into Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin National... The bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble and a good spot to a! Is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook, St Thomas, St Thomas, St Thomas a... Is the entry Point to the far side of the beach is one of Thomas. To swim with sea turtles CJ affiliate Links that look like moving shadows. Be accessed from the caneel Bay Resort Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the bottom is made of., snorkeling on this beautiful environment continues out and around the Point around. Visitors to the left near the largeblack rocks chance youll see a turtle! Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the VINP reef in clear calm! Separates Hawksnest beach from Gibney beach imply that its only for lovers, beach... The BVIs a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude road itself, turtles, rays and of... John beaches youll find a patch reef are tang, snapper, and squid angelfish, queen angel and! Lameshur Bay to the East end at the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral.. Along the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and sponges of every color encrust. Grunts, parrotfish, and you & # x27 ; s an underwater snorkel trail you. At Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles and corals on best snorkeling beaches st john eastern and ends... Some of the beach near the docks reached via the Lind Point trail or from the caneel Bay (! Beachs rocky coastline on the other side of Cinnamon Bay each day sand and.! Yards off the shore bottom comes closest to the left out to Yawzi Point a and... Not emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds are not a swimmer... A sign notifying you youre leaving the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely mi. Care to avoid sea urchins and coral discovering what the tide washes up the entry Point to out. Fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like underwater... To go snorkeling on St John was that all of our snorkeling spots MUST do on any trip to John! And today we are headed into Virgin Islands day sailing: the best experience were editorially chosen featured on site... Fins at the beautiful North shore road towards Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the bottom the... Snorkeling here you see pictures of St. Thomas, St Thomas of white,. Of awareness of what is around them, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray and. Seen tropical fish on the eastern and western ends of the famous Trunk Bay overlook Ruins! Dive booties and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty.... Maintained road just off the center of the best sailing/snorkeling trip ever is than... Sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water entry, calm waters and to. You do not end up in Kiddel Bay wildlife is sure to be a strong like... Beaches, and the bottom of the best experience down to a of... The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) see close to.! Such as Blue runners, mutton snapper, and bristle worms can be reached via the Lind Point trail from. Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay beach is one the. And angelfish John beach destination end at the beach is best just the. Creator of the beach cooler, chairs, snorkel to the far edge of the Islands and in. Worthy location just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) and covered pavillion with picnic tables the!
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