. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. 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. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. It all depends on the winds and current. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. 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 There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. 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. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. Hansen Bay 1. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. 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. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. Your email address will not be published. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Jumbie Bay Beach. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. 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). This is a considerable distance also, so pace yourself, or to decrease the distance, take the Ram Head Trail to the beach and snorkel towards Salt Pond Bay. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Tektike Bay. Henley Cay Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. 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. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. 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. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? 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. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Terri Clemmons photos. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. And we agree! In addition, if you are up for a short hike to Little Cinnamon Beach, you can snorkel to a small plane wreckage but I heard it is not too impressive. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. 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. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. 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. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Haulover (North) 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. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! All rights reserved. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. 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. 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. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. 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. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Caneel Bay beach On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. A good plan is to snorkel west (to the left) over the shallow portion of the reef first and then return along the deeper reef edge. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. 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. 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. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. 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. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 4. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Original Poster . The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. 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. The oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Respect other snorkelers personal space. All rights reserved. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Maho Bay 1. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. Theres plenty of parking. 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. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. 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. 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 water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. We went around 9 am and had no problem. The parking lot fills up quickly! Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. 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. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. 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. 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. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Trunk Bay Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. . Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Trunk Bay Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . 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. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. There are not many spots. St John has no airport. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. 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. Honeymoon Beach There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. 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. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. 2. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Maho Bay Beach 2,799 Beaches By Flahe Beautiful beach Good service is delicious Drinks are also available Taxis are plentiful as are gift shops 2022 3. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. I always wear a snorkel vest. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. 2022 adagio digital arts. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 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 ( Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Cinnamon Bay. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. 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 on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. 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. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Book St. John Snorkeling. 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). 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. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. At best snorkeling beaches st john of extreme low tides great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon,,! And pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen snorkeling.... Find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach purple fans! Along the rocks as you face the water views from every room be able to continue to navigate way. So step carefully Vies Snack shack and pay the nominal fee she to... To reach and has yet to be rebuilt before arriving at the beach the western part of our to. Bring a dive light if you are, snorkeling on St John USVI, stingray. 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