The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Brewers Bay. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. The currents can be strong. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Entry is not easy. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. 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. Yawzi Point The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. A good family beach for snorkeling exists at Coki Point Beach on St. Thomas, while a more demanding site, requiring a 45min boat trip, can be located off the Cow and Calf Rocks. 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. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! 2022 2. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. 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. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! Bay. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in the park. Virgin Islands Ecotours: IT WAS THE BESSSSSTTTT BUY THIS PACKAGE DEF WORTH IT - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 519 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. 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. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. 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. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Henley Cay Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. You can see up to 12 different species of sea turtles roaming the seagrass beds, as well as stingrays, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, sea fans, tropical fish, elkhorn coral, cuttlefish, blue tangs, and nurse sharks. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. 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 . Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. 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. 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. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. 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. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Cinnamon 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. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. . Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. The water is usually calm. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 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! STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. The waves can be rough. 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. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. 2022 adagio digital arts. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. 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. St John has no airport. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. 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. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. 20-30 minutes. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! 2023 OutsiderView. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. I always wear a snorkel vest. . Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. 4. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Snorkeling the Mangroves. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. 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. Shutterstock Maho Bay The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. 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. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle 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. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Trunk Bay Beach. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! READ CURATED LIST OF BEST ST. JOHN VACATION RENTALS, READ 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRUNK BAY, READ MY PERSONAL TRAVEL SNORKELING GEAR PICKS. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. 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. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. . Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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 white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. 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. 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. MAHO BAY BEACH The access to the water is not easy but not hard. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. 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. Entering is a bit rocky. Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. About halfway (0.4 miles) down the Leinster Bay Trail lies a small sand and coral rubble beach, which provides excellent snorkeling for intermediate and advanced snorkelers. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. 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. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the 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. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . 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. Reply Subscribe . 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. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. 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. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 2. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! But the trip is well worth it. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Waterlemon Cay A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. 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. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. 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. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Honeymoon Beach Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Coki Beach. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. 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