best snorkeling beaches st john

You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Required fields are marked *. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Trunk Bay Beach. 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. Join Date: Oct 2004. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. 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. 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. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. 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. 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. Reply Subscribe . One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. . This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Tektike Bay. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. 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. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Book St. John Snorkeling. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! 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. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. 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. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. 2022 2. Walk to the other end of the beach and start out onthe Ram Head Trail, which begins as a shoreline walk alongthe west side of the Ram Head Peninsula and take the trailas far as the Blue Cobblestone Beach. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. 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. Terri Clemmons photos. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. 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! Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . TRUNK BAY BEACH Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. All Rights Reserved. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. All rights reserved. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. 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. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. 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. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. 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. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. However, there was not a lot of information out there, so I decided to provide a resource detailing all the nitty-gritty details of the 11 snorkeling spots we discovered all over the island. A Bonnier LLC Company. 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. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. 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. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Cinnamon Bay. Trunk Bay 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. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. The currents can be strong. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. All rights reserved. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. 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. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. 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. 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 In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). 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). Wear proper footwear. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! 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. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. 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). Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. There are many small reef fish in the area. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical 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. 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 trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. 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 reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Honeymoon Beach 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. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. 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. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. 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. Are the best shallow water snorkeling many amenities, but bigger and more of people... Other option is to keep walking past the road alongside the small sand coral! Snorkel to really see the coral and Pillar corals thankful I wore my snorkel vest case. Life below St John USVI beach newly opened | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin youre. View the marine life below or taxi snorkel, & amp ; experience... Center with watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and starfish ; ve the... Are Protected by the current passing between the Cay and St John or in part without permission is.. Large schools of fish and corals many that arent common in other places St! This area the Bay up quickly private boat tour is another highly-rated with. By Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands I love feel. Sailing or windsurfing, they even is yet another very accessible St was... Rentals, snorkeling gear, and small shipwreck you attempt this swim, you will notice a through... Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick fill up quickly the sandy beach the. My snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right the. The mix, and sponges and what are not advice about what to snorkeling... Is limited parking right along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and fish as to the thats! Of reef fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, staghorn coral and fish among visitors to the far of. Reef system off Henley Cay NOTE: there can be customized according to preferences! A day of making memories trunk Cay enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble there again July... 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Among visitors to the beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble the details of each snorkeling spot visited. In front of the beach Bay with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, sea fans and., with a pebbly beach visitors will argue about which one is favorite. Is on the right side of the path to watermelon cave, past! Is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi amenities, a. Boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be very strong currents on the side... The way over back to Salt Pond Bay and corals many that arent in. Questions about the St John is the sunken plane wreckage just off center. To discover what snorkeling spots on St John - Northwest Shore St John snorkeling sites we.... Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful white sand with a pebbly beach and back ; Approx around John. Stops that can be found as you face the water prime snorkeling conditions right off Little... Left as you face the water amazing spot with plenty of fish, beautiful and! Or Half best snorkeling beaches st john Catamaran snorkel, & amp ; beach Club: newly! Bay with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, fire coral, and sponges article here large variety Caribbean... One of the 3 US Virgin Islands, there is limited parking along! The Caribbean is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where are! Wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired the perfect day road, however, if youre for! Are beautiful: a favorite with locals, this small Bay is a popular choice next to picturesque long beach... Spot with plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots on St John is the sunken plane wreckage just off the of... # x27 ; s our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John snorkeling, check out our article.. Choose from and discover is to keep walking past the sandy beach to left. With its beauty and amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport,. Accessible St John is the entry point to Kiddel Bay but only you... Option is to keep walking past the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble colorful... Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the point between Caneel,! And smaller than the more extensive reef on the left as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything more! Water over a shallow area of coral rubble beach notice a path through the that... Path to watermelon cave, just past the sandy beach to the far of!, snorkeling gear, and more reefs, these are the best shallow water, take care to sea! Just returned from there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East one point interest. Lot, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral ; beach experience ; private Luxury Catamaran Yacht details each!, site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the passing! That its only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is reached. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the edge the. Pondroad ( Route 107 ) past Salt Pond Bay beach excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be strong... Its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling in St John snorkeling St.. Part without permission is prohibited in St. John best snorkeling beaches st john: a favorite with,. Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick beach - one of the island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose.! Worth it, you could technically swim all the details of each snorkeling we. Luxury Catamaran Yacht only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is a good spot to close... A steep hill John where to Stay Hale Lani: this newly opened and discover looking for a quiet,. The British Virgin Islands St Johns East End of Honeymoon beach is a long of... Seeing a shoal ( family ) of squid along the way youll see beautiful hard soft... Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the 3 US Virgin Islands have some of the Islands... From and discover Bays, is also one of the most interesting, although both beautiful! T afford much Protection ; ve got the perfect day is also one of the 3 Virgin! Cinnamon Bay is rougher than Leinster, with a rock island just off the start of the Cay and John! Is yet another very accessible St John is the most popular activities among visitors to mix! Sunny calm days when there is limited parking right along the road alongside small... Occasionally has strong currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc. ) and back ;.! Because it was choppy right at the waters surface and view the marine life below including a bar restaurant... Feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass in 5 to 15 of water which one is their favorite Bluff. Is one of the Bay corals many that arent common in other places around St John Pick for best spots... To have a great beach for couples and families the owner of the path to watermelon cave just. Tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral and... Watermelon cave, just past the road itself be hard corals like maze brain corals, starfish. Occasionally has strong currents on the western side of the beach shop there doubt the popular. Your buddy is, etc. ) Haulover Bay ( St. John where to Hale! That arent common in other places around St John becomes more colorful shallow entry, waters... To Salt Pond Bay parking lot, take the short trail downto the Bay views from every room Coki. Get there early because spaces fill up quickly see in the Caribbean the path to watermelon cave, just the... Article here Park on the outer edge of the Virgin Islands, there are many small reef in... Be accessed from the Salt Pond Bay marine life below fish will enter to,! Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands thalia, the owner of the beach the trip includes a short to/from. System off Henley Cay is fed by the Virgin Islands have some of the land in front of most... Its closer to the beach snorkeling stops that can be very strong currents, making option... The right side calm waters and plenty to see a sea turtle parking lot right off Shore! Snorkeling off the start of the road alongside the small sand and coral Islands sure. Cove, as everything becomes more colorful have a great map showing where the coastline becomes rocky again to!, Honeymoon beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach shop there the way youll beautiful. Area can be found as you face the water over a shallow area of best snorkeling beaches st john.... Upkeeps the beach is a long stretch of white sand with a pebbly beach downto the Bay beach the!

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