It is located right off of North Shore Road. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Northwest of St John Island. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. It is located on the eastern end of the island along East End Road right past a sign that states you are leaving the Virgin Islands National Park. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. 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. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Sunday is the ideal day to drive out to the south shore of St. John to partake in the waterfront jazz brunch at Miss Lucys Restaurant. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Your email address will not be published. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. 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. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. 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. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Terri Clemmons photos. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). A couple of beach shacks sell drinks and snacks and rent stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear, but there are no restrooms or other amenities. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Thank you for your support. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. 2022 2. 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. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Henley Cay The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. 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. 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. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. We also saw a few stingrays. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Waterlemon Cay (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Jumbie Bay Beach. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. 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. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Cinnamon Bay. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. 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. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Maho Bay , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. 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. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. 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. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. 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. Great to know. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. The 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. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! 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. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. All rights reserved. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). 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. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. 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. 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. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. There was plenty of parking when we went. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 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. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. 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. 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. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Entry is not easy. 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. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. 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. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). 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 beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. The parking lot fills up quickly! We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Brown Bay. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. 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. . 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? Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Haulover (North) There are also some patches of reef on both sides of the bay, but the right side of the beach (as you face the water) is supposed to be slightly better and better suited for advanced snorkelers. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. There are not many spots. The marine life is incredible. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. This location is best for experienced snorkelers since you'll need to swim a few hundred feet out away from shore to reach the best spots. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. St John has no airport. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. 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. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. 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 island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Coki Beach. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty 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. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Trunk Bay 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. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 5. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Yawzi Point Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. 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. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. 1. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The sand off after you snorkel 2/3 of the reef rises up close to.. 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