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. 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. Every beach can be accessed by boat. 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. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. 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 ( A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this 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). Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. 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. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. A closer look will reveal all sorts of beautiful and mysterious sea creatures that live in Francis Bay Beach, like small eels, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, brightly colored sponges, and gracefully swaying gorgonians such as the colorful sea fan. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. St John has no airport. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. 1. 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). 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. 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. 2023 OutsiderView. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Please see the key below. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The parking lot fills up quickly! 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. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. 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. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. 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. 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. 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. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. You will be snorkeling in a location that is somewhat far awayfrom a convenient place to get out of the water, and there maybe areas of rough seas. 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. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. 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. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Your email address will not be published. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning, And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike. 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. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. 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. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. 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. 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. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Entering is a bit rocky. 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. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Sail to St John National Park (the very best, least crowded beaches) where you will enjoy fantastic snorkeling & swimming stops, gourmet lunch, drinks, and great company! Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. 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. Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 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. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. There are many day trips and boat transfers to the island from various tour operators, or you can take your own private boat (anchoring permit required). If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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). The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! 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. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. 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. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. 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. Your email address will not be published. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. We saw so many turtles I lost count. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. MAHO BAY BEACH A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. St John has no airport. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. 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. Caneel Bay beach Theres plenty of parking. Copyright 2023 Islands. 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. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. All Rights Reserved. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. 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. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. The buoys are hard to miss. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. 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. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. But the trip is well worth it. 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. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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). Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Henley Cay 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. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Cinnamon Bay. You are exposed to the full sun. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. I always wear a snorkel vest. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. Henley Cay 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. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Honeymoon Beach, St. John, USVI Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? 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. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui, Its the Dawn of a New Day at Aurora Anguilla Golf Resort and Spa. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Located with the Caneel Bay Resort visitors can either hike the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay; park at Caneel Bay Resort and walk the approx. Jumbie Bay Beach. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Entrance: Free. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. The only sign of civilization . Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Little Lameshur Bay. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. 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. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. 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On St. John is the most natural of the most popular activities among visitors to trailhead!
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