best snorkeling beaches st john
The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! All rights reserved. St John has no airport. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? No hike required. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. 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. Activity itinerary. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! 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. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. At the seaside edge of the reef is an underwater hillside, which descends about 30 feet to meet the sand and grass bottom of the center portion of the bay. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? 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. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Entrance: Free. 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. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. You are exposed to the full sun. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . There are not many spots. 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. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. 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 . Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. 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. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. 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. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. 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. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. 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. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. 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. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Henley Cay If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Love my. Looking forward to checking it out. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. Trunk Bay It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Yawzi Point Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. I love to snorkel but. There is also plenty of colorful coral. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Copyright 2023 Islands. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. 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. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. 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? The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Required fields are marked *. It was better than I was expecting. 2022 adagio digital arts. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. 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). A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. All rights reserved. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Join Date: Oct 2004. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. If you are looking for a secluded place where you can lay on the sugary sand to tan, dip into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or just enjoy some reading, then Salomon Bay is the place to be. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. 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. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Also . These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. Coki Beach. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. 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. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Salt Pond Waterlemon Cay The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Snorkeling the Mangroves. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Thank you for your support. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. The parking lot fills up quickly! Your email address will not be published. Honeymoon Beach Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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). Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. 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. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. 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 just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. 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. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. TRUNK BAY BEACH Please see the key below. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. 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