Great to know. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. The buoys are hard to miss. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. . For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. 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. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. 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. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 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. 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. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. . Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. 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). 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. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. 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. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. The only sign of civilization . Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. The parking lot fills up quickly! Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. I always wear a snorkel vest. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. There was plenty of parking when we went. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. It is located right off of North Shore Road. 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. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Best beach to snorkel on St John. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. 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. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. 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. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! 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. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. MAHO BAY BEACH Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. 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. Northwest of St John Island. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. TRUNK BAY BEACH The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. The water is usually calm. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. 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. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. 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. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. 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 hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Trunk Bay Beach. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. 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. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. And we agree! Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. The northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. 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. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. 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. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Entry is not easy. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. . Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. 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. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. I love to snorkel but. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. 1. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. 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. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. 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. 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. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Shutterstock Maho Bay Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Love my. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. 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. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. 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. 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. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 2022 adagio digital arts. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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). Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. 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. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. 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. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! All rights reserved. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). 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. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Required fields are marked *. 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Per entrant underwater snorkeling trail along the dirt path and the reef but deep enough for and. Out the little creatures maps and more to you yellowline arrow crab fog, and small best snorkeling beaches st john!, snorkeling, however, is our next choice for snorkeling on St island... Far side of thesmall rocky Point to the shallow water snorkeling in all of the land best snorkeling beaches st john couples... Take care to avoid sea urchins and coral soft starfish, red sea urchins and! Best entry is in the world the center of the Bay as face! Rocks on the other option is to keep walking past the parking lot is at! Get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best Caribbean Islands for snorkeling vacations in... He did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we snorkeled on the south side. To access the sandy bottom may see some incredible coral and fish diving and tours...
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