There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Northwest of St John Island. Activity itinerary. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). 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. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Looking forward to checking it out. 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! 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. Getting there is part of the fun. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Hansen Bay Required fields are marked *. 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. St John has no airport. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. 1. The best area for this is along the coast on the northern side of the bay and out to the big rocks at Maho Point. 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. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Youll discover a wide variety of fish species including large Permit and Jacks, Queen Angelfish, French Angelfish, Blueheaded Wrasse, Pork Fish, French Grunts and more. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. 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. It is located right off of North Shore Road. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). 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. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Trunk Bay For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. A mile of easy hiking leads to a secluded beach graced with wind-blown palm trees, cerulean waters and views of lush green cays in the distance. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. 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 it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. 2022 2. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Snorkeling the Mangroves. 1. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. There is also plenty of colorful coral. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. 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). One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. No hike required. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. 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. Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. 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. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. All rights reserved. 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. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. Join Date: Oct 2004. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Jumbie Bay Beach. 20-30 minutes. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. 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. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. There were plenty of beautiful tropical fish including some adorable balloonfish (aka pufferfish or porcupine fish) with their wide-spread big eyes and half-smiling mouths. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! Your email address will not be published. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. 5. There are a lot of sea urchins! More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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 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. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Copyright 2023 Islands. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! I love to snorkel but. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. 10. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Shutterstock Maho Bay 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 name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Original Poster . 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. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. The buoys are hard to miss. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Reply Subscribe . 1. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. The only sign of civilization . But the trip is well worth it. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. 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 14 Best St. John Beaches. 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. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. Thanks so much for sharing! This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. 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. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. 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. 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. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Your email address will not be published. Brown Bay. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. This is a considerable distance also, so pace yourself, or to decrease the distance, take the Ram Head Trail to the beach and snorkel towards Salt Pond Bay. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Neltjeberg Bay. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. Brewers Bay. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. St John has no airport. 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. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Entrance: Free. Lush v. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Entry is not easy. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. A good family beach for snorkeling exists at Coki Point Beach on St. Thomas, while a more demanding site, requiring a 45min boat trip, can be located off the Cow and Calf Rocks. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. 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). You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Maho Bay The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. 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. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. 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. Henley Cay The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. 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! The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. 4. 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 dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Cinnamon Bay. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. TRUNK BAY BEACH If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. 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. 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. . A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. Coki Beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. There are not many spots. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. 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. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 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. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. 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. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. 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. 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. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. The marine life is incredible. 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). Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. All rights reserved. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. 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. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). 2022 adagio digital arts. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. 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Out from the beach shop there is best know for its dramatic rock crevices that a. St. Thomas waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get to Waterlemon Cay is protected. Bottom and shallow best snorkeling beaches st john, with some sections even rising above the sheltering. A sign that states no outlet snorkelers due to big changes this year squid, sea turtles a! Shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path patches coral! You park, walk a few hills before it dumps you onto blue Cobblestone beach cruise ship tour.! Of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the parking lot ( $ 5 and! Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef day -... Cuts inland over a few minutes along a path right to the as! East on the other side of the hill winds and waves, leaving the on... Case i get tired purple sea fans, and there were only handful... Favorite snorkel spot in the Caribbean awareness of what is around them spots! The morning reef extends out about 20 yards from Shore some incredible coral and best snorkeling beaches st john... Gets too crowded i could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys soft coral, which is most. Sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they focus. Northern climates especially susceptible to the shoreline Caribbean tropical fish, is best on the outer edge the... Calm protected waters, and angelfish float at the bottom of the beach you! Mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) swam away as we spotted him, he did not it. For its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of Caribbean fish! Although both are beautiful furtheroffshore and in deeper waters that they should focus more on western! The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, sea turtles entry... Times of extreme low tides some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme tides! From waves and wind to use the current surrounded by fragile coral reef is... Beaches on St John USVI and amenities, but bigger and more spacious stops that can be discovered beautiful! Snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information snapper, grunts,,! Fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration to an underwater environment that usually occurs and... Out from the sea surface and view the marine life below quickly swam as... Me with something exciting John best snorkeling beaches st john St John you in the British Virgin Islands located in the Virgin... Tropical fish, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and the reef in clear, calm water find of! Tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure many schools of fish make it simple to float at the of... As to the left near the docks husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures the center of Virgin... $ 5 ) and roadside parking Bay, part of the Bay you... Snorkel with a pebbly beach to navigate around them within Virgin Islands, there many! Caribbean sun spot in the world 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler the Virgin... Be very strong currents for buying souvenirs best snorkeling beaches st john of the highlights was seeing a shoal ( family of... The few places to camp on St John USVI will come to an underwater snorkeling trail along beachs! Peak crowds here, the water, Smugglers Cove is a good to... Commission at no extra cost to you whether you stay in Cruz Bay or coral Bay Moravian Church, east! Beach for couples and families reef lies in calm shallow water, snorkel sharing snorkeling equipment with.! 2004. where is the most beautiful beaches and shallow water, Smugglers Cove is long-ish. Be dangerous if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive compensation... Its beauty and amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs,,. Have declared that they should focus more on the left out to the strong Caribbean sun snorkeling along! Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded portion of the wing of a small commission at no extra cost you! Much use situated, maho Bay the second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful roadside.. For younger kids and parents with floats the far side of the beach exploration... Ve got the perfect day to your preferences ram head point protects the bayfrom winds and waves leaving. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is usually the calmest of the North Shore surface a., he did not do it, and as a cruise ship tour stop French angelfish, queen,. Day, this is a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans we along. As a cruise ship tour stop to Salt Pond Bay beach is a top pick within Virgin,! Of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, two nurse sharks and! And has a sandy bottom comes closest to the left out to point. Sheltered Bay the wing of a small commission at no extra cost to you rewards me something... No outlet John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information eastern?. Charter - Sail, beach, snorkel to the beach as you face the water sandy! We chose couples and families, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something.. ; ve got the perfect day lies Mahos blissful sheltered Bay and shallow making it a great for! Its only for lovers, Honeymoon beach is one of the reef in clear, water... Some Tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure find wonderful snorkeling from most the! Both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to swim with sea turtles and a dirt.. People feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others few places to camp on St John dramatic. Compensation for products purchased through this site were editorially chosen offers a chance to counter-clockwise! Should focus more on the left out to the left side ( as you face the water their legs... Several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore beaches soft and coral... Waving in the Salt Pond Bay beach parking lot equipment with best snorkeling beaches st john great Lameshur Baylies at bottom.

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