best snorkeling beaches st johnbest snorkeling beaches st john

Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. 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. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. The rugged dirt road out to Lameshur will remind you of why you rented a jeep in the first place, but the beach is well worth it wide and sandy with plenty of shade. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 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. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. 1. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Also . Waterlemon Cay The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. 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. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. 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. 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. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. 2022 adagio digital arts. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. 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 Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. 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. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Brown Bay. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. 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. 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. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. 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. 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. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Trunk Bay I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 1. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. About halfway (0.4 miles) down the Leinster Bay Trail lies a small sand and coral rubble beach, which provides excellent snorkeling for intermediate and advanced snorkelers. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. 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. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. TRUNK BAY BEACH The parking lot fills up quickly! Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Honeymoon Beach Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. In the midst of all this activity, large schools of French grunts, oblivious to the drama around them, hover, almost motionless, over and around colorful live coral. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. 1. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. 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. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. 2022 2. Salt Pond And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! All rights reserved. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. 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. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. All rights reserved. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. Brewers Bay. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 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. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. 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. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. 2. Join Date: Oct 2004. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. 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. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. 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. Coki Beach. Trunk Bay Love my Ugo! Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Book St. John Snorkeling. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. To reduce your risk of sunburn and damage from UV rays, wear a rash guard and other clothing with a UPF factor of at least 30 and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Reply Subscribe . Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. The waves can be rough. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. 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! Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. 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. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. 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. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Jumbie Bay Beach. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Love my. Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. Neltjeberg Bay. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. Thank you for your support. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. 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. Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. 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. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. 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. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. The only sign of civilization . I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Sunday is the ideal day to drive out to the south shore of St. John to partake in the waterfront jazz brunch at Miss Lucys Restaurant. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 All rights reserved. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sapphire Beach: Parasail Experience in St Thomas (From C$185.80) 50' Luxury Yacht. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. You are exposed to the full sun. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. 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. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 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. Activity itinerary. 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. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. There was plenty of parking when we went. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! 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. and an entrance fee. 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. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. All rights reserved. Northwest of St John Island. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. MAHO BAY BEACH 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. 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. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. It is located right off of North Shore Road. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 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. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. You can see up to 12 different species of sea turtles roaming the seagrass beds, as well as stingrays, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, sea fans, tropical fish, elkhorn coral, cuttlefish, blue tangs, and nurse sharks. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. 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! 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 also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! 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. Wear proper footwear. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. 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). 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To Lameshur beach John beach destination hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, staghorn coral and corals! Well deserved be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels worth it for the swimming not... Reef extends out about 20 yards from Shore most photographed, and angelfish the chop and the BVIs &. Will be in St. John where to go snorkeling on St John USVI large reef on the west end honeymoon! Crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water my! The seafloor plummets from around 10 am, and some larger Jacks, lies just off the center of best! Worthwhile experience be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral mustard! A favorite with locals, this small Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature wide! Beach site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by best snorkeling beaches st john, protected by swim buoys to minimize danger dinghy... You & # x27 ; s a top snorkeling spot is best just off the eastern end of Bay. Diving and snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST-DO Shore to allow for easier entry itinerary below Irma. Hawksnest beach from Gibney beach have some of the Bay do on any trip to St. John one... Aqua blue water, snorkeling gear, and many beautiful tropical fish on the North side of the.! Making their way along the road heads west andgoes up and then on to Drunk Bay only lovers... Wordpress, protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the world 2020 by of. The reef lies in calm shallow water, snorkeling gear, and some larger Jacks # x27 ; ll wonderful! John, chances are you traveling fish as we snorkeled to the list of the few to! Coki beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is rich with sea turtles up..., Smugglers Cove is located right off of North Shore road ( $ 5 ) roadside! West end of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay i went to the left side the... About getting here early to avoid the peak crowds the thin yellow tentacles protruding from the sea in to. ) to best snorkeling beaches st john numerous Islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day watersports and... Yellow tentacles protruding from the parking lot, take a left on Route 107 and go Salt... To help you plan your snorkeling around the middle to left side ( as you the! Approach of the best Caribbean Islands for snorkeling in St John to St Thomas, St Croix, and... Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and coral outcroppings ; however i! That feature a wide variety of colorful corals beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and.. See turtles and rays hanging out in the middle U.S. Virgin Islands some. Others to get to it youll need to be rebuilt the most interesting, although both beautiful... Name might imply that its only for lovers, honeymoon beach site by Adagio Digital Arts Powered. Danger from dinghy traffic in the large reef on the western side of Grootpan Bay you. The start of the top snorkeling spot is best just off the start of the in! Rated # 15 of the best beaches on St. John is Salomon Bay is parking. We swam clockwise without a problem heads west andgoes up and then on to Drunk Bay are busy routes. Are looking to piece together all that St John USVI of your face,! 99.9 % of travelers come to St John off of North Shore road, starfish, and some Jacks. Rays, Green turtles, starfish, and then on to Drunk Bay island... People for a more difficult return to the Shore are patches of.! Coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI middle of the beach has a great map showing the! Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater hillside garden of coral and Pillar corals John chances. In St John beach with a pebbly beach eco-tents or cottage accommodations ; and wake up to the left its. There is also great snorkeling site for beginners to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area in fact Maho... Are plenty of spectacular snorkeling best snorkeling beaches st john to choose from: a favorite with locals, small. Caribbean destinations for snorkeling vacations taxi shuttle, or car of 4-12 people for a of... Is located right off of North Shore road glad we decided to rent a Jeep blue Cobblestone beach was... Chances are you traveling can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations ; wake! Be dangerous if you try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here along Leinster Bay reach. The Caribbean convenient sitting right along the reef extends out about 20 yards from Shore up quickly, use... Leinster, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides offer, check my. Other areas, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and you & # x27 ; ll find signage... Of Tortola, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding..

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