A good plan is to snorkel west (to the left) over the shallow portion of the reef first and then return along the deeper reef edge. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Love my Ugo! Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. There is also supposed to be excellent snorkeling on the eastern (right) side of the beach as you face the water, but we did not have time to snorkel there. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Reply Subscribe . Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. On most days, waves break along the shoreline and over the shallow reef, so try to choose a day when the sea is calm, and the water is not churned up. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Entry is not easy. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. 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. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! No hike required. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. 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. 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. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. We saw so many turtles I lost count. You are exposed to the full sun. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. 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. 1. 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. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Entry into the water is easy. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. 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. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Trunk Bay Beach. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 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. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. Respect other snorkelers personal space. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. I love to snorkel but. 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. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Henley Cay Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. 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. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. 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. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. 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. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Hansen Bay Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Bay. Honeymoon Beach Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. 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. 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! A Bonnier LLC Company. 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. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. There are a lot of sea urchins! Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. All Rights Reserved. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. I always wear a snorkel vest. All rights reserved. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Trunk Bay has it all. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Trunk Bay Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. There are not many spots. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. . All rights reserved. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . Yawzi Point Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Neltjeberg Bay. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Little Lameshur Bay. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. 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. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. It was better than I was expecting. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. 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