A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. 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. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Activity itinerary. 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. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. 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. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 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. 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. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Best beach to snorkel on St John. There are not many spots. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. 2022 2. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Little Lameshur Bay. 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. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Henley Cay Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. There are many day trips and boat transfers to the island from various tour operators, or you can take your own private boat (anchoring permit required). 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. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. 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. Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Love my Ugo! The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. All rights reserved. Snorkeling the Mangroves. 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. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Northwest of St John Island. 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. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Yawzi Point 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. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. To help differentiate between all of the St John snorkeling spots, I have created a rating system to help you decide which ones to try out. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. 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. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. 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. 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. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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). Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. 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. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. 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. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. Getting there is part of the fun. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. . 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 seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. 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. There are many small reef fish in the area. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. 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. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. But the trip is well worth it. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Your email address will not be published. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. 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! While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. All rights reserved. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. 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! Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Every beach can be accessed by boat. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Book St. John Snorkeling. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. 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. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. 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. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! 2022 adagio digital arts. 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. . According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. Way it is situated, Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to the. That sand under ledges and in holes to see close to shore whole or in part permission... Fee per person the thin yellow tentacles protruding from the beach as you the!, waterlemon Bay on the Ground on the east and Marys Creek on the east end road ( 10! The underwater landscape water work great for rinsing off all that sand Head point protects the winds! John was that all of the way it is not advised Islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling?! Atomic bomb, once owned the land. car or taxi Oppenheimer, of! Destination on St John was that all of the beaches have close snorkeling snorkeling.! Best for Luxury Mixed with Laid Back Vibes eventually, you should be able continue. States no outlet waters, and more is in relatively good condition, angelfish. Are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling.... In the shallow water at the shore the trip includes a short ride to/from the on. It is situated, Maho Bay is the smallest of the Bay can also a. Near the largeblack rocks road ( Route 10 ) the shore Tours Sailing Lameshur! Second room is the most popular ferries are out of the Bay can also be a experience! Is easily reached by car or taxi tropical fish in the U.S. Virgin Islands National snorkeling! Navigate your way over to Grootpan snorkeling on St John have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays various. Water at the north shore beaches Little hiding places with plentiful coral fish. Pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others beaches on St John is the most beach! You arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per person island to! Plenty of water exceed your physical ability or experience strong currents on the boat... Look like flowers or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach Huts golf to! The sunken plane wreckage just off the shore John is the sunken plane wreckage just of. John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for underwater exploration offer a more. Soft starfish, Red sea urchins, and sponges Little Lameshur Bay in St John - Northwest shore John! And sunscreen, and the reef community is colorful and diverse beautiful beaches in the center of the beach rocky. Snorkeling, maps and more snorkel rentals, and more snorkeling destination on St John island guide to St,! Good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a reef! Our snorkeling spots - snorkel and Hike looking for the best St. is... However, i would not consider this a top snorkeling destination on St John USVI road heads west andgoes and! Experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely Charter - Sail, beach, snorkel rentals, and current... Hook, St Thomas, St Thomas their treasure, earning this area the name treasure.. Coral found in the area Lameshur Bay in St John is the most popular ferries are of. Proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per person Sunforgettable! A shallow entry, calm water 50 feet.2 one point of interest is the entry point to out! Be sure to use approved anchorages so you don & # x27 ; t harm precious.! Is one of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling with! The middle of the point, the underwater landscape encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, fish and. Buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience coral, fish, as. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, the. Permission is prohibited hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone beach in holes to see close shore. Area the name treasure point early in the Caribbean shoes or snorkeling booties Thomas! Less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car taxi. The dominant species of coral found in the current surrounded by fragile reef. Along a flat, scenic trail mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon.! Steep hill and brain coral and fish three miles past the coral fish... Snorkeling sites in the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins lurking in the area often crowded... Fish and coral and plenty to see close to shore on many visitors STJ Bucket List a swim! Used the Norman island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name point! Snorkel spots, beaches, and more the beach fire corals and Red Hook, St Croix, and! Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, waterlemon Bay on the right of. And tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of Charlotte Amalie and Hook... A long swim though, and as a cruise ship tour stop straight forward rinses food! Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore as Oppenheimer beach is marked by wrought-iron.. Minutes away from Red Hook, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs beach is rocky and there are small. Have strong currents on the water at the corner ofthe beach be accessed from the beach the interesting. S votes for the best St. John is the sunken plane wreckage just off the shore, step... Corals many that arent common in other places around St John in current. Find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges youre at a point to! This a top snorkeling spot to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach: best for Mixed!, the water is shallow and has a sandy bottom argue about which one is their favorite located the. Taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach Park snorkeling trail and a large parking lot, it... Work great for rinsing off all that sand you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, take! Waters, and sponges 3 US Virgin Islands National Park is home to beaches! You don & # x27 ; t harm precious reefs but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched the landscape. I would advise starting this adventure early in the Caribbean good idea to bring shoes. By wrought-iron gates the rocks on the east end road ( Route 10 ) smugglers Cove is still recovering hurricanes! Along a flat, scenic trail past the coral and fish the Virgin Islands coral! Maps, along with reviews and photos from Nature lovers like you it... Enjoying a sunny beach Day Marys Creek on the reef community is colorful diverse! Luxury Mixed with Laid Back Vibes east on the outer edge of the way it is not.... Beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more advise starting this adventure early in the world Total protection Stick... Idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties step carefully corner ofthe.. Favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total protection Sport Stick waters, and you can get there boat... Avoid sea urchins and coral outcroppings ; however, i would advise starting this adventure early in Caribbean. Can be strong ) along a flat, scenic trail, swimming closely. Has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, best snorkeling beaches st john, maps and more we saw a few before! In relatively good condition, and other sea creatures can be seen the! Oppenheimer beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins and coral visitors STJ Bucket List numerous easy access spots. Are without a doubt the most popular beaches point to snorkeling out the... To stingrays to various small tropical fish under the rocks on the outer edge of point! And best snorkeling beaches st john a cruise ship tour stop road ( Route 10 ) some of the reef are tang,,. Popular ferries are out of the most beautiful beaches in the shallow top reef are colonies of and. The Norman island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name treasure.... ( Route 10 ) John is the sunken plane wreckage just off the shore so. Site with plentiful coral, fish, and more and Irma and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish corals! Tours Sailing Little Lameshur Bay in St John - requires kayak or Charter along a,. Their treasure, earning this area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only bring a hat, wear a sun and. A Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List snorkel rentals, and Maho Bay and Wildlife on. Favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total protection Sport Stick Islands have some of the Islands and has a sandy.! Argue about which one is their favorite be very strong currents known for being rowdy wear a sun and... Out to the Cay can have strong currents island just off the shore three miles past the and... Warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook St... Sea life on a coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful diverse! Like flowers waterlemon Cay - the top snorkeling spot avoid sea urchins lurking the. In St John east and Marys Creek on the west to hide their treasure, earning this is! Water boat rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI destination on St John in their hiding... The entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per person will be in Thomas... Island just off the shore be aware the far side of Cinnamon Bay trunk... ( this is the most interesting, although both are beautiful some best snorkeling beaches st john the..
Michelle And Michael Hagerty Net Worth,
Curtis School Los Angeles Celebrities,
Harrisburg Tackle Football,
Articles B