All Rights Reserved. I always wear a snorkel vest. Neltjeberg Bay. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. But the trip is well worth it. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Activity itinerary. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. All rights reserved. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. 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. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. 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. If youre new to snorkeling, visiting an area prone to stronger currents, or snorkeling at a more remote site, wearing a snorkel vest will make your outing safer and more comfortable. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. 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. Brewers Bay. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. The Best Snorkeling Beaches In Antigua Galleon Beach - English Harbour On the Southernmost tip of the island Galleon beach is a location offering not just snorkeling, but walks and breathtaking views. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. 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! Book St. John Snorkeling. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Theres plenty of parking. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( The waves can be rough. Your email address will not be published. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. 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. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. 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. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. 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. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. 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 and an entrance fee. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. 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. A closer look will reveal all sorts of beautiful and mysterious sea creatures that live in Francis Bay Beach, like small eels, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, brightly colored sponges, and gracefully swaying gorgonians such as the colorful sea fan. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. 2023 OutsiderView. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. All rights reserved. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on St. John, and contrary to popular belief, it can be accessed by land with relative ease. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. Jumbie Bay Beach. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Thank you for your support. Henley Cay Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Original Poster . Honeymoon Beach, St. John, USVI Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Shutterstock Maho Bay Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? The access to the water is not easy but not hard. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. 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. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Cinnamon Bay. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. 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. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. The only sign of civilization . Terri Clemmons photos. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. Trunk Bay The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. There was plenty of parking when we went. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? 2022 2. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Coki Beach. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. In addition, if you are up for a short hike to Little Cinnamon Beach, you can snorkel to a small plane wreckage but I heard it is not too impressive. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. 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. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. 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. 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. Trunk Bay Beach. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. . Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. 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. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. There are not many spots. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. A quarter-mile hike androck scramble along the western shore of Cabritte Horn Pointwill take you to a remote and isolated coral rubble and sandbeach called Donkey Bight. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? 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! So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! There are many small reef fish in the area. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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. Reply Subscribe . 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. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. 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. 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. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. 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. Trunk Bay has it all. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Waterlemon Cay 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Wear proper footwear. I love to snorkel but. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. All rights reserved. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Caneel Bay beach The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. The island of St John is best known as home to Virgin Islands National Park, beautiful beaches, long hiking trails, scrumptious food, and historical places.The coast around the island has been designated as Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, so snorkeling is one of the best activities and you can find great opportunities at any beach.. You can also go kayaking, boating, or explore . Henley Cay Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Tektike Bay. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! 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. 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