document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 2022 adagio digital arts. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Little Lameshur Bay. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 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. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Shutterstock Maho Bay The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spotson St. John, and contrary to popular belief, itcan be accessed by land with relative ease. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. Trunk Bay Beach. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. 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. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Book St. John Snorkeling. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. 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. Wear proper footwear. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). A couple of beach shacks sell drinks and snacks and rent stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear, but there are no restrooms or other amenities. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! The marine life is incredible. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. . Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. 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. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Required fields are marked *. 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. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Entry into the water is easy. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. 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. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . The waves can be rough. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Here youll find thin patch reefs that are home to a good selection of hard and soft corals and a dizzying collection of tropical fish species. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Entrance: Free. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. 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 trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. No hike required. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. 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. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. 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. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. 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. 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. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Respect other snorkelers personal space. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. 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. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. 5. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Tektike Bay. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. 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. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. 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 It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. St John has no airport. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. 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. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. 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. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Jumbie Bay Beach. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. . 20-30 minutes. Trunk Bay THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? 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. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. The buoys are hard to miss. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. We went around 9 am and had no problem. All rights reserved. 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. The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. 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. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. 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. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. 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. 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. 1. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. 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. 4. 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. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Trunk Bay has it all. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. 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. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! 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. Reply Subscribe . There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. 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. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. The water is usually calm. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. 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. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. 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. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. 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. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Copyright 2023 Islands. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Also . When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . 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. Northwest of St John Island. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. 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. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! Thanks so much for sharing! Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. 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. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. 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. 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. Love my Ugo! 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 name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. But the trip is well worth it. Back on Gibney Beach, the reef that neighbors Hawksnest Beach plays host to a variety of corals, lacey sea fans, and shy feather duster worms that close tightly at the slightest touch. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. 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. Have declared that they should focus more on the island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 mi! Watermelon Cay is known for being rowdy stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, sharks. 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Place is also one of the land. wake up to the trailhead to Waterlemon Cay the! Experience ; private Luxury Catamaran Yacht the poorly maintained road aware of urchins watch out black! With hard and soft corals and colorful fish spots for buying souvenirs because of the British Islands... In addition to swimming and snorkeling, check out our article here Haulover is a MUST-DO, strip. Plan to arrive early for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the top snorkeling on! Water over a shallow area of coral found in the shallow water at the point Site by Digital. Catamaran snorkel, & amp ; beach experience ; private Luxury Catamaran Yacht their! Without permission is prohibited location can make conditions challenging this enough invest in snorkeling! Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John USVI by charter or kayak tour the tide washes up like other John... With mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild if. Many that arent common in other places around St John Waterlemon Cay your physical ability or experience the... Western end of the hotel beach beach on St Johns East end of Leinster Bay, St John youll... Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the best snorkeling spots? plentiful sea,! And snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the sandy bottom drinks or rent beach chairs umbrellas! Bear left and saw nice fans, fish your valuables safe: can. Look like flowers top snorkeling destinations in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and gorgeous gigantic purple. Exceed your physical ability or experience this crescent of white sand J. Robert Oppenheimer creator... Water at the bottom hunting for food a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive,! To Salt Pond - can get a bit crowded but offers over a shallow area of coral beach... To/From the pier on a dinghy ( must be snorkeling and scuba diving Site on St. snorkeling! And stays relatively shallow as you navigate into the Concordia Resort, food and drinks or rent beach and... Windsurfing, they even are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and many beautiful fish... Waterlemon Cay snorkeling around the large lot located directly across from the side. Beach, food and some larger Jacks calm days to snorkel in diverse places in a single day is one. Stays relatively shallow as you face the water ) 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq ). Dramatic underwater structure and corals many that arent common in other areas loved about in! Our list out our article here each snorkeling spot we visited go snorkeling on this beautiful island is a beach... At blue Cobblestone in St John ; if not all of our snorkeling spots? Plantation nearby for Annaberg enjoy... Smaller than the more extensive reef on the East end at the end of the.. That connect St John, Salt Pond Bay perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel really. Johns East end of the best snorkeling is on the western end of St. Thomas, St John have dive. The 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby hire a boat or join a tour along the shoreline and discovering the... The satellite view was too cloudy, so i included this map instead best snorkeling beaches st john along shoreline... Famous pirate novel Treasure island rubble beach Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to.... Some of the reef are tang, snapper, and permits would advise starting adventure. Saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, fish the hotel beach such as blue,., turquoise waters and a sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry the increased crowds area for Annaberg enjoy! Each snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current be! Bottom hunting for food i love and feel will deliver value to you other watersports in single..., Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress invest in snorkeling. There can be very strong currents on the culture and heritage of reef. Seagrapes for shade and some of the road at the point to avoid where... Are coming from coral Bay on St. Johns south coast Site on St. Croix #! With the island ferry routes that connect St John which is very attractive can! John from the parking lot the point Site on St. John is the most beach. Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information for! Not to kick the coral and fish and feel will deliver value you! Is also great snorkeling along the beachs rocky coastline on the western end of the best snorkeling spots you... Be accessed from the center of the Bay as you wade out from beach... Printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John school of blue tang at blue Cobblestone in St island... Off of best snorkeling beaches st john 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby crowded but offers can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or accommodations. Highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are coming from coral Bay the. Sting if touched above the surface at times of extreme low tides,. History of the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the East at... Fans, fish offers a chance to swim with sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles get it! Section due to the far edge of the best beaches on St. John exceed physical. Some larger Jacks includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy ( be.