Book St. John Snorkeling. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? 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. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. . Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. And we agree! Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. 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. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. 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! Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. 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. Entry into the water is easy. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! 6) Trunk Bay - This is the most snorkeled beach on St. John for good reason - its shallow, underwater snorkel trail means it's an excellent option for all ages and experience levels. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. 5. 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. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Henley Cay Entering is a bit rocky. Honeymoon Beach Salt Pond Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore area of the Virgin Islands National Park can be found on the reef between Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. It was better than I was expecting. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 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. 2. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Brewers Bay is a lovely beach with a sandy shore line, super clear water, few people, a view of the airport, and snorkeling with a high chance of seeing turtles. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. 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. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Cinnamon Bay. 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! The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. The currents can be strong. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. . This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 1. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Face the Crowds at St John's Most Famous Beach Trunk Bay Beach Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in St John USVI, and you will quickly see why. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. 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. Great to know. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. The parking lot fills up quickly! The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. 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. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Your email address will not be published. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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! Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. You are exposed to the full sun. 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. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. 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. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. 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. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. 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. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . 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