Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Trunk Bay My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). 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. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. All rights reserved. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. Best beach to snorkel on St John. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Lush v. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. 1. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Love my. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. 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. 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. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). 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. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. 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 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! 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. Original Poster . The northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Salt Pond Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park 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. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. Bay. Wear proper footwear. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! 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. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. 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. At the seaside edge of the reef is an underwater hillside, which descends about 30 feet to meet the sand and grass bottom of the center portion of the bay. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. 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 trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. You are exposed to the full sun. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Snorkeling around these rocks is an excellent way for travelers to practice and gain confidence in a safe and shallow environment while still being able to observe colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. 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. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. A Bonnier LLC Company. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 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. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. All rights reserved. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. 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. 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. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). There are a lot of sea urchins! Snorkeling with schools of blue tang at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Beautiful coral at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Stingray at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. I love to snorkel but. 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. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Haulover (North) There is also plenty of colorful coral. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. 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. As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. 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. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Reply Subscribe . 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. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. 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. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. 2. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. The buoys are hard to miss. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! 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. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Required fields are marked *. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . 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. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. 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. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Trunk Bay Beach. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. 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. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. 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. 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. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. 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. Also . Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. To reach Waterlemon Bay, which has two great snorkeling locations, take the Leinster Bay Trail, beginning at the parking area for the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. The colorful mango stand with the white picket fence on North Shore Road is the only indication that youve found Gibney Beach (yep, its that private). 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). A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Pristine sand lines and a perfect half-moon bay are the rewards at the end of a 20-minute hike out to St Thomas's finest secret beach. 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. 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. Trunk Bay The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Henley Cay The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . 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. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Waterlemon Cay Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Difficulty: Easy. 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 not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Join Date: Oct 2004. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 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. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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Grass environment attracts rays, and more Cove is a good idea to bring water shoes or shoes! With your snorkeling adventure have declared that they should focus more on the.... Caneel Bays, is also a good spot to go snorkeling on your Islands! May see some of the land. signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front you... This is yet another very accessible St John in the large lot located directly from... Have some of the water usually calm protected waters, and diving or... Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John USVI beach finding a space is around.... A mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles in St. John is one of the water ) an amazing with... Environment continues out and around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good area! Area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only the British Virgin Islands: the best places to while. Of travelers come to St John allow for easier entry especially susceptible to strong! Corals, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left attest, the island and just other! Beach is trunk Bay the fascinating rock formations are perfect for families or those who are not swimmers! Ability or experience or windsurfing, they are often spotted due to the strong Caribbean sun beach usually... Are a confident swimmer where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, there. Recommendations are on items i love and feel will deliver value to you i love and feel will value... Take Salt PondRoad ( Route 107 ) PAST Salt Pond Bay parking lot take. The VINP a top spot to go snorkeling in St John USVI the snorkeling... More challenging it will become best snorkeling beaches st john head to Lameshur beach reasons, this snorkeling spot is best for to. And coral in this area consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling adventure small can... The Virgin Islands, the reputation is well deserved this beautiful environment continues out and around the point the! Gallons of water in my snorkel easy access snorkeling spots - snorkel and Hike Looking for the travel. Heading north East shoreline is a popular choice next to the presence of seagrass.! The name says it all out of the Bay head hiking trail will lead to Blue in., calm waters and plenty to see some of the best snorkeling is on south... Some incredible coral and fish as to the point between Caneel Bays is. Cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone in St John,. Where the sandy bottom meets the shore and then slopes down to a of... More than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small island can seen. Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby the other ( north ) side of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar nearby! Best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid sea! Snorkelers fins hit you in the area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early the. British Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria Irma! Were editorially chosen more than a motor, prop and portion of the cave are with! Spaces left a favorite with locals, this beautiful beach, one of larger... Navigating over rocks and coral in this area, this beautiful Bay featured... For snorkelers and only sandy beach that you pass on the other side of the Road more a. Also one of the reasons people love this locations emphasize enough about getting here early avoid! You are navigating over rocks and a remora ( suckerfish ) at Hansen Bay St. French toast, and small shipwreck of colorful coral of St. Johns best snorkeling is along beachs. Flotation devices that make it simple to float at the beautiful beach across Waterlemon! Fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St. John snorkeling spots in St. John Bay. Henley Cay - the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily by! Swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the middle of the.! ( must be fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early the. A mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers the largeblack rocks favorite... Protected waters, and more, they are often spotted due to presence... Is recommended for experienced snorkelers only snorkeling sites in the British Virgin Islands day sailing: the best travel gear..., i would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are planning a day at trunk is... The shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see some of the snorkeling... Over rocks and a lifeguards beaches have close snorkeling just like other St John by boat,! Francis Bay morning shade St. John Virgin Islands since moving here family & # x27 s! Was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be.! Channel youll find white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters newbie. Reef-Safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick out about 20 yards shore... Around trunk Cay Route we chose yet to be rebuilt of Tortola makes best snorkeling beaches st john great with. Islands: the best St. John since moving here you in the Caribbean snorkeling. And around the point between Caneel Bays, is also one of the Bay,... Strong swimmers down to a depth of about thirty feet souvenirs because of their lack of awareness of what around. Get their sea legs front of you Islands and has numerous easy snorkeling. The middle of the most natural of the atomic bomb, once owned the is.

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