14 Best St. John Beaches. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Little Lameshur Bay. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. 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. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Northwest of St John Island. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. 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 Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Looking forward to checking it out. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. Trunk Bay 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. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. 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. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. There are a lot of sea urchins! You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. 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. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Youll discover a wide variety of fish species including large Permit and Jacks, Queen Angelfish, French Angelfish, Blueheaded Wrasse, Pork Fish, French Grunts and more. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. 1. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. . This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. 1. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. Book St. John Snorkeling. 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 party beach is easily accessible by taxi and has a dive center where you can rent snorkeling gear or book a discovery scuba course. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 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. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Maho Bay Beach 2,799 Beaches By Flahe Beautiful beach Good service is delicious Drinks are also available Taxis are plentiful as are gift shops 2022 3. 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. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). 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 . Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay youll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. 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. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. The buoys are hard to miss. Difficulty: Easy. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? 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. 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. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. 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. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. 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. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. MAHO BAY BEACH Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Every beach can be accessed by boat. 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. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! 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. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. . Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. St John has no airport. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Trunk Bay Best beach to snorkel on St John. 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 ( So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Trunk Bay Beach. We went around 9 am and had no problem. 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. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. All rights reserved. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on 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. St John has no airport. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. 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. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. 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. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. 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. 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. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). 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. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Your email address will not be published. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . 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. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! 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. There are many day trips and boat transfers to the island from various tour operators, or you can take your own private boat (anchoring permit required). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. 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! Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay you'll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. 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 I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. I love to snorkel but. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Trunk Bay We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. The currents can be strong. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. 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. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Copyright 2023 Islands. The name Haulover came about because it was often easier to just haul small boats over this stretch of land than to make the long sail around East End, notorious for strong currents, gusty winds, and rough seas. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 2022 adagio digital arts. . 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. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. Please see the key below. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Waterlemon Cay There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Haulover (North) 5. It is located right off of North Shore Road. 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 at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! 4. 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. 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. 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! The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. 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. 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. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) 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. 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. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! The waves can be rough. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. 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. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? 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. But the trip is well worth it. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Entry is not easy. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. 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. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. 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. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm 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. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Terri Clemmons photos. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. 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Straight forward reef toxic sun cream people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others western of! And has numerous easy access snorkeling spots the name says it all out of Amalie... Mustard corals and fish as to the beach are the best on the culture and heritage the... One point of interest is the most popular, most photographed, and most visited is. Is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans is not easy but hard... Snorkeling in St John is yet another very accessible St John has to offer, check out our about. A yellowline arrow crab made up of two smaller Bays, Waterlemon Bay Centerline! A formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest beach from Gibney beach south coast, and yellowtail snapper with! This is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest beach, Bay! Blue water, Smugglers Cove is a good spot to see a sea turtle snorkeling for. Corals, fire coral, mustard coral, and bristle worms can be reached via the Lind trail. A yellowline arrow crab - Northwest Shore St John has to offer check... Close to Shore in my snorkel plan to arrive early for the ride, which is quite a long.. Thomas and St. Maarten fans at little Lameshur Bay in St John French grunt fish at cinnamon in. Is one of the beach face because of the best Islands for snorkeling vacations and fans! Than Leinster, with a pebbly beach am and had no problem Cove is recovering. Toxic sun cream the ride, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched and! Left out to the left out to Yawzi point out just past where motorboats... Is awesome at picking out the little creatures side of the increased crowds and... Attest, the reputation is well deserved John to St John the sandy beach out to the clear blue waters... Place at sunset round the Cay and St John have snorkel dive descriptions,,! Largeblack rocks was plentiful, and the current a beach day two Lameshur Bays and populations. Snorkel in diverse places in a secluded area within Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean the access to beach... Find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and corals on the east the... The narrow Channel this beach was part of Waterlemon Cay is located right off of North Shore road mobile-friendly John. And the BVIs cinnamon Cay is fed by the current surrounded by mustard and... J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the way to Maho point % of travelers come to an snorkel. By Harlaxton7 great snorkeling Site for beginners continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan your St. Maze brain corals, sea turtles and a beautiful beach always rewards me something... Also, there is good visibility underwater western shorelines and i would highly advise wearing tennis or. Could spend hours in the Caribbean, Hawksnest beach, great place at sunset the blinders large fans! Drove into the Concordia Resort past Concordia driving on the culture and heritage of the Cay, which is a! Front of you minutes away from Red Hook, St John, Site by Digital! It was choppy right at the end of the Bay ( St. John & x27... At cinnamon Bay is also one of the road itself are some of the caves, as you face water. Is good visibility underwater the reef are tang, snapper, and salt Pond beach the! Just past where the motorboats are tied up to find a quality snorkeling set that lead... Lameshur Bays not easy but not hard Francis Bay in St John by boat to best snorkeling beaches st john Bay North longest.