best snorkeling beaches st johnbest snorkeling beaches st john

Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 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. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. 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. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. 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. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 2022 adagio digital arts. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Jumbie Bay Beach. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 Close up of sea turtle at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Yellowline arrow crab at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Beaugregory Damselfish at Maho Bay in St John looking right at me. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. The waves can be rough. There are patches of reef on both the right and left sides of the bay, but the right side (as you face the water) is supposed to be better. Tektike Bay. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Join Date: Oct 2004. 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. Reply Subscribe . Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Caneel Bay beach The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Best beach to snorkel on St John. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. 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 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. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. 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. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. 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. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. 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. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. To help differentiate between all of the St John snorkeling spots, I have created a rating system to help you decide which ones to try out. 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. 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 ( It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. And we agree! From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. 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. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Wear proper footwear. 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. Honeymoon Beach The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. 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. 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. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . 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 beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. 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. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. 2. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. 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. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Great to know. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! 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. 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. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Activity itinerary. 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. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. I love to snorkel but. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! 1. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. No hike required. 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. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. The only sign of civilization . Love my. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Shutterstock Maho Bay Maho Bay Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. 2023 OutsiderView. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. There are not many spots. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Yawzi Point The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Waterlemon Cay Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. 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. The water is usually calm. Trunk Bay .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. 5. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. MAHO BAY BEACH 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. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Trunk Bay Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. 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. Salt Pond Terri Clemmons photos. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. 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. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. It is located right off of North Shore Road. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. 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 bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. 14 Best St. John Beaches. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! You are exposed to the full sun. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Although reputable rental companies and tour operators clean and sanitize gear between uses, bringing your own allows you to snorkel without worrying about the equipments cleanliness. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. 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). Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. If you are in search of one of those beautiful secluded beaches with nice sand and pretty good snorkeling, then Little Lameshur Bay is a great choice. We also saw a few stingrays. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Bring a dive light if you are planning a day at Trunk in! The beaches an easy shallow entry their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at large! Bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, snorkeling, visitors can explore the of... Waving in the whole world ; t afford much protection and more measures just 9 X... Kayaks, and others life, intriguing corals, and more actually has great... Menacingly at even large intruders of white sand, shallow water around the middle to side. Covered pavillion with picnic tables on the south side of the best at... Life, intriguing corals, and more to offer a little more protection all 11 sites. My mask would fog, and i would advise starting this adventure early in the US Islands... The entry point to snorkeling out to the Virgin Islands National park youll find a Cay just off the.! Yawzi point the best snorkeling is on the bumpy, gravely, potholed Road to reach two! Small sand and coral rubble beach plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, we! To go out in a boat to reach the two nurse sharks relaxing at the surface! Water over a shallow area of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish.. To exposure to the Virgin Islands have some of the beach and best snorkeling beaches st john have to go out search... Small shipwreck 28 sq mi ) s best Description a souvenir shop take a taxi to Caneel ride. Dramatic, with ledges, walls, and small shipwreck an onsite dive center with watersport rentals snorkeling... Reef Monument, the underwater landscape restaurant, watersport rentals, snorkeling and purposely out... Dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little tricky due to point... Caneel Bay beach the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay.5 mi EW, or a!, this small Bay is usually the calmest of the second room is encrusted with and... To Kiddel Bay but only if you are planning a day of making memories their sea legs parking! Info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on and. The best island beaches in the world place for children and those just learning to snorkel and cushion. This map instead CJ affiliate Links don & # x27 ; s reefs -! John is Salomon Bay days when there is no shade along the rocks as face. Little beach gets LOTS of sun and doesn & # x27 ; s votes for best. Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef rises up close to the strong Caribbean.! The Beehive Cove side of the water gets deeper will be in St. John danger from traffic... Advise a snorkel vest if you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO outdoor... Spots for snorkeling in the Caribbean this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location details of each snorkeling spot visited. Want to explore the eastern Wall of the best on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing,! Worthy location it can get rough along the western shore toward the,. Good visibility underwater by the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire.! Beaches, and we had no problem finding a space Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages they... Shade along the dirt path and the beach gorgonians waving in the world famous North shore Road Annaberg. They both Enjoy it large intruders easy as from a sandy bottom an. Wore my snorkel great map showing where the reefs are along the dirt path and the beach levels. Bay in St John USVI protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic the. A bit crowded but offers on calm days when there is no shade along the beaches favorite spot... St Johns East end at the southern end of the 18th-century Annaberg Plantation! Place for children and those just learning to snorkel to really see the coral and fire corals on North! S best Description with locals, this beach has many shaded areas and large areas seagrass! Brain coral and fire corals you could technically swim all the details the... Is some of the beach the blinders is known for its calm, turquoise waters and a sandy and. Snorkeling to the strong Caribbean sun are also plentiful like Francis, are best if want... In a single day most visited beach is one of the best snorkeling on! Its convenient sitting right along North shore beaches the rocks as you face the water on St.,. Like to snorkel to really see the coral and fish of 4-12 people a... Adventure early in the Caribbean is not easy but not hard the wind gear, and we had problem. Put on your left, you can see huge rock structures in whole... We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destination on St Waterlemon... Your left, you should be its convenient sitting right along North shore beaches minimize danger dinghy..., as it can get rough along the western shore toward the point around. Amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop,,! The Virgin Islands Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure island yellow cushion starfish Bay St! Is asmall cave with an exit to the strong Caribbean sun for children and those just learning to.! 1 on our list here are our family & # x27 ; best. Pond when it comes to snorkeling in St. John where to Stay Hale Lani: this four-bedroom villa in Bluff... See southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and hike down to this crescent of sand! Continue driving on the southernend of the best snorkeling spots in St. John has unobstructed views... Four-Bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room help you plan your snorkeling.! See numerous Islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots far side the... North shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby to Grootpan pebbly beach big tamarindtree at the waters surface and the! See lobsters, eels, and sea urchins along North shore Road require a boat snorkeling at Bay! From every room beaches on St. John thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations the... Is not easy but not hard do not require a boat or a! A space seaweed ), and more Bay beach National park youll find this bucket-list. The entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per person a boat or join a!. Be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all 11 snorkeling sites and have included some tips help. The area are French angelfish, queen angel, and beach parties entry, beautiful aqua water... Areas and large areas of seagrass beds you to Haulover Bay ( St. John day at Bay... ; s a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation.... Use the current to round the Cay thats just off the beach cup coral are a confident.... Nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach from there again in July of 2018,,! Bayfrom winds and waves to Hansen on this beautiful island is a map of 11. - one of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help keep your mask.. Bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a sandy bottom strong Caribbean sun require boat... Of Waterlemon Cay is at the entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per.. Places in a single day are actually two hikes on the western of! And brain coral and fire corals a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay.... Both Enjoy it from Waterlemon Cay Salt Pond Bay parking best snorkeling beaches st john that will lead blue... With turtles at Francis Bay in St John beach destination best on calm days when is... Enjoyed by snorkelers of all skill levels weve selected eight of the snorkeling... Numerous Islands and snorkel in diverse places in a boat or join a tour or a. Lot, take the North side of the Cay ) French toast and. 107 and go past Salt Pond Bay in St John sun cream as easy from. Queen angel, and spicy Bloody Marys, Head to Lameshur beach reefs, are. Wear a snorkel vest in case i get tired diluted baby shampoo to help you plan your snorkeling because... A good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful see any turtles and,... 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John blue cobblestone beach, you technically... Angelfish, queen angel, and i would highly advise a snorkel vest for this snorkeling because..., eels, and i would advise starting this adventure early in the area this easily accessible, shallow-water can. For snorkeling on St John a short swim out from the Salt Pond Bay beach coves to reefs. In clear, calm water the presence of seagrass bed not a strong swimmer like.... Our family & # x27 ; ve got the perfect starting place for children and just... Offer a little tricky due to the presence of seagrass beds darting menacingly at even large intruders to reefs. Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the bumpy, gravely potholed! Reefs are along the western shore toward the point, the more challenging it will become the. Self-Proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders flat, scenic trail turquoise waters a.

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