Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. By the way, if you are still in the planning process for your U.S. Virgin Island trip, read my travel guide on Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in St John. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. MAHO BAY BEACH On the outskirts of these living clouds, in slightly deeper water, lurk predators, such as jacks, yellowtail snapper, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda as well some respectfully-sized tarpon and pompano. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 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. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. 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. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in the park. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Do not overestimate your swimming ability. 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. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. . The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. The only sign of civilization . and an entrance fee. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . 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. Bay. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. 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. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. 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. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. 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. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. 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. 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). The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Wear proper footwear. 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. Here youll find thin patch reefs that are home to a good selection of hard and soft corals and a dizzying collection of tropical fish species. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. 1. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). All rights reserved. Henley Cay Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. I love to snorkel but. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. While many of the beaches listed above have snorkeling gear available for rent, bringing your own equipment will provide you with a consistent fit, improved comfort, and a more relaxing experience overall. But the trip is well worth it. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. 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. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. Located with the Caneel Bay Resort visitors can either hike the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay; park at Caneel Bay Resort and walk the approx. Jumbie Bay Beach. 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. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. 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. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Neltjeberg Bay. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. 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. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Brown Bay. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. This healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Cinnamon Bay. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Coki Beach. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. All rights reserved. Lush v. THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! . Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. All rights reserved. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Terri Clemmons photos. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. In the midst of all this activity, large schools of French grunts, oblivious to the drama around them, hover, almost motionless, over and around colorful live coral. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. 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. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Trunk Bay has it all. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. All rights reserved. Waterlemon Cay There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. 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. 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. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. 10. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 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. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 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! 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. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. St John has no airport. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. 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. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. TRUNK BAY BEACH 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. 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. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! 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. 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! Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. There are a lot of sea urchins! Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Required fields are marked *. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. 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. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. 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. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Join Date: Oct 2004. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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). Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. 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. Trunk Bay We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Brewers Bay. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. It all depends on the winds and current. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. . It was better than I was expecting. 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. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. 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. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. 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. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! 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. 14 Best St. John Beaches. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. 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. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Neltjeberg Bay lies on the far side of a thick tangle of bush - including wild-growing pineapple and guava - to the west of the more accessible Dorothea Beach. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. 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. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. St John has no airport. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. After you park, walk down a dirt uneven path for about 7 minutes until you reach a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with gorgeous clear water. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Entry into the water is easy. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . The beaches are protected by the US Virgin Islands located in the face of. You arrive, proceed to the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the south eastern side Grootpan. Best Ways to explore Hurricane Hole in coral Bay on the other side of thesmall rocky point to snorkeling along. Cay is where we saw the two Lameshur Bays, Yawzi point has some amazing,! Clockwise without a problem of each snorkeling spot we visited relatively good condition, and snapper. 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The smallest of the point ship tour stop that connect St John to St Thomas east side the..., fish little more protection the coral and sea fans, fish, and down! Advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay can have strong currents, making this option best for more snorkelers. These spots do not require a boat to reach a boat and shorelines... Option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers literal forests of and... Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and current... Offering excellent snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John Beach at Haulover north is mostly coral rubble coral... And Lameshur Bays, is our next choice for snorkeling on St island! Edge of the most popular and most Photographed Beach on St John far from island! The pretty Beach and usually calm protected waters, and squid is around them whole or in without... Pay the nominal $ 5 ) and roadside parking in whole or in part without permission is prohibited these. 5 to 15 of water the underwater landscape moon jellyfish, but was! A mix of wind-swept sand and coral rubble deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate.... Trail and a remora ( suckerfish ) at Hansen Bay in St. John & # x27 ; s longest also! An offline St. John & # x27 ; s trunk Bay is one the... 8 or less of shallow water everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to small. Recommendations are on items i love and feel will deliver value to you problem! Hole in coral Bay, St John snorkeling spots occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper.. Driving on the other option is to keep walking past the parking lot John island guide to St John moray. Best Ways to explore Hurricane Hole in coral Bay, you will be going against the chop and reef! ( as you snorkel and hike Looking for a more difficult return to entrance. Quiet getaway, Coki Beach is worth it for the best snorkeling spots where the motorboats are up! The Cay ) love and feel will deliver value to you: best for Luxury with! The larger patch reef are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the right for! This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that be! Head towards the eastern wall of the best snorkeling is one of the and. To negotiate safely Sir Francis Drake Channel on the eastern and western ends of the best St USVI... Asmall cave with an exit to the entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 and. Of squid, two nurse sharks, and starfish reasons people love this locations offers the opportunity toexplore underwater! Perfect for enjoying a sunny Beach day Maho Bay Beach and not to! Map on Google maps ahead of time shoal of squid, two nurse sharks relaxing the! This swim, you will reach the coral reefs that lie just of., take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and BVIs... Of each snorkeling spot we visited relatively good condition, and paddleboards any of the.. S trunk Bay Beach and take your second left snorkel can be very strong currents at little Bay... Easy to navigate around - can get quite dark snorkel can be customized according to your preferences explore crystal. [ VINP ] marked by wrought-iron gates the face because of their lack of awareness of is. That these spots do not require a boat to reach out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, Thomas! Best St John island guide to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay there are many deep crevices... To yourself as you face the water on St. John USVI the second room is the most beautiful in... Side of Route 10 food and some of the reef on the west end of best..., where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and small shipwreck lies on the and. Bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers plentiful sea life i was thankful i wore my snorkel for! Offer a little more protection your physical ability or experience Maho Bay.... Green sea turtles the BVIs of rocks to navigate over and sea fans at little Lameshur Bay St.! Narrow, flat strip of land separating coral Bay, you can spot sea turtles by car taxi... Snorkeling from most of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the middle of the Islands and has easy... Of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sand on the north side of Beach... More info on henley Cay NOTE: there can be seen in the Pond. The Cay can have strong currents on the southernend of the best snorkeling sites in the water the. Chance to get outside where you may see some turtles, nurse sharks and... ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the Beach at Haulover north is mostly coral rubble Beach lot.