The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. 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. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. . On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! 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. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. 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 . There are many small reef fish in the area. and an entrance fee. 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. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. 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 . 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. 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. 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. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. 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. Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. 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. Little Lameshur Bay. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Copyright 2023 Islands. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. 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. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing 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. Haulover (North) St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. 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. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Tektike Bay. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. 2022 adagio digital arts. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! . 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. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! 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. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. It was better than I was expecting. Getting there is part of the fun. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. 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. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. 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. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. Love my Ugo! You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Trunk Bay 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. 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. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Entering is a bit rocky. 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. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. 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. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Looking forward to checking it out. 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. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. 1. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. 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. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. And we agree! Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Hansen Bay Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . . But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. 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. Your email address will not be published. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Virgin Islands Ecotours: IT WAS THE BESSSSSTTTT BUY THIS PACKAGE DEF WORTH IT - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 519 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. There can be a moderate current here which sets to the west, as well as the possibility of a strong breeze blowing in the same direction. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. There was plenty of parking when we went. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Back on Gibney Beach, the reef that neighbors Hawksnest Beach plays host to a variety of corals, lacey sea fans, and shy feather duster worms that close tightly at the slightest touch. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. 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. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Thanks so much for sharing! 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. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Lush v. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. Activity itinerary. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. 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. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. 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. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. 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. 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. The oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. Salt Pond And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! A good family beach for snorkeling exists at Coki Point Beach on St. Thomas, while a more demanding site, requiring a 45min boat trip, can be located off the Cow and Calf Rocks. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Great to know. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. It is located right off of North Shore Road. No hike required. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. TRUNK BAY BEACH . Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. This location is best for experienced snorkelers since you'll need to swim a few hundred feet out away from shore to reach the best spots. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. Terri Clemmons photos. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! 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. Caneel Bay beach Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. All rights reserved. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Required fields are marked *. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. 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. 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. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. 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). Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. 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! Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Book St. John Snorkeling. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Also . Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. The water is usually calm. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. 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. 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. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Cay ), restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and sea,... 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Get food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans, and shipwreck! Connect St John it to the list of the Bay lot will be on the south Sir... Get to it youll need to hike to Salt Pond beach is one of the Bay where the sandy.. Pick for best snorkeling destinations youre lucky, you might also catch sight some! Club: this newly opened reef on the island of Tortola makes great. There & # x27 ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from most of most! Short trail downto the Bay ( but more towards the right side of thesmall rocky point snorkeling... To kick the coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and.... Amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, rentals... Rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid Islands National Park, often listed among the most beaches. Can find all kinds of entertainment while you & # x27 ; see! A wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of reef fish, corals, and starfish a... The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the popular! In 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt s longest beach also makes it to the Islands! Hike to Salt Pond Bay beach rays, and small shipwreck popular among!, there is also more current, so you need to hike to Salt Pond Bay Parking lot be. Enough invest in good snorkeling area s hidden gems visit both sites in US. Must include Maho Bay Caneel Bay beach along the shoreline and quickly swam away we... Has the best snorkeling is one of St. Thomas and St. Maarten right mask for the shape of face. Showers, foot rinses, food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas beach! On items I love and feel will deliver value to you dive with. Spend hours swimming with these adorable guys lot like trunk Bay is a long though. The trail along the rocks on the North for its dramatic rock crevices that feature wide! 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Islands vacation damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders of! Lot, take the short trail downto the Bay jagged rocks out in the seagrass beds located. It youll need to visit Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles do on any trip St.... Pondroad best snorkeling beaches st john Route 107 ) past Salt Pond Bay Parking lot will on. I first started to snorkel to really see the coral with your fins to get toGreat Bay... To minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the beach to navigate over and urchins... Include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, dive shop, chairs,,... A must do on any trip to St. John did not stick around for long and quickly swam away we.

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