In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Henley Cay #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. 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. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Entry into the water is easy. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Love my. 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. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. 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! There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. Snorkeling with schools of blue tang at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Beautiful coral at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI, Stingray at Haulover Bay North in St John USVI. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. 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. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. 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. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Salt Pond Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. 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. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 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. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. In the underwater grasslands just seaward of the reef, snorkelers are likely to come upon large green sea turtles, often accompanied by stuck-on remora or bar jacks that follow along just inches above the turtles back. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Neltjeberg Bay. 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). 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. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. 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. Sunday is the ideal day to drive out to the south shore of St. John to partake in the waterfront jazz brunch at Miss Lucys Restaurant. 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! And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. Wear proper footwear. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! 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. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 2022 2. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Activity itinerary. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. It is located on the eastern end of the island along East End Road right past a sign that states you are leaving the Virgin Islands National Park. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Entering is a bit rocky. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. Little Lameshur Bay. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. It is located right off of North Shore Road. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. . While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. 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. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Northwest of St John Island. 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. 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? Snorkeling around these rocks is an excellent way for travelers to practice and gain confidence in a safe and shallow environment while still being able to observe colorful fish, corals, and sea creatures. 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. On most days, waves break along the shoreline and over the shallow reef, so try to choose a day when the sea is calm, and the water is not churned up. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. 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. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. But the trip is well worth it. 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. . With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. 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. All rights reserved. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. 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. 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. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. The buoys are hard to miss. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. 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 . A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Trunk Bay Great to know. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Tektike Bay. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. 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. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 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. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. The currents can be strong. 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. Your email address will not be published. Also . The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Trunk Bay 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. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Waterlemon Cay . Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. 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. 20-30 minutes. 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. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. Respect other snorkelers personal space. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. There are 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. 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. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. 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. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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 boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on St. John, and contrary to popular belief, it can be accessed by land with relative ease. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. 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. And we agree! The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Maho Bay You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Brown Bay. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 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. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! The waves can be rough. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. 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. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. 2022 adagio digital arts. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. 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. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. 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. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. 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. There are not many spots. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Love my Ugo! Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Lush v. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island.
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