Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. 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. 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. As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. Every beach can be accessed by boat. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. 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. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. 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. 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. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 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. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. The waves can be rough. Your email address will not be published. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. We saw so many turtles I lost count. You will be snorkeling in a location that is somewhat far awayfrom a convenient place to get out of the water, and there maybe areas of rough seas. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. St John has no airport. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Hansen Bay Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Terri Clemmons photos. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Tektike Bay. Copyright 2023 Islands. Entry into the water is easy. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. 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. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Little Lameshur Bay. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. 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. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. 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. 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. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. 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. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. 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. 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. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Once I was properly fitted with the correct snorkeling gear that actually fit my face and feet, a whole new underwater world opened up to me. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. There are not many spots. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . 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 latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Trunk Bay In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. After you hike the dirt path to Salt Pond Bay Beach, walk all the way to the far left of Salt Pond Bay Beach and follow the trail along the shoreline. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Lush v. 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. 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. 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. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. 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 beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. 2022 adagio digital arts. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Difficulty: Easy. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. It all depends on the winds and current. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. 2022 adagio digital arts. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. 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. Wear proper footwear. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Your email address will not be published. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. Jumbie Bay Beach. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Honeymoon Beach And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. There are many small reef fish in the area. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. 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. 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. 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 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. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. . Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. 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. 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. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . 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 There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. 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. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Original Poster . 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