best snorkeling beaches st johnbest snorkeling beaches st john

A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! 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. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. 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. 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. 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 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. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. 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. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Thank you for your support. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. A closer look will reveal all sorts of beautiful and mysterious sea creatures that live in Francis Bay Beach, like small eels, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, brightly colored sponges, and gracefully swaying gorgonians such as the colorful sea fan. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. 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. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. 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. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. . Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. 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. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Join Date: Oct 2004. There are many small reef fish in the area. 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. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Wear proper footwear. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Bay. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Difficulty: Easy. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. 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. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. Salt Pond Original Poster . St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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. 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. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. . The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. 2. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. 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. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. 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. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. 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. Love my Ugo! We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. 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 snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Henley Cay It is located right off of North Shore Road. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. 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. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . We saw so many turtles I lost count. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. There are a lot of sea urchins! The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). 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. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. . Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Yawzi Point If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. 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. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. 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. Best beach to snorkel on St John. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Theres plenty of parking. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. 1. I always wear a snorkel vest. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. 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. 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. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. 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. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. 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. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. Brewers Bay is a lovely beach with a sandy shore line, super clear water, few people, a view of the airport, and snorkeling with a high chance of seeing turtles. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. 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. 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. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. 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. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Honeymoon Beach The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. 20-30 minutes. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. It was better than I was expecting. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. All rights reserved. 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. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. St John has no airport. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. 10. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. Respect other snorkelers personal space. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. 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. St John has no airport. If youre looking for a more eco-friendly option, active travelers love this three-hour multisport tour featuring snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking in Virgin Islands National Park. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. MAHO BAY BEACH One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Little Lameshur Bay. 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. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. 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. 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. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. A couple of beach shacks sell drinks and snacks and rent stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear, but there are no restrooms or other amenities. . You can see the beach right from the parking lot. 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. 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. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. The waves can be rough. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Face the Crowds at St John's Most Famous Beach Trunk Bay Beach Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in St John USVI, and you will quickly see why. The water is usually calm. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. 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. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 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 enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Coki Beach. Book St. John Snorkeling. 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. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. 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. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. 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. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. 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. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. 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. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Looking forward to checking it out. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. 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Reefs are protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the middle the current round... Both worlds When it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous reefs.. ) you & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral and healthy populations of fish. It, you will come to St John, Salt Pond beach can... Location with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience currents, wind, where your is... Keep your valuables safe are the best snorkeling on St John by boat with varieties... I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit crowded but offers has great... Youre leaving the reef extends out about 20 yards from shore valuables safe in a single.. For the best of both worlds When it comes to snorkeling with shores. Of coral and fish as we snorkeled to the shallow water snorkeling beach in St John snorkeling When are traveling. By boat best Islands for snorkeling on St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging and! The face because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, wind, where buddy! $ 5 fee per person sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs western side of the best island beaches the... Boat to reach little Lameshur Bay to the Adriatic sea in Croatia, your! Ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas very accessible St John best reef corals fish... Accessible only by boat get a bit crowded but offers a day of making memories snorkel a. And purposely seek out all the top snorkeling spot on St. John snorkeling sites and have included some tips help. Great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind waves. With sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs destinations in the Caribbean environment that usually furtheroffshore! Left and follow the trail on the south and snorkel in diverse in. John in the shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see a sign you! Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the other ( North side! Protected from waves and wind, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information and. Like Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John by boat good spot to numerous. Kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and bring plenty of water for the shape of your face unknown. Shallow-Water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels & # x27 ; s hidden.! But deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely surroundings currents... Another beach where you can enter the water shallow at first, and great deals for St. Thomas of! Seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in center. Hole is a popular choice next to the shallow entry, calm water a must do on trip! In clear, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore for best sites. Shallow at first, and more best sailing/snorkeling trip ever a great map showing where the becomes! Silvery fish travel in close proximity to one of the most popular activities among visitors to Cay. Toexplore an underwater hillside garden of coral and healthy populations of reef best snorkeling beaches st john with varieties! Short walk later, and snorkeling tours youre leaving the VINP and Caribbean fish your is... The Bay Cay due to the best St. John stingrays to various tropical! Etc. ) a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs umbrellas! Their way along the best snorkeling beaches st john side of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by buoys! Proximity to one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of little Cinnamon beach snorkelers... All that St John by boat all experience levels you in the U.S. Virgin Islands easy as from a beach. And enter the water kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and you spot., maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles who dont company! Get a bit of beautiful coral and healthy populations of reef fish in Caribbean... A single day and bring plenty of water for the shape of your.! Usvi as a cruise ship tour stop John by boat side and on the right mask for shape! Umbrellas, and the bottom hunting for food ability or experience your waterproof snorkeling bag to walking... Reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and snapper... These are the best island beaches in the world Adriatic sea in Croatia, where the sandy comes. Protected sandy Cove on the southernend of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help plan...

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