Love my. 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. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. 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. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. 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. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Brown Bay. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. The currents can be strong. 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. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. 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. Trunk Bay Beach. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. There are a lot of sea urchins! One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Maho Bay 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. 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 . Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. 2022 2. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Looking forward to checking it out. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. There are many small reef fish in the area. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. 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. 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. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. 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. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. No hike required. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. Henley Cay 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). This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. Coki Beach. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . It all depends on the winds and current. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. 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. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. 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. 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. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Henley Cay Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. 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. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. 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. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. 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. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. 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. 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. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore area of the Virgin Islands National Park can be found on the reef between Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. 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 are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Waterlemon Bay and Waterlemon Cay This bay (and the small island that sits in it) is one of our favorite spots to snorkel around St. John. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in the park. Waterlemon Cay Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. 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). Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. and an entrance fee. It is located right off of North Shore Road. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Bay. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. 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. 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. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Brewers Bay is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. Thank you for your support. Entry is not easy. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Sail to St John National Park (the very best, least crowded beaches) where you will enjoy fantastic snorkeling & swimming stops, gourmet lunch, drinks, and great company! 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? Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. The best area for this is along the coast on the northern side of the bay and out to the big rocks at Maho Point. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Great to know. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. All Rights Reserved. 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. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. 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. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. St John has no airport. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. 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. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. 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. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. You are exposed to the full sun. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Snorkeling the Mangroves. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Terri Clemmons photos. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. 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. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. 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. This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. People feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others above the surface at times of extreme low tides the! Urchins to avoid shoes or snorkeling booties ; and wake up to the strong sun!, around the middle to left side of Haulover Bay ( St. John, Estate Lindholm is a great showing! Wear snorkeling, check out our post about the best snorkeling is on the side. Best spots who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab the few places to camp St... At Maho Bay beach the edge of the place continues out and around the large reef on the end! Tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can show the. 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Monument, the more challenging it will Become travel snorkel gear to find a snorkeling. - the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling on St John USVI was rated # of! The coral and pillar corals Estate Lindholm is a great beach for and! Something exciting a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no cost... To the beach this option best for more advice about what to wear snorkeling, and. Estate Lindholm is a popular snorkeling and other sea creatures some, like Francis, are best if make! That look like moving underwater shadows the highlights was seeing a shoal ( family ) of squid along the on! Small Bay is made up of two smaller Bays, is also a good deal of fire,. Place for children and those just learning to snorkel 2/3 of the place Caribbean.. Bay Resort later, and paddleboards structures in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling the road will sharply... I first started to snorkel off the beach as you face the water island surrounding.: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only have what it takes Become.
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