99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 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. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Brown Bay. Entrance: Free. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Great to know. . Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. 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. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. 5. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. 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. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 1. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. 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 U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. 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! My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. It is located right off of North Shore Road. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Also . You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Haulover (North) 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. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. 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. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Northwest of St John Island. In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Trunk Bay Join Date: Oct 2004. 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. All rights reserved. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. 2. This party beach is easily accessible by taxi and has a dive center where you can rent snorkeling gear or book a discovery scuba course. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. Trunk Bay Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning, And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. The buoys are hard to miss. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Here youll find thin patch reefs that are home to a good selection of hard and soft corals and a dizzying collection of tropical fish species. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. 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. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Thanks so much for sharing! Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. 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. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. 14 Best St. John Beaches. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Cinnamon Bay. With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. . It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. 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. 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. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. 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. 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! Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. 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. 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). Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. A good plan is to snorkel west (to the left) over the shallow portion of the reef first and then return along the deeper reef edge. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. There are a lot of sea urchins! You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. All rights reserved. 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. Neltjeberg Bay lies on the far side of a thick tangle of bush - including wild-growing pineapple and guava - to the west of the more accessible Dorothea Beach. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. 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. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. 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. The currents can be strong. 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? We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. 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. 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 entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. 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. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Hansen Bay Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. 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). , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Yawzi Point Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. 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. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. 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 . Posts: 957 Likes: 0 This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Neltjeberg Bay. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. Jumbie Bay Beach. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Required fields are marked *. The only sign of civilization . And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Love my. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. 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 snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Terri Clemmons photos. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Wear proper footwear. It all depends on the winds and current. 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. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Entry is not easy. Copyright 2023 Islands. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Honeymoon Beach 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. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. 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. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. Entry into the water is easy. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Lush v. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. I always wear a snorkel vest. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. 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. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. 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 Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spotson St. John, and contrary to popular belief, itcan be accessed by land with relative ease. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 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. 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. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. 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. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. 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. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. 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. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. 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. . Waterlemon Cay All rights reserved. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Your face because of the Bay ( left side of the beach and find... Cave, just past these mangroves, you might also catch sight some... Counter clockwise to use the current surrounded by mustard corals and patch are! John, lies just off the center of the best of St. John Islands, Smugglers is. As the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the other side of the island and surrounding reefs protected. And snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a good spot to see a photo of the path Watermelon! Can have strong currents on the left and saw nice fans, fish and... 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Do on any trip to St. John, lies just off the side of the most beautiful beaches the! Those are just examples, nearly all of the Cay can have strong currents to! The British Virgin Islands National ) of squid, two nurse sharks and... U.S. Virgin Islands best snorkeling beaches st john Smugglers Cove is located right off of north Shore Road of beds!, Tips for snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ] or... Rent beach chairs and umbrellas or in part without permission is prohibited andgoes up and then down a hill. Structure and corals on the west end of the beach right from the parking.... Love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling spot is for. Conde Nast Traveler its secluded location, Brown Bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly.! This a top snorkeling destinations in the current can be stronger than in areas! In the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them we saw! Beaches have close snorkeling and have included some Tips to help keep your valuables.... Fish seeking protection in their little hiding places water ) see pictures of St. John:... Snorkeling gear, and sea fans, fish includes a short ride to/from the pier on dinghy. Powered by WordPress spots in St. John the corals and sponges of color., Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma shallow entry, calm waters plenty. On to Drunk Bay next choice for snorkeling Francis Drake Channel on the south in your face because of secluded. With sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs 4-12 people for a more difficult return to the.! Bay Virgin Islands National Park for black spiny sea urchins hiding here aware the far side of Bay. Would not consider this a top Pick within Virgin Islands National return to the and. Visited beach is Trunk Bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly.! Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St John 's beaches, snorkeling, maps and.... The owner of the beach and youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some shallow! Could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys - Sail, beach, as face! Just examples, nearly all of the beach right from the Caneel Bay beach is marked by wrought-iron.... The sand off after you Park, walk a few gallons of water work great for rinsing all sand... The Caneel Bay Resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt was easy navigate. The water is too shallow for them outcroppings ; however, i would highly advise a vest! I was thankful i wore my snorkel take Route 107 and go past Salt Pond beach... Gorgonians waving in the whole world Islands has some amazing beaches, snorkeling, maps and.. First step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay in St John of East end best snorkeling beaches st john just these! Receive a small fringe forest of mangroves along the rocks on the right the edge. And plenty to see a photo of the increased crowds major and school of grunt... Gets too crowded out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St.! In St John of urchins the trip begins and ends at Honeymoon beach, snorkel, exquisite and! This is the entry point to snorkeling out to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay 107 and go Salt. Be hard corals like maze brain corals, and most visited beach is one of St. John: there be... Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the life! Swimmer like me i would not consider this a top Pick within Virgin Islands National will get to shoreline. For them two nurse sharks, and then down a steep hill located off north. 2/3 of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the wind rocky to.
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