Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. 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. Neltjeberg Bay. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. 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. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. 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. Trunk Bay Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. Thanks so much for sharing! Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay you'll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. 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. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. 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. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. 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. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. 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). Respect other snorkelers personal space. MAHO BAY BEACH 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. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. 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. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Shutterstock Maho Bay Entry is not easy. 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. The buoys are hard to miss. A Bonnier LLC Company. 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. There's a $5 entrance fee but this beach has all of the amenities you could need including showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and gear rentals (snorkels and chairs). Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Haulover (North) 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 water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. 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 If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 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. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. 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. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Salt Pond The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. 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. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! 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. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. I love to snorkel but. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! 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. 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. Thank you for your support. 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. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! and an entrance fee. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. 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! Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. The rugged dirt road out to Lameshur will remind you of why you rented a jeep in the first place, but the beach is well worth it wide and sandy with plenty of shade. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. 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. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. 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. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. 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. 2023 OutsiderView. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. 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. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Coki Beach. 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. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. And we agree! The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spots on St. John, and contrary to popular belief, it can be accessed by land with relative ease. The name Haulover came about because it was often easier to just haul small boats over this stretch of land than to make the long sail around East End, notorious for strong currents, gusty winds, and rough seas. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. But the trip is well worth it. There were plenty of beautiful tropical fish including some adorable balloonfish (aka pufferfish or porcupine fish) with their wide-spread big eyes and half-smiling mouths. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. Jumbie Bay Beach. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. 5. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Parrotfish and blue tang swim about grazing on algae. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. There is also plenty of colorful coral. We saw so many turtles I lost count. 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