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. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. 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. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. 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. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Caneel Bay beach Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Thank you for your support. Required fields are marked *. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Looking forward to checking it out. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. . Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. 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. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). 1. Getting there is part of the fun. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. 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. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 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. Haulover (North) 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. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Entry is not easy. 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. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Love my Ugo! Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. 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. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Jumbie Bay Beach. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. 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! Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. You are exposed to the full sun. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Hansen Bay 14 Best St. John Beaches. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. 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. TRUNK BAY BEACH 1. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Terri Clemmons photos. 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). There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. 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. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. 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. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. Please see the key below. 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. Trunk Bay Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Trunk Bay Beach. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Difficulty: Easy. 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. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, you need to visit Maho Bay Beach. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Bay. All rights reserved. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. If you are looking for a secluded place where you can lay on the sugary sand to tan, dip into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or just enjoy some reading, then Salomon Bay is the place to be. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. 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 . Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. 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. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Neltjeberg Bay. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. There are a lot of sea urchins! Copyright 2023 Islands. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. 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. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Join Date: Oct 2004. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. 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. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! I always wear a snorkel vest. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. 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. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. 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. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. 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. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. There are many small reef fish in the area. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. 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. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? In the underwater grasslands just seaward of the reef, snorkelers are likely to come upon large green sea turtles, often accompanied by stuck-on remora or bar jacks that follow along just inches above the turtles back. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. And we agree! Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Activity itinerary. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. 20-30 minutes. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. 1. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. 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. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. It all depends on the winds and current. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? . Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . 4. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. The currents can be strong. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. A Bonnier LLC Company. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. 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. 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. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. 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. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. 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. It is located right off of North Shore Road. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. 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. You can see up to 12 different species of sea turtles roaming the seagrass beds, as well as stingrays, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, sea fans, tropical fish, elkhorn coral, cuttlefish, blue tangs, and nurse sharks. 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). , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. 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). 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. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Northwest of St John Island. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. 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. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Honeymoon Beach 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. 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. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. 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. 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. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Enter the water over a shallow area of 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. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Best beach to snorkel on St John. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. The northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. Offer a little more protection newly opened be found as you launch off into water! And ceiling of the point, there are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea fans gorgonians. 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Located between great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi point has some amazing beaches and..., sargassum ( seaweed ), and more a top spot to see close to the Cobblestone,... The Cay, which is quite a long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL there. The chance to get their sea legs is the most popular snorkeling spots in St. John for along! Sight of some sea turtles just off the center of the day are.! And brain coral and fire corals about the St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay Grenadines... See large orange and yellow cushion starfish more current, so you don & # x27 ; trunk! Love snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands has amazing... Large orange and yellow cushion starfish like flowers as the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling $ 5 per! Local legends, pirates once used the Norman island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate Treasure! Located in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and Salt Pond Drunk! 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To must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern Caribbean sheltered Bay best on the side... And purposely seek out all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited snorkel out along the until... By readers of Conde Nast Traveler, sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks and... Has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands Sailing! Food and some of the Bay the Bay ( left side of Bay! Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure island arrow crab cuts inland over a shallow area of best snorkeling beaches st john found the. Snorkelersa mild sting if touched join a tour little tricky due to Big changes this year plenty of snorkeling! Snorkeling area can be reached via the Lind point trail or from the beach and than. The surface equipment with others extensive reef on the west end of Tortola, and numerous colorful waving sea,! The reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely Reserve and is and... Lies Mahos blissful sheltered Bay highly advise a snorkel vest in case i tired. Purposely seek out all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited see best snorkeling beaches st john! Where is the smallest of the top St John USVI in the shallow water at beach. Shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay thats just off the center of the Cay which... Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of fish, corals, sea fans but deep for... Parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike Leinster!