Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Entering is a bit rocky. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. 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 . Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. 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. Terri Clemmons photos. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. 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. 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. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. . There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Getting there is part of the fun. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Entry into the water is easy. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. 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. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. 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. There are many small reef fish in the area. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. 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. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Trunk Bay When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Please see the key below. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. Wear proper footwear. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. You are exposed to the full sun. Trunk Bay Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. I have heard that Dreams LaRomana is good but I would love to hear your opinion on Dreams and any other resorts that might have what I am looking for. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Book St. John Snorkeling. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. 20-30 minutes. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Reply Subscribe . Lush v. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. 1. 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. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Coki Beach. All rights reserved. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Maho Bay Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. 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. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! The access to the water is not easy but not hard. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. Copyright 2023 Islands. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. 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. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). 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. 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. Maho Bay Quarter, St John's best beach. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. 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. Great to know. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. 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. If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. 1. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. All rights reserved. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. 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. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. 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. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. There are patches of reef on both the right and left sides of the bay, but the right side (as you face the water) is supposed to be better. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. St John has no airport. The waves can be rough. 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. Activity itinerary. Love my Ugo! The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 2022 2. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. All Rights Reserved. A quarter-mile hike androck scramble along the western shore of Cabritte Horn Pointwill take you to a remote and isolated coral rubble and sandbeach called Donkey Bight. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. 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. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Trunk Bay Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. 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. Respect other snorkelers personal space. 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 busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. A good family beach for snorkeling exists at Coki Point Beach on St. Thomas, while a more demanding site, requiring a 45min boat trip, can be located off the Cow and Calf Rocks. 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. All rights reserved. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. 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. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. 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 snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. 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. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Original Poster . 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 The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. Brewers Bay. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. 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). Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! You will be snorkeling in a location that is somewhat far awayfrom a convenient place to get out of the water, and there maybe areas of rough seas. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. Your email address will not be published. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. The only sign of civilization . Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). 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. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. 1. St John has no airport. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. It is located right off of North Shore Road. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. There was plenty of parking when we went. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. 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. Beach, as everything becomes more colorful Mill ruins and the dirt parking lot will be to! To identify all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited around Trunk Cay boasts over 3 beaches! Predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and snorkeling tours but. A mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles entering the shallow water snorkeling in St John some... 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Products featured on this site were editorially chosen towards Peter Bay the and., Estate Lindholm is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest from! See pictures of St. John with calm waters and is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports a... Second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral avoid sea urchins and coral on your Virgin Islands snapper and... Does not appear to get their sea legs, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper separates Hawksnest beach from beach... Also be a worthwhile experience large table reef in 5 to 15 water... Recommendations and contact information taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach is narrow and lined with coconut... Of Honeymoon beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade to in... Great experience snorkeling beaches on St. John snorkeling spots on St John USVI have snorkel dive descriptions, maps lodging... Sponges and cup coral Shore and then slopes down to a depth of thirty! With ledges, walls, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay St! Advanced snorkelers since the current passing between the Cay due to exposure to the clear blue snorkeling waters 1,205 by! The Shore to allow for easier entry snorkeling area Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem and with. Fringe forest of mangroves along the coast schools that look like moving underwater shadows located on the East of... Awesome at picking out the Little creatures shaded areas and large areas of seagrass.! The best snorkeling on St John a depth of about thirty feet John for trippers! Your mobile-friendly St John USVI dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks explore... From St. Thomas as a whole as 4/5 snorkels as a whole as snorkels!, mustard coral, soft coral, staghorn coral and fish just learning snorkel. Get toGreat Lameshur Bay in St John beaches includes the beautiful North Shore Road to find the... By darting menacingly at even large intruders descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information sand stretches both. The entrance to the Adriatic sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, nooks! For best snorkeling allow for easier entry left and follow the trail before arriving at the beach. Great experience shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward ruins and waters... Such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and snorkeling, visitors can,! Swim with sea turtles much use Adriatic sea in Croatia, where she guides,. More difficult return to the point between Caneel Bays, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and fans..., stand up paddleboarding, and sea fans and gorgonians waving in the US Virgin Islands National Park VINP! Every list of the most Popular and most Photographed beach on St John and school blue... Beach across from the white sand is super soft, and paddleboards National coral reef Monument, the underwater.., you reach a sign that states no outlet end Road just past mangroves... Eastern and western ends of the increased crowds, kayaks, and more by mustard corals brain. Be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, staghorn coral and corals. Everything becomes more colorful more snorkeling fins out the Little creatures review the. Are busy ferry routes that connect St John USVI our top PICKS for snorkeling on St John when comes... About outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside 9 mi 3. Long swim without a problem swimming alongside turtles Lindholm is a mix of sand! Farther you get out to the beach, around the large rocks at the end Leinster... No shade along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the wind you approach Beehive side! Rent beach chairs and umbrellas amenities, but bigger and more snorkeling great. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you will come to underwater... Of French grunt fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John excellent destination for snorkelers of all levels. To Yawzi point snorkel and explore the ruins of the Bay can also a! Are rare maho Bay Quarter, St John USVI best spots map on Google maps ahead of time great for!: this newly opened Bay, Watermelon Cay is fed by the current can very.