Also . 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. 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. 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. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Reply Subscribe . 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. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. A large variety of fish including Atlantic Blue tangs, Blue Headed wrasses, Sargeant majors, as well as Caribbean lobsters, crabs, conch and more! 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. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. A Bonnier LLC Company. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. 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. 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. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? 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. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. 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. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. 10. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. . Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! 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. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Caneel Bay beach Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. The buoys are hard to miss. 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. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Tektike Bay. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. 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 . There are many small reef fish in the area. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Because there is low light within the room, some of the coral animals may have their tentacles extended as if it were night on the reef. 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. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. 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. Looking forward to checking it out. We also saw a few stingrays. 6) Trunk Bay - This is the most snorkeled beach on St. John for good reason - its shallow, underwater snorkel trail means it's an excellent option for all ages and experience levels. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. READ CURATED LIST OF BEST ST. JOHN VACATION RENTALS, READ 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRUNK BAY, READ MY PERSONAL TRAVEL SNORKELING GEAR PICKS. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. The currents can be strong. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Book St. John Snorkeling. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. 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. 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. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. 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. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. There was plenty of parking when we went. Neltjeberg Bay. It is located right off of North Shore Road. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. 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. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. Respect other snorkelers personal space. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. 2023 OutsiderView. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. 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. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. 1. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Love my. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Trunk Bay has it all. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. 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. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. 20-30 minutes. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Trunk Bay 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. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. 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. Little Lameshur Bay. 14 Best St. John Beaches. 2022 adagio digital arts. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. Snorkeling the Mangroves. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. St John has no airport. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. 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. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. Head counter clockwise to use the current to round the Cay. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore 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. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Difficulty: Easy. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! 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. Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. Waterlemon Cay Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. Located at the southern end of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure Island. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? 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. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. The only sign of civilization . My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. . You are exposed to the full sun. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! 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 This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Honeymoon Beach, St. John, USVI Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. 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. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. 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. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. , Norman island allegedly inspired Robert Louis Stevensons famous pirate novel Treasure.... 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