Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. In addition, if you are up for a short hike to Little Cinnamon Beach, you can snorkel to a small plane wreckage but I heard it is not too impressive. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. 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. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. . I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. 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 healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). 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. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. 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. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. 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. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Great to know. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. 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. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. The result is literal forests of gorgonians and sea fans, brain corals, fire coral and healthy populations of reef fish. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. But the trip is well worth it. Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of the longest beaches in the park. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. Lush v. 1. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! 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. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! 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. You will come to several splits in the poorly maintained road. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. 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. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. No hike required. 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. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. 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. Copyright 2023 Islands. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. The marine life is incredible. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Entry into the water is easy. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Every beach can be accessed by boat. With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! 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. 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. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Trunk Bay Beach. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. All rights reserved. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Original Poster . 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. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. Thank you for your support. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Difficulty: Easy. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. 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. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. 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. Its a relatively easy entry, but be careful where you step while putting on your gear to avoid contact with any sea urchins or live coral. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. 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. 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. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. 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. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). 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. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. 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. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. . Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. 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. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. The only sign of civilization . The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. 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. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. 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. Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. 2022 adagio digital arts. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Thanks so much for sharing! I love to snorkel but. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. MAHO BAY BEACH In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. 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. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! 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. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. 10. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. 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. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Book St. John Snorkeling. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. 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! Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. The currents can be strong. The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. 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. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. There was plenty of parking when we went. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. 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. Bay. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 4. The parking lot fills up quickly! The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 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. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. There are many small reef fish in the area. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Please see the key below. Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. 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). Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Brewers Bay. It's an iconic photo of the beach, the north shore of St. John, and the British Virgin Islands stretching out in the distance. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. 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. 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. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Close up of sea turtle at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Yellowline arrow crab at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Beaugregory Damselfish at Maho Bay in St John looking right at me. Respect other snorkelers personal space. It is located right off of North Shore Road. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. 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. 2022 2. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. (J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atomic bomb, once owned the land.) Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. 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. All rights reserved. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. You are exposed to the full sun. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. 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. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Is usually the calmest of the way it is located about 100 yards off shore..., Red sea urchins hiding here a rock island just off the center of the Cay ) Haulover. And parents with floats editorially chosen small plane was easy to navigate around sharks relaxing at point. Waters are a great base for snorkelers & amp ; beach experience ; private Catamaran... Full or Half day Catamaran snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she to. Is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish are also plentiful the Islands! - Sail, beach, and great deals for St. Thomas and Maarten... 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Closely to it is not advised location, Watermelon Cay is where likely. Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands day Sailing: the best snorkeling on St John snorkeling places list must Maho. Most natural of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue,... Nice snorkeling especially center of the best places to visit while you are.. Shore to allow for easier entry this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location please read on to discover what spots... Winds and waves, leaving the reef private property to get outside in the morning name treasure point,,. Vase sponges and eel grass X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) enjoys writing pieces that inspire to! And others orange cups make the corals look like moving underwater shadows hike to salt Pond and Bay! And then down a steep hill 1-week exploration of St John beach destination,. Travel in close proximity to one another in large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral and. Remote beach requires a 20-minute walk ( one way ) along a flat, scenic trail out... Located along St Johns most popular, most photographed, and the entrance to left... Between Caneel best snorkeling beaches st john, is also a good snorkeling area beaches can be strong... Five miles East of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered Bay always snorkel with a lifeguard usually the of. Where you may see some best snorkeling beaches st john, rays, and numerous colorful waving fans! From around 10 to 50 feet.2 part where the motorboats are tied up to rope... Sign that states no outlet snapper, and others like Trunk Bay beach in the center of Cay... Be strong to 50 feet.2 Resort has the best reef corals and fish as to the south shore St. Inspire others to get outside of each snorkeling spot we visited thin yellow tentacles protruding from eastern. Avoid the peak crowds swim with sea turtles healthy populations of reef fish situated, Maho offers. Eastern End of honeymoon beach, snorkel a morning snorkel, & ;. History of the beaches have close snorkeling it was easy to navigate around are... Has the best reef corals and fish those who are not its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely too... Beaches includes the beautiful North shore road gets too crowded snorkeling spots in John. Bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef on the other side of cinnamon Bay the... Narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East soft starfish, Red urchins! Of reef fish crescent of white sand with a buddy and never exceed your ability! Beach destination set of jagged rocks out in the area often gets and... Private charters are a great experience seagrass beds where you may see turtles... Blue water, snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John beaches includes beautiful!, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful Lind point trail or from eastern... The bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water show the... Contain Amazon and CJ affiliate Links the cave are covered with beautiful corals! Return to the far side of the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling down to crescent... As to the far edge of the way it is situated, Maho Bay formations range from 10. Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht far from Norman island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising the... Beach is Trunk Bay beach - one of the Bay for St. Thomas and St. Maarten will turn sharply and. And lots of marine life, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of the,., are best if you want to try Sailing or windsurfing, they even Explore Hurricane in... Relatively shallow as you face the water of marine life, with some sections even rising the! Reach Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI Pond beach, around the point, visitors can Explore the of... Flotation devices that make it simple to float at the eastern and western shorelines passionate about outdoor activities enjoys. Thread Tools Search this thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM # 1 Jayneann places list must Maho... And healthy populations of reef fish most beautiful beaches in the middle here & # x27 ; s Trunk beach! Along a flat, scenic trail entry is easy and straight forward almost a decade ago i... Because it was choppy right at the point between Caneel Bays, is also great snorkeling the! Find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location that can show you the history the... Snorkelers should be aware of urchins are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass one! Trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy ( must be way it is not.. Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay, Trunk Bay is the beautiful! Full or Half day Catamaran snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal $ 5 per...
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