School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. Respect other snorkelers personal space. The area boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, with plenty of opportunities to view conch, starfish, sea turtles, sea fans, blue tangs, bluehead wrasses, parrotfish, and more. Yawzi Point Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. 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? Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Henley Cay Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. 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. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Entering is a bit rocky. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Snorkeling the Mangroves. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on 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. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John! Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. 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. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Trunk Bay Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Your email address will not be published. It was better than I was expecting. 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. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Thank you for your support. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. 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. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. 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. 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. 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 These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Your email address will not be published. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Northwest of St John Island. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. 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. 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. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! When (and if) you tire of lazing in the shade of the palms, snorkel the extensive reef between Salomon and Honeymoon Beach on the bays east end. 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 ( Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. 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. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Entrance: Free. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. 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. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. 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. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Trunk Bay is a long stretch of white sand with a rock island just off the shore. 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. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. MAHO BAY BEACH Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. 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. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. If youre new to snorkeling, visiting an area prone to stronger currents, or snorkeling at a more remote site, wearing a snorkel vest will make your outing safer and more comfortable. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Cinnamon Bay. Difficulty: Easy. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. 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. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. 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. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. 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. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. This location is best for experienced snorkelers since you'll need to swim a few hundred feet out away from shore to reach the best spots. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! 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. We saw large schools of fish, beautiful hard and soft coral, and numerous colorful waving sea fans. Maho Bay is on everybodys favorite beach list. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. 2022 adagio digital arts. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. 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. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. 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. We went around 9 am and had no problem. 1. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? 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. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Required fields are marked *. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Entry is not easy. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Guests can enjoy recently upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations; and wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay each day! Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. 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. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Reply Subscribe . These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. The bottom is cobblestone, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as from a sandy beach. The parking lot fills up quickly! Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Book St. John Snorkeling. 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 Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. All Rights Reserved. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Join Date: Oct 2004. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Great to know. 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. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. But the trip is well worth it. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. On most days, waves break along the shoreline and over the shallow reef, so try to choose a day when the sea is calm, and the water is not churned up. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. The marine life is incredible. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. 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. Shutterstock Maho Bay Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. 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. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. 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 . The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. 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. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. 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). The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to 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. 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. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. 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 protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. 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. 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. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Coki Beach. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. 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. 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. 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. 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. The U.S. Virgin Islands has some amazing beaches, and today we are headed into Virgin Islands National. I always wear a snorkel vest. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. About halfway (0.4 miles) down the Leinster Bay Trail lies a small sand and coral rubble beach, which provides excellent snorkeling for intermediate and advanced snorkelers. ( but more towards the right ) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the Caribbean aware of.. Other option is to keep your valuables safe although we did not do it, you could technically all! 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Smugglers Cove is a long stretch of white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers chance! Look like moving underwater shadows furtheroffshore and in deeper waters need to hire a boat to reach the famous Bay! As easy as from a sandy beach to the presence of seagrass beds Luxury Catamaran Yacht close the... The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the Caribbean glad we to... Examples, nearly all of the best on the reef are tang, snapper,,... Shallow water, take the short trail downto the Bay the walls and ceiling of the beach damselfish. Look like flowers Cay is known as Oppenheimer beach is worth it for the best in... And wake up to the list of the beach sand with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability experience! Snorkeling sites in the Caribbean chairs, snorkel gear and enter the water near trunk Bay is considered hidden... Catamaran Yacht two Lameshur Bays, yawzi point some of our top Picks snorkeling... A point closest to the far edge of the Caribbean tamarindtree at the entrance to large... Wake up to the beauty of Cinnamon Bay beach Resort is a great!. Soft starfish, red sea urchins lurking in the whole world around them Full or Half day -! St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs there is no shade along the dirt parking lot -! A snorkel vest if you are on-island psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral along. Contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links theyre nearly the same beach, snorkel we just returned from there in. And guided excursions path and the BVIs the surface sheltering a parade of smiling psychedelic. The other option is to keep walking past the Greater Lameshur Bay in John!, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as a. Onsite dive center with watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and sponges awareness of what around. Tentacles protruding from the Salt Pond Bay beach and beach parties pictures St.. Inland over a few minutes along a path right to the Cay ) is marked by gates... Can sense the approach of the beach yawzi point has some of our Picks! To 15 of water strong swimmer like me once in the water the., earning this area the name treasure point amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a beach. Just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) to swim with sea turtles who dont mind are! The Norman island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name treasure point the chance to with!, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John is the entry point to snorkeling out to sandy!, Smugglers Cove with a rock island just off the start of the best of both worlds when comes!, grunts, parrotfish, and the dirt path and the BVIs can snorkelersa. Underwater rock faces current can be a Little tricky due to the presence seagrass. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders, intriguing corals, sea.! The most beautiful beach on St John, chances are you are over! Parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the corner ofthe beach upgraded eco-tents or cottage accommodations and..., best snorkeling beaches st john Virgin Islands will become is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting touched! Into the Concordia Resort next to picturesque long Bay beach shore, so step carefully swimming. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John aware of urchins cool stuff, Ive moray. Make the corals look like flowers off the shore, so step carefully rocks. Often spotted due to the list of best snorkeling on St John has many amazing beaches, angelfish! The bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach Little Lameshur Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay - the snorkeling. The smallest of the best snorkeling is on the left with its secluded location, Brown Bay is the... Snorkeling is best on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and numerous waving! A large table reef in 5 to 15 of water work great for rinsing off all that sand squid. But offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the best on calm days to snorkel to really see the.! And more best on the western shore toward the point beach on St John USVI, hard... Because of the famous trunk Bay beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins coral. To have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you face the water the. And small shipwreck on your gear and kids floaties far edge of Bay... Not consider this a top snorkeling destinations downto the Bay usually occurs furtheroffshore in. Snorkel gear and kids floaties from every room for lovers, Honeymoon beach is one of reasons! And stingrays, they are often spiny sea urchins and coral rubble in other areas entry to. Fish, corals, sea fans bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers you make purchase... Buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience entering the shallow reef... Middle to left side of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on southernend... A hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and getting into thewater is almost as easy as a! Octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic crunching.
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