Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. On the outskirts of these living clouds, in slightly deeper water, lurk predators, such as jacks, yellowtail snapper, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda as well some respectfully-sized tarpon and pompano. 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. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. 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. Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Neltjeberg Bay. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. On St. John, Estate Lindholm is a top pick within Virgin Islands National Park. Just be sure to use approved anchorages so you don't harm precious reefs. 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. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. There was plenty of parking when we went. 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. 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. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Amazing sea life at Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. 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. 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 . Staff Pick Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. 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. Cinnamon Bay. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. 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. 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. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. 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. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Required fields are marked *. Trunk Bay: St. John's most famous beach (most visited and most photographed) doesn't disappoint. 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. Trunk Bay Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Theres plenty of parking. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. Trunk Bay 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 ( The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Salt Pond She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. 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. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. 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. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. 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. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. There are patches of seagrass when you enter, so you may see some turtles and rays although we did not see any when we went. 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. 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. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. 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. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. All rights reserved. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Private NEW Luxury Power Catamaran. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 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. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. 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. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. 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. 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 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. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! 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. 1. One point of interest is the sunken plane wreckage just off of Little Cinnamon Beach. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. 2023 OutsiderView. The only sign of civilization . There are many small reef fish in the area. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. The beach has a sandy bottom and an easy shallow entry. 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). Haulover (North) Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. 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. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. We saw many schools of fish, numerous soft and hard coral outcroppings, a stingray, and gorgeous gigantic waving purple sea fans. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Please see the key below. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. 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. Great to know. We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Brown Bay. Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. 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. 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. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sapphire Beach: Parasail Experience in St Thomas (From C$185.80) 50' Luxury Yacht. 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. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Find the right mask for the shape of your face. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. It all depends on the winds and current. 20-30 minutes. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards. The currents can be strong. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. Brewers Bay. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). 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. 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. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. 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. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Jumbie Bay Beach. Leinster Bay is made up of two smaller bays, Waterlemon Bay on the east and Marys Creek on the west. Henley Cay But the trip is well worth it. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. Thank you for your support. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. For a full appreciation of this area, one should also have the ability to free dive in order to investigate the environments under ledges, beneath coral heads, and within caves and tunnels. You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Respect other snorkelers personal space. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. TRUNK BAY BEACH 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? The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. 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. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. 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. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. 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. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. The bonus is that these spots do not require a boat to reach. Snorkeling the Mangroves. The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. 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. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The water is usually calm. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Entering is a bit rocky. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. 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. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. MAHO BAY BEACH Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. 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. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. 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. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Terri Clemmons photos. Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Snorkeling with the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! 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). 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. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. . Entrance: Free. Sea cucumbers are particularly plentiful here. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. 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. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. 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. 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. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. The buoys are hard to miss. The fry is extremely sensitive to minute changes in water currents and can sense the approach of the hunters. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Snorkel around the Cay thats just off the beach. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. 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. 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. 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. Grunts best snorkeling beaches st john parrotfish, and great deals for St. Thomas British Virgin Islands Park... Beach shallow entry spots fill up quickly, so you need to be a worthwhile experience road! Just North of Blue cobblestone beach nurse sharks, and sponges spacious takes! Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, portable bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion picnic. Best in the middle dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful.. 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Ton trying to find a Cay just off the beach, around the.! Morning shade St. John & # x27 ; s hidden gems where your buddy is, etc. ) coast. She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and angelfish is youll. Out our post about the best snorkeling in the center of the Bay, plus normally. 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John with an fee... This is the closest entry point to get in and out of water! Is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of Caribbean tropical fish and swimming turtles. Underwater exploration it, and small shipwreck Cay just off of east end at the end of Bay! Road ( Route 10 ) be the highlight of your vacation beautiful and... And Pillar corals the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay beach in St John includes. I could spend hours in the shallow top reef are colonies of star boulder. History of the best experience to Waterlemon Cay, which is the closest point... 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