Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Trunk Bay Beach. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the world, Trunk Bay Beach lies on St. John's northwestern coast within Virgin Islands National Park. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. An afternoon lounging here, with a lunch of Vies famous garlic chicken and a couple icy bottles of Caribe, is the ultimate in Caribbean relaxation. 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. Haulover (North) Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. Henley Cay You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. 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. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. The name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. Neltjeberg Bay. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Best Beaches on St John - Northwest Shore St John has many amazing beaches, all perfect for enjoying a sunny beach day. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. 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). Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. 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. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. 2023 OutsiderView. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! . More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. This seven-hour private boat tour is another highly-rated excursion with multiple snorkeling stops that can be customized according to your preferences. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. 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. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the 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. Terri Clemmons photos. 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. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. Entrance: Free. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay you'll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. 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. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. The satellite view was too cloudy, so I included this map instead. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you'll want to explore them all. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. Waterlemon Bay and Waterlemon Cay This bay (and the small island that sits in it) is one of our favorite spots to snorkel around St. John. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. I have never seen one puff out but these cute little fish can take in water to make their bodies (and long spines) puff out if they feel threatened. 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. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The parking lot fills up quickly! Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Also . 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. 14 Best St. John Beaches. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. 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. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Original Poster . The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Virgin Islands Ecotours: IT WAS THE BESSSSSTTTT BUY THIS PACKAGE DEF WORTH IT - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 519 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. 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. 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. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. Find out where to go snorkeling on your Virgin Islands vacation. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Every beach can be accessed by boat. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. 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. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Sail to St John National Park (the very best, least crowded beaches) where you will enjoy fantastic snorkeling & swimming stops, gourmet lunch, drinks, and great company! Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Haulover is a narrow, flat strip of land separating Coral Bay on the south from Sir Francis Drake Channel on the north. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . 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. 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 Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Love my. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! 6) Trunk Bay - This is the most snorkeled beach on St. John for good reason - its shallow, underwater snorkel trail means it's an excellent option for all ages and experience levels. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Trunk Bay This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. 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 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. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. 2022 2. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. 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. There are a lot of sea urchins! Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. 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. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. 5. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. We also saw a few stingrays. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. Deserves its designation as the most popular snorkeling destination on St John. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. St John has no airport. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. 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. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Trunk Bay The second room is the most interesting, although both are beautiful. Where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. 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. Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! #10 - Lovango Cay Virgin Islands . There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. 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. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. 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. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Located between Great Lameshur and Lameshur Bays, Yawzi Point has some of the best snorkeling on St John. 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. Activity itinerary. Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John with an amenity fee, which is $5 per entrant. Tektike Bay. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. 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