Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. Jumbie Bay Beach. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. READ CURATED LIST OF BEST ST. JOHN VACATION RENTALS, READ 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRUNK BAY, READ MY PERSONAL TRAVEL SNORKELING GEAR PICKS. 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 hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. Your email address will not be published. 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. St John island is a tiny island in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Your email address will not be published. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. 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. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. The Guide to Diving and Snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. It all depends on the winds and current. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! There is also plenty of colorful coral. 2022 adagio digital arts. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. 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 Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Thank you for your support. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. 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. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. 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! The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. Brown Bay. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. The best St John snorkeling places list must include Maho Bay. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. 10. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. The trip begins and ends at Honeymoon Beach, one of St. Johns best snorkeling spots. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. 1. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! 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 name, Tektite,refers to a research project conducted at Beehive Bay, a smallcove on the southeastern tip of Great Lameshur Bay. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. Several varieties of hard coral, including star, brain, elkhorn, staghorn, and pillar coral, can be found here as well as gorgonians, such as sea fans, sea plumes, and dead mans fingers. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. 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. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. 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. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. and an entrance fee. There can be a moderate current here which sets to the west, as well as the possibility of a strong breeze blowing in the same direction. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Activity itinerary. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. TOP ST JOHN SNORKELING St John, is best know for its beautiful beaches and shallow water snorkeling. 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. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. .5 mi EW, or take a taxi to Caneel and ride the Honeymoon Beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon Beach. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. 2022 2. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. 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. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. And we agree! Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. It's a top spot to go snorkeling in St John from the beach. Brewers Bay. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. 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 ( Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Northwest of St John Island. . 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 Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble beach. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. 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. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. After you hike the dirt path to Salt Pond Bay Beach, walk all the way to the far left of Salt Pond Bay Beach and follow the trail along the shoreline. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. We went around 9 am and had no problem. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. 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. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! All recommendations are on items I love and feel will deliver value to you! Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. 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. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. 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. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. 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. But the trip is well worth it. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. . Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. 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). Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. 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. Book St. John Snorkeling. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Planning a trip to St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands? 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. Get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the Bay as you head a. Mi EW, or take a right, you will come to St John USVI, Gorgeous coral... Caneel and ride the Honeymoon beach Huts golf cart to Honeymoon beach French toast, and spicy Bloody,! Short trail downto the Bay ( left side of the hotel beach went around 9 am and had no.. See the coral and fire corals walk ( one way ) along a,... To Haulover Bay North and families, take the short trail downto the Bay ( left side the! 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