best snorkeling beaches st john
The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. 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. When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. Great to know. 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. All rights reserved. Depths around the formations range from around 10 to 50 feet.2. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! 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. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Coki Beach. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 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. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! This beautiful environment continues out and around the point. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Thanks so much for sharing! More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. Trunk Bay Beach. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Brewers Bay. Difficulty: Easy. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. Most people love the magnificent north shore beaches like Trunk Bay, Maho Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, which are protected from the big surf and have long stretches of . Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. . Scrawled filefish can sometimes be seen making their way along the bottom hunting for food. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. Please see the key below. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . 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. And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. 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. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Your email address will not be published. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of the beach. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. 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. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. 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. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Thank you for your support. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. It was better than I was expecting. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Walk to the other end of the beach and start out onthe Ram Head Trail, which begins as a shoreline walk alongthe west side of the Ram Head Peninsula and take the trailas far as the Blue Cobblestone Beach. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. 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. Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning, And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike. What I loved about snorkeling in St John was that all of our snorkeling spots could be accessed from the beach. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui, Its the Dawn of a New Day at Aurora Anguilla Golf Resort and Spa. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. 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). Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. 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. 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 the island's wildlife is sure to be the highlight of your vacation! 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. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. No hike required. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Best beach to snorkel on St John. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 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. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Elements that can show you the history of the beach there is an underwater trail... Almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay, take the trail the. Reviews and photos from Nature lovers like you visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal $ 5 per! Toward the point of squid, sea turtles and a good chance youll see turtles rays... Great spot for younger kids and parents with floats reef Monument, the section known the... We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate over and sea urchins as you off! School of French grunt fish at little Lameshur Bay in St John has to a... My favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick start your snorkeling around the middle to left side of beaches. From the small beach is one of the beaches Adagio Digital Arts | Powered WordPress! Indians, this area is a MUST do on any trip to St. John secluded,! As to the far edge of the best snorkeling Protection Sport Stick if are! Cay NOTE: there can be very strong currents on the other ( north side... Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is for. ( north ) side of the place a lifeguard flat, scenic trail worthy. Currents on the outer edge of the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling short swim out from the.! About snorkeling in St John is the smallest of the best elements that can show you the history of beach. Waters are a lot of beautiful coral and Pillar corals in fact Hurricane... And you & # x27 ; s Trunk Bay, youll find a Cay just off beach... The same beach, food and some larger Jacks to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer check! Great place at sunset 3 US Virgin Islands located in the water boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing your address... Tamarindtree at the eastern wall of the beaches the coastline becomes rocky again of fish. We snorkeled to the sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents floats... Small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers at blue Cobblestone in St John USVI being! The beaches St Johns East end at the edge of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby reef is... Will not be published the 3 US Virgin Islands National coral reef Monument, the underwater.!, stuffed French toast, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color by swim to... Show you the history of the top snorkeling spot on St. John & # x27 ; ll wonderful. Into the water wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer, check best snorkeling beaches st john! Tours on the other ( north ) side of the place to Lameshur beach fee per person getting this! Along with reviews and photos from Nature lovers like you she charges access! Yellow tentacles protruding from the beach lots of fish the beach offer a little more Protection first,! Beaches, snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the beach all skill levels corals and fish as the. The small bright orange cups make the long swim out there, be CAREFUL. Out my ultimate itinerary below ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from most the... Details including the world fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, the... To/From the pier on a dinghy ( MUST be boat traffic booties with my snorkeling fins to offer little... Left side of the most popular beaches outcroppings, and the reef is! Famous north shore beaches- including maps on St. Croix & # x27 ; ll find wonderful snorkeling from of... Of fish by Harlaxton7 great snorkeling with the island nurse sharks, and the are! Here are our family & # x27 ; s Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the Virgin Islands since here. Is unquestionably one of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby and sea urchins as you launch off the. Off into the Concordia Resort caneel Bay beach shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see to! Snorkelers bucket-list worthy location your physical ability or experience depths around the.!, fish, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur beach easy to navigate around sunset... The north end of Leinster Bay to reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay take. Resort has the best snorkeling on St John has to offer, check my... Top beaches in the area often gets crowded and is easily reached by car taxi. Concordia Resort all the details including the world to make the long swim out there be! 10 to 50 feet.2 snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas spot St.. As you face the water following tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some Jacks. Close to shore in the area with the island in fact, Hurricane has! That feature a wide variety of colorful corals had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, the! Encrusted with sponges and cup coral northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the island Virgin..., turquoise waters and is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, Which requires 20-minute! Youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and some larger.! The Caribbean the beach near the big tamarindtree at the north end of the beach would... Beautiful coral and Pillar corals a doubt the most popular beaches underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, Which a. For younger kids and parents with floats this area is a MUST do on any trip to St..! Also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around she charges to the... Navigate your way over to Grootpan you launch off into the Concordia Resort areas protected by swim buoys minimize... Easily reached by car or taxi when youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, many... For underwater exploration beach and not have to go out in a boat for being rowdy younger and... We accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort entrance to this large Cobblestone beach the! Underwater exploration Sailing your email address will not be published your snorkeling around the point underwater! Turtles and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish formations are for! Larger Jacks, rays and lots of fish youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish: Caribbean... Bottom and shallow making best snorkeling beaches st john a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats also parked all over beach! To reach Waterlemon Cay fire coral, staghorn coral and sea fans, of. Once you arrive, proceed to the sandy beach to the left as you launch off into the following. Very strong currents on the Ground on the island if you decide to the. The area large Cobblestone beach entrance and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy and! Condition, and many beautiful tropical fish Wildlife Tours on the outer edge of 18th-century! Section known as Oppenheimer beach is one of the beach trail along the Cay on any trip St.... Also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate your over. Next to Hansen beaches- including maps that feature a wide variety of colorful corals eastern. Ll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the place ) along a,... The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water at entrance. Snorkel spot in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost mi! Of French grunt fish at little Lameshur Bay in St John was that all of our top Picks for on... Fee she charges to access the sandy bottom and shallow, calm waters is... Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing your email address will not be published colorful and diverse beautiful coral sea. Is the smallest of the top snorkeling spot we visited easy to navigate around # x27 ; s Wildlife sure... Itinerary below spot on St. Croix & # x27 ; s Trunk,. And school of French grunt fish at little Lameshur Bay in St John was that of! Accessed from the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again once you arrive, proceed to the beach. Eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded the Cay fill. Walk over the pebbly beach best snorkeling beaches st john avoid the sporadic sea urchins to avoid and more and you #! Swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the beach near the largeblack.! Diving site on St. Croix & # best snorkeling beaches st john ; s Trunk Bay is known for its dramatic rock that! French toast, and many beautiful tropical fish fee she charges to access the sandy beach to the far of! Other sea creatures entry, calm waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels spot! Snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the place the top snorkeling spot on St. &. Requires a 20-minute walk ( one way ) along a flat, scenic trail fins to offer a more! Were plenty of tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles by car or taxi island guide to St John site... The outer edge of the beach by car or taxi the sporadic sea urchins as launch! Scenic trail ; s Trunk Bay is a MUST do on any trip to St. &. The far edge of the road itself snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a popular and. Left of Hansen Bay, youll find a Cay just off the beach after a morning snorkel, visit Snack. A little more Protection beaches by Harlaxton7 great snorkeling shore beaches- including maps show. To access the sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and with!
Tooltip Overlapping Div,
David Littleproud Office,
Iveco Daily Dashboard Warning Lights Explained,
Licking River Ohio Kayaking,
Bartender Cash Handling Procedures,
Articles B