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. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. Although we did not do it, you could technically swim all the way over back to Salt Pond Bay Beach. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Guide to the Best St. John Snorkeling Spots - Snorkel and Hike Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? 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. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. 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). Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. You can see many large, purple sea fans and other gorgonians, as well as hard corals, such as star, elkhorn, and brain coral. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. Haulover (North) 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. 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. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). 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. 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. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. 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. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. The waves can be rough. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. 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. It was better than I was expecting. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. Last updated Jan 29, 2023 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Shutterstock Maho Bay 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. 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. Henley Cay 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. Love my. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. where is the best snorkeling when cruising the eastern caribbean? Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. 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 Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. 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. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. All rights reserved. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. 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. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. The best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. 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. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. 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. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? This easily accessible, shallow-water snorkel can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. Snorkeling the western edge towards Peter Bay the corals and patch reef are thin. All rights reserved. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! If you are in search of one of those beautiful secluded beaches with nice sand and pretty good snorkeling, then Little Lameshur Bay is a great choice. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Brewers Bay. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. I always wear a snorkel vest. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. 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. Blue Cobblestone Beach offers the opportunity toexplore an underwater environment that usually occurs furtheroffshore and in deeper waters. The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. . Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. 2023 OutsiderView. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. 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. 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. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. 20-30 minutes. Along the way youll see beautiful hard and soft corals and a large variety of Caribbean tropical fish. Your email address will not be published. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Cinnamon Bay. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. As you swim through the series of caves, youll see schools of colorful tropical fish, pelicans, gulls, ferns, orange cup coral, and red sponges. . If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. Answer 1 of 14: Which Caribbean resort has the best right-off-the-resort beach snorkeling? The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. 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). Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. 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. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Thanks so much for sharing! Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! 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. There was plenty of parking when we went. 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. 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. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. 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. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. , Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Every beach can be accessed by boat. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 A Bonnier LLC Company. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. 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. To reduce your risk of sunburn and damage from UV rays, wear a rash guard and other clothing with a UPF factor of at least 30 and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. But the trip is well worth it. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). And you'll find wonderful snorkeling from most of the beaches! Near the left side of the reef, you can find a vibrant pillar coral that always seems to be a big attraction for colorful little fish. 14.1K subscribers In this video, we go out in search of the best snorkeling in St. John. Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. 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. 10. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. Knowing the correct snorkeling techniques, understanding the St. Johns undersea environment, and being able to identify and know about what you will see in this strange new world can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the sport, as well as alert you to any possible safety or environmental concerns. 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 oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. This is one of the best beaches on St. John for foraging along the shoreline and discovering what the tide washes up. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. Haulover (North) - Some of the most dramatic underwater structure and corals on the island. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. 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. When I first started to snorkel almost a decade ago, I would rent basic gear from a local shop. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Activity itinerary. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Coki Beach. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. Parking is plentiful by St John standards with marked parking areas by the pavillion and a larger lot at the eastern end of the beach. 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. Be aware this area is subject to strong currents and winds, so use your judgment before proceeding into the water. This bay, an inner bay of Great Lameshur,lies just to the north of Beehive Cove, the bay where the Tektiteproject took place. Entry into the water is easy. And its should be Its convenient sitting right along North Shore Road. There are many small reef fish in the area. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Entering is a bit rocky. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. 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