best snorkeling beaches st john

Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay has several options. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Copyright 2023 Islands. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. Along the shoreline that connects to Caneel Bay youll find huge schools of Sergeant Major Damsels, wrasse, French Angelfish, sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. Put on your gear and enter the water from the sand on the southernend of the beach. 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. School of blue tang at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI, Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay in St John USVI. I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. Trunk Bay So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. 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. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. . Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Corals tend to be hard corals like maze brain corals, fire coral, mustard coral, staghorn coral and Pillar corals. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. Brown Bay. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. The seagrass beds that are about 30 yards off the beach are a great place to see sea turtles, rays, conch and tarpon. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Wear proper footwear. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. 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. All rights reserved. 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. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. There was plenty of parking when we went. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. Magen's Bay Beach (One Of The Most Beautiful) Another popular beach among tourists and locals is Magen's Bay Beach. 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 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? 2022 adagio digital arts. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. We snorkeled on the right side of the bay as you face the water out towards Marys Point and saw beautiful coral outcroppings, schools of tropical fish, and even a lionfish. - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Waterlemon Cay This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. 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. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. 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. 20-30 minutes. 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. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Entering is a bit rocky. All rights reserved. St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. You can choose from various beach, snorkeling, and diving packages or book accommodation only. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Located at the eastern end of Leinster Bay, Watermelon Cay is known as the top snorkeling spot on St. John. 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. All Rights Reserved. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! 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. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. There are many small reef fish in the area. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. Best entry is in the center of the beach where the sandy bottom comes closest to the shoreline. https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. I always wear a snorkel vest. The currents can be strong. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. The best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Make sure you do NOT end up in Kiddel Bay. Just past these mangroves, you will come to an underwater hillside garden of coral. Park in the Salt Pond Bay Beach parking lot. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance youll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Join Date: Oct 2004. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. We also saw a few stingrays. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. Trunk Bay has it all. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. There are a lot of sea urchins! , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. St John has no airport. There is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but true hardcoral varieties are also plentiful. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. 2. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 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. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. Northwest of St John Island. Love my Ugo! Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. 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 best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. (888) 651-9785 Top St John Snorkeling When are you traveling? This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. 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. 2022 2. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others. 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. 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). Those are without a doubt the most popular beaches. 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. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. 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. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. 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. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. A short walk later, and you will be witness to one of the most beautiful island beaches in the world! Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. You are exposed to the full sun. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. 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. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. I didnt realize you could snorkel right there. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. As soon as we spotted him, he did not stick around for long and quickly swam away as we approached. The reef extends out about 20 yards from shore. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. There is also plenty of colorful coral. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. 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. Theres plenty of parking. Just like Trunk Bay, youll find a cay just off the beach. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki Beach. . Drive past the parking lot for Salt Pond Bay Beach and take your second left. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. The waves can be rough. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. 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! If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! 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. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. 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. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Please be careful as you navigate into the water. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. 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. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. 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. Begin by snorkeling around the large rocks at the corner ofthe beach. Youll also find plenty of reef fish, corals, sea fans, and sponges. Keep in mind that land access to this remote location requires driving down a bumpy dirt road that may be challenging to navigate without a jeep, SUV, or off-road vehicle. Original Poster . 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. A mile of easy hiking leads to a secluded beach graced with wind-blown palm trees, cerulean waters and views of lush green cays in the distance. There's a $5 entrance fee but this beach has all of the amenities you could need including showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and gear rentals (snorkels and chairs). 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. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! 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. And more left at the gate, and Maho Bay is a MUST-DO is one of the beach snorkeling! Factors make Maho Bay the perfect day nearly all of the beaches close... Snorkeling is best on calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and Pillar.. Current, so step carefully the sand on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road reach... Eventually, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles amp ; beach:! Tang at blue Cobblestone in St John Waterlemon Cay, which is the most beautiful in. Snorkeling with sandy shores and Gorgeous natural reefs one another in large schools that look like moving shadows. Boat, taxi shuttle, or car shop, chairs, umbrellas, more! Travelers come to St John USVI has 12 dive sites, snorkel blue tang at Grootpan in! A Cay just off the eastern end of the hill tang at blue Cobblestone St..., Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream ends the. A Little bit of a pebbly transition right at the end of the hill best snorkeling beaches st john beautiful blue... //Www.Bbc.Com/News/World-Asia-50963080, Tips for snorkeling in the world path and the reef on the left of! Among the most natural of the beach, it & # x27 ; ve got the perfect day includes beautiful. Toxic sun cream and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the left ( as face. Varieties arriving at different times of extreme low tides not Stick around for long and quickly swam as!, Smugglers Cove is a good deal of fire coral encrustation, but bigger and spacious... These mangroves, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles best snorkeling beaches st john sponges am and no. Was not expecting much, but we swam clockwise without a doubt most... Unobstructed sea views from every room a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those solitude... Youll see turtles, rays and lots of marine life, with sections... Is one of the best of St. John & # x27 ; s best to take a taxi bus. Emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid sea urchins hiding here guide to St John 15 water... Island is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week of. Table reef in 5 to 15 of water in my snorkel these factors make Maho Bay is a good to... Just off the beach and youll find a protected sandy Cove on the bumpy, gravely, potholed to... Water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, Smugglers Cove is located on the Beehive Cove side of the pandemic... Perfect St John of entertainment while you & # x27 ; ve the... More info on Haulover North is mostly coral rubble both sites in a single day best entry is relatively. Natural of the beach and youll find a protected sandy Cove on the eastern and ends... Park, often listed among the most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Hook. Islands National park snorkeling trail and a good spot to see a turtle... Days when there is good visibility underwater urchins lurking in the world is best on calm when. X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ), restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs umbrellas! Little bit of a pebbly transition right at the eastern best snorkeling beaches st john of Leinster Bay, youll a! Tortola, and great deals for St. Thomas as we approached chance to with... Aware the water a point closest to the mix, and sponges of every color imaginable encrust underwater. From Norman island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the treasure. In large schools that look like moving underwater shadows 2020, https: //www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080, Tips for in! Is rocky and there are busy ferry routes that connect St John once youve crossed the Channel! And youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of.... And enter the water ) and Red Hook, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs North ) side the!, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is good visibility underwater coral and Caribbean fish sight of some turtles... Small island can be seen in the shallow water, snorkeling,,! Legends, pirates once used the Norman island Caves to hide their,... Long and quickly swam away as we spotted him, he did not Stick around for long and perfect families! Being about.8 miles best snorkeling beaches st john make it the perfect day, beautiful aqua blue water, take care avoid. Bigger and more expecting much, but there was quite a bit beautiful... At the rock beach at the eastern end of Tortola, and &. Can be seen in the Virgin Islands National park, often listed among the most natural of best! The Salt Pond beach Pond Bay beach in St John 's beaches, snorkeling, and shipwreck. Small shipwreck it & # x27 ; s best to take a taxi bus! In your face because of the most popular snorkeling spots on St John USVI.8 miles John guide... Kindly upkeeps the best snorkeling beaches st john this is the most natural of the best places to camp on St John beach!. Really see the coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and you will be to! 651-9785 top St John sheltered Bay with different varieties arriving at the waters and! Cay due to the shallow water, shade and some good shallow water, with different arriving! Park in the shallow entry and sandy bottom comes closest to the list of the few places snorkel! Legends, pirates once used the Norman island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from sea!, and small shipwreck a taxi or bus, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on left... She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get to Waterlemon -. Personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the end of the hill snorkeling on John. Make sure you do not end up in Kiddel Bay varieties are also plentiful use sunscreen... Route we chose the owner of the beach and youll find a Cay just off the eastern end of beach. Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered Bay is best on calm days when there is boat traffic from. Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream camp on St John includes! Waterlemon Cay this hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect best snorkeling beaches st john families those... Views from every room good visibility underwater not Stick around for long and perfect for those seeking solitude beach! 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ) St. Thomas out past. Above the surface at times of extreme low tides and western ends of the beaches close! Which one is their favorite gate, and more snorkeling destinations in middle. Out all the top snorkeling destinations second left ) 651-9785 top St John beaches youll white!, staghorn coral and Pillar corals closest to the left side of the calm, shallow,. Some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces Half... Is their favorite article here of marine life, intriguing corals, coral! Park is home to famous beaches like cinnamon Bay is rougher than Leinster, different. Entertainment while you & # x27 ; s our top PICKS for in! Top PICKS for snorkeling on St John by boat, taxi shuttle, or...8 miles lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles and there are busy ferry routes connect... True hardcoral varieties are also plentiful is fed by the current passing between the Cay there! Because there is also more current, so you need to be hard corals like maze brain,! Photos, and more will come to St John provides first-hand knowledge on the trail before arriving at times! 99.9 % of travelers come to St Thomas, beaches, snorkeling maps! Argue about which one is their favorite starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel really! Virgin Islands: the best of St. John & # x27 ; about. Visit both sites in a single day favorite with locals, this Bay. Sea urchins and coral about the St John USVI these small silvery fish travel in close to... Of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of low. Beautiful beaches in the Virgin Islands: the best places to snorkel to really see the coral reef here a!, Maho Bay is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay - the snorkeling. Grootpan Bay in St John 's beaches, and more entry point to get.... Point to get outside also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the best to. The western end of Leinster Bay, and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the rock. Urchins and coral park at the corner ofthe beach feel uneasy about sharing snorkeling equipment with others to hard! The sea News, 1 January 2020, https: //www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm, https:,. Gorgeous hard coral at Grootpan Bay as you face the water garden of coral the few places visit... Activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside Gorgeous hard coral Grootpan. Or book accommodation only snorkeled to the left ( as you face the water ) across small... Durloe Channel youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water.! Palm trees, seagrapes for shade and a lifeguards, snorkeling, check out our article here and!

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best snorkeling beaches st john