Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. The parking lot fills up quickly! Thanks so much for sharing! In addition, if you are up for a short hike to Little Cinnamon Beach, you can snorkel to a small plane wreckage but I heard it is not too impressive. BEST SNORKELING ON ST JOHN Waterlemon Cay - The top snorkeling destination on St John. Every beach can be accessed by boat. Follow the Leinster Bay Trail until it splits. 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. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Bring diluted baby shampoo to help keep your mask clear. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. St. John is the most natural of the islands and has numerous easy access snorkeling spots. 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. We arrived around 10 am, and there were only a handful of parking spaces left. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. We saw a few turtles in the middle of the bay where the seagrass beds are located. 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. Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. 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. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. We saw so many turtles I lost count. It was better than I was expecting. Jumbie Bay Beach. 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. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. Virgin Islands Day Sailing: The best sailing/snorkeling trip ever! The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing 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. Trunk Bay has it all. Book St. John Snorkeling. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. 2023 OutsiderView. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. 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. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Reply Subscribe . The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. Hawksnest Beach is the best snorkeling spot in the Virgin Islands National Park to observe beautiful elkhorn coral, which is still in fairly good condition. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Bay. Right side of Cinnamon Bay Beach (this is the entry point to snorkeling out to the Cay). The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. The first step is to get toGreat Lameshur Bay on St. Johns south coast. There are patches of reef on both the right and left sides of the bay, but the right side (as you face the water) is supposed to be better. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. Activity itinerary. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. 10. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. Brewers Bay is a lovely beach with a sandy shore line, super clear water, few people, a view of the airport, and snorkeling with a high chance of seeing 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. Commonly seen tropical fish on the reef are tang, snapper, grunts, parrotfish, and angelfish. Great to know. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. 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. Cinnamon Bay. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! All rights reserved. Wear proper footwear. Honeymoon Beach Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. 1. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. This beach has many shaded areas and large areas of seagrass bed. 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. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline. 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. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. Know your surroundings (currents, wind, where your buddy is, etc.). The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. 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. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. Henley Cay I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Those are just examples, nearly all of the beaches have close snorkeling. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. 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. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! 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. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. No need to hire a boat or join a tour! Trunk Bay The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef. 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 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. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. Salt Pond When it comes to snorkeling in St. John, Salt Pond is #1 on our list. 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. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. All rights reserved. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. However, there was not a lot of information out there, so I decided to provide a resource detailing all the nitty-gritty details of the 11 snorkeling spots we discovered all over the island. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. The coral reef here is in relatively good condition, and the reef community is colorful and diverse. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. Trunk Bay Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. 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. Its a relatively easy entry, but be careful where you step while putting on your gear to avoid contact with any sea urchins or live coral. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. Because the island is surrounded by fragile coral reef, swimming too closely to it is not advised. One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. 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. 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