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If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. Waterlemon Cay Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. Love my. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. Cane Bay at sunrise, St. Croix. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. The water is usually calm. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. All rights reserved. Located just off Caneel Bay Resort youll see an 11 acre cay. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. After you park, walk down a dirt uneven path for about 7 minutes until you reach a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with gorgeous clear water. Snorkel in the middle of the bay (but more towards the right) to see turtles and rays hanging out in the seagrass. 2022 2. 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. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. Great to know. 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. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. 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. We love snorkeling and purposely seek out all the top snorkeling destinations in the world. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. 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. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. 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. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Our list of BEST SNORKELING IN ST JOHN provides first-hand knowledge on the best places to visit while you are on-island. Since the beach is rocky and there are many sea urchins, its a good idea to bring water shoes or snorkeling booties. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. The currents can be strong. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Cinnamon Bay is the longest white sand beach on St John. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. 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. 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. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. The Tektite snorkel is one of the absolute best snorkeling spotson St. John, and contrary to popular belief, itcan be accessed by land with relative ease. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. 10. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. It all depends on the winds and current. There are a lot of rocks to navigate over and sea urchins to avoid. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. For more information about the benefits of wearing a snorkel vest and some recommended products, you can read our detailed snorkel vest article here. The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. Please see the key below. The buoys are hard to miss. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. This is the closest entry point to get to Waterlemon Cay, which is the route we chose. Brewers Bay. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. And along the western end towards Salomon Beach youll find a patch reef with hard and soft corals and colorful fish. 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. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. 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! Its perfect for beginner snorkelers and children. It is located right off of North Shore Road. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. 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. There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water). The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. 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. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Do not overestimate your swimming ability. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. Among other cool stuff, Ive seen moray eels, turtles, nurse sharks, and squid. Its shallow over the top of the reef but deep enough for experienced and confident snorkelers to negotiate safely. Caneel Bay beach On your left, you will notice a path through the woods that will lead you to Haulover Bay North. Guests can enjoy white sand, towering palms, crystal clear water, the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, food, drink, showers/bathrooms and snorkel gear and chair rentals. Snorkeling out along the east side of the bay, you can reach the coral reefs that lie just north of Blue Cobblestone Beach. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. The quiet lagoon is known for its calm, turquoise waters and is an excellent destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. The marine life is incredible. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. All rights reserved. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . 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. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. 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. Northwest of St John Island. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. With arguably the best shallow water snorkeling in all of the Virgin Islands youre sure to have a great experience. 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. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. 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. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. The parking lot fills up quickly! The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. That is a long swim though, and the current can be strong. Salt Pond The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. 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. 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. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. There are also many different types of coral, including grooved brain coral and pillar coral. There is also supposed to be excellent snorkeling on the eastern (right) side of the beach as you face the water, but we did not have time to snorkel there. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. There is also great snorkeling along the first set of jagged rocks out in the middle. Sail to St John National Park (the very best, least crowded beaches) where you will enjoy fantastic snorkeling & swimming stops, gourmet lunch, drinks, and great company! Hansen Bay Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. 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. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. *Links in this post contain Amazon and CJ affiliate links. Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Your email address will not be published. This party beach is easily accessible by taxi and has a dive center where you can rent snorkeling gear or book a discovery scuba course. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). Check out our post about the best travel snorkel gear to find a quality snorkeling set that will fit in your suitcase. Trunk Bay Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! We went twice to Salt Pond Bay: once around 9:30 am (only 1 other car there) and once around 12 pm (the parking lot was full and we had to wait for a spot to open up). Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. 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. This snorkeling spot is best for intermediate to advanced snorkelers since the current can be stronger than in other areas. Coki Beach, or Coki Point, is one of the most popular beaches on the island thanks to its calm waters, convenient amenities, and classic Caribbean views. Our ultimate printable guide to Trunk Bay snorkeling in St John have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. The history of the land is rich and filled with unknown facts. 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. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. 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