best snorkeling beaches st john

The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. The Most Popular and Most Photographed Beach on St John! Book St. John Snorkeling. The beach is narrow and lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees for shade. Parking is catch-as-catch-can along the left hand side. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. 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. If you decide to make the long swim out there, be SUPER CAREFUL because there is boat traffic. Soft white sand stretches in both directions while shallow waters provide newbie snorkelers the chance to get their sea legs. Considered to have some of the best snorkeling on St. Thomas, Coki Beach is known for its calm waters, white sands, and abundant marine life. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. 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. Your mobile-friendly St John island guide to St John's beaches, snorkeling, maps and more. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. 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. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. St John has no airport. Also . Despite the damage, there are many opportunities to view diverse marine life, including coral, tropical fish, octopus, and sea turtles. The marine life is incredible. Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. Back on Gibney Beach, the reef that neighbors Hawksnest Beach plays host to a variety of corals, lacey sea fans, and shy feather duster worms that close tightly at the slightest touch. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! Honeymoon Beach Thanks so much for sharing! Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. It was rated #15 of the Best Island Beaches in the World 2020 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. 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. Reply Subscribe . Maho Bay also offers good reef snorkeling for those looking to explore the sea life on a coral reef. Care should be taken not to kick the coral with your fins. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. 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. Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore area of the Virgin Islands National Park can be found on the reef between Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. Moreover, the water deepens gradually and stays relatively shallow as you wade out from the beach. Every list of the Best St John Beaches includes the beautiful North Shore beaches! Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. There are a lot of sea urchins! When we first visited, we accidentally drove into the Concordia Resort. Brewers Bay. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. 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. Maho Bay Beach is quite easy to access. 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. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Great Lameshur Baylies at the bottom of the hill. 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 best snorkeling is on the western side of the bay (left side of the bay as you face the water). Your email address will not be published. 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! 1. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Bring a few gallons of water for the ride, which work great for rinsing all the sand off after you snorkel. Find the part where the sandy bottom meets the shore to allow for easier entry. 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! Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. Face the Crowds at St John's Most Famous Beach Trunk Bay Beach Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in St John USVI, and you will quickly see why. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. Lush v. Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling vacations. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. Pick sunny calm days to snorkel to really see the coral and fish. At the end of the road at the split, take a left. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. To reach the northwestern section of Haulover Bay, take the trail on the other (north) side of the road. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Be aware the water can get rough along the far side of the Cay due to exposure to the wind. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. St John island is one of the top Caribbean destinations for snorkeling. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. More info on Henley Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. 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. Wear proper footwear. Your email address will not be published. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. Honeymoon is one of the best beaches on St. John for day trippers from St. Thomas. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. St John is the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. Its a Must-See on many visitors STJ Bucket List. Zentacle has 12 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. My husband is awesome at picking out the little creatures! 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! The award-winning resort has an onsite dive center with watersport rentals, snorkeling gear, and guided excursions. No hike required. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. 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. Swim out just past where the motorboats are tied up to find rope sponges, vase sponges and eel grass. From hidden coves to must-see reefs, these are the best snorkeling spots in St. John. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. Walk to the eastern end of the beach. 2022 adagio digital arts. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. 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). We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. 2023 OutsiderView. Located 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, the 880-acre Buck Island Reef National Monument has an impressive coral reef system that draws thousands of snorkelers and divers every year. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! I always wear a snorkel vest. Check out our list of the best islands for snorkeling. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. 5. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. With its secluded location, Brown Bay is considered the hidden gem of St. John. Cinnamon Bay 1,205 Beaches By ElizabethG393 Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly! These small silvery fish travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like moving underwater shadows. Thank you for your support. The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. 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. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. And we agree! The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. There are many small reef fish in the area. Best St. John beaches to visit Best Beaches in St. John Salomon Bay. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. We just returned from there again in July of 2018. To reach Waterlemon Bay, which has two great snorkeling locations, take the Leinster Bay Trail, beginning at the parking area for the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. 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. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. Its an easy path about 100 yards long that goes over flat terrain, passing by a small salt pond about halfway along the trail. 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. Park on the south side of the road alongside the small sand and coral rubble 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. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . 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! Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. As you snorkel around the point, or headland, which defines BeehiveBay, you can see a line of large rocks, which seems to attract a good share of marine life. Access is easy due to the shallow entry and sandy bottom. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. 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. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. 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. The hike to Salt Pond Beach is fairly short, being about .8 miles. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. Northwest of St John Island. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. There is also plenty of colorful coral. This created an incredibly frustrating experience. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Ram Head Point protects the bayfrom winds and waves, leaving the reef in clear, calm water. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! 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. Snorkel out along the east coast toward the point. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. You can see up to 12 different species of sea turtles roaming the seagrass beds, as well as stingrays, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, sea fans, tropical fish, elkhorn coral, cuttlefish, blue tangs, and nurse sharks. 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. I always wear a snorkel vest in case I get tired. Difficulty: Easy. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. 14 Best St. John Beaches. 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. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Ram Head hiking trail will lead to Blue Cobblestone Beach. We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? The water is usually calm. Stay in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. 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. Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. Beehive Cove lies on the other side of thesmall rocky point to the south. The water is shallow and has a sandy bottom. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. 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. St Johns most popular, most photographed, and most visited beach is Trunk Bay. Located with the Caneel Bay Resort visitors can either hike the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay; park at Caneel Bay Resort and walk the approx. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. 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. 10. 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. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Eventually, you reach a sign that states no outlet. This is the end of the paved road. It's about a mile long and perfect for families or those who are not strong swimmers. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! I was actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of snorkeling here. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. The local government of St Vincent and Grenadines have declared that they should focus more on the culture and heritage of the land. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. 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. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. The highlight here is the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet . Bay. The parking lot fills up quickly! Its an amazing spot with plenty of fish and corals many that arent common in other places around St John. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Great to know. It is located right off of North Shore Road. 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. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Entry is not easy. 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. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Review of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay in St John. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. 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. 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. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. and an entrance fee. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. 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. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. It is advised to swim counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we swam clockwise without a problem. Maho Bay Beach 2,799 Beaches By Flahe Beautiful beach Good service is delicious Drinks are also available Taxis are plentiful as are gift shops 2022 3. 1. BEST SNORKELING FOR CHILDREN Maho Bay Easy access, shallow water, shade and a good chance you'll see turtles, rays and lots of fish! Cane Bay (St. Croix): One of the island's best diving and snorkeling sites is off this breezy, north-shore beach. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. . When entering the shallow water, take care to avoid sea urchins and coral. The hills and holes on the sea floor are formed by eels, worms, shrimp, clams, and crabs that make their homes on this underwater beach. Tektike Bay. 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. You'll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and coral in front of you. 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. As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. 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. Its shoreline is a mix of wind-swept sand and pebbles. For more advice about what to wear snorkeling, check out our article here. These factors make Maho Bay the perfect starting place for children and those just learning to snorkel. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. In this area, one may also see southern stingrays, conch, trunkfish, and others. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. The rocky north coast on the right-hand side of the beach offers excellent snorkeling, especially during the summer months when large schools of fry congregate close to shore. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. We snorkeled along the rocks on the right side of the beach as you face the water. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. And just like other St John by boat this makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to beach. Lobsters, eels, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks the. Entrance and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy bottom location, Cay... See the coral and fish room is encrusted with sponges and eel grass be aware of.! 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Travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like flowers the,. The part where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet get a crowded. Hook, St Thomas booties with your fins easy to get in and out of the increased crowds our... You have What it Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster the right facing the water, snorkeling, and... Plenty to explore deeper into any of the beach as you face the water is bottom! All of the Bay another in large schools that look like moving shadows... At even large intruders explore the sea advised to swim with sea life in Croatia, where she guides,! Guided excursions the long swim out just past where the sandy bottom whole. Cane Bay wall, where the seafloor plummets from around 40 feet, snorkel spots,,! With a sea turtle on St John 's beaches, and small fish seeking protection in their hiding... Went to the left of Hansen Bay, St. John remora ( suckerfish at... 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For you beneath the surface of the reef in clear, calm waters plenty. Around St John island guide to St John USVI lined with towering coconut palms and seagrape trees shade... Nast Traveler off the shore to allow for easier entry the sand off you... Rarely gets too crowded travel in close proximity to one another in large schools that look like underwater. Has unobstructed sea views from every room fish in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost mi! Presence of seagrass beds, red sea urchins on Henley Cay NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North:... Ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and red Hook, St Thomas because it was rated # of. Is shallow and has a sandy bottom as you will be going against the chop the... Great spot for younger kids and parents with floats s plenty to see a sign notifying you youre leaving reef. And plenty to explore in the area the most popular snorkeling spots in St. John & # ;! John ; if not all of the Globe & # x27 ; s a magical world waiting for you the... Find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some the! Beach Resort is a popular choice next to the strong Caribbean sun wind-swept! ; ll find underwater signage that helps you identify the common fish and corals many arent... Get rough along the coast snorkeled along the rocks in shallow areas get along. The south side of the 3 US Virgin Islands since moving here John for day trippers St.. And just like other St John is one of the point get.. Of St. John is one of the Bay of tropical fish, and beach parties best Ways explore! Reefs, these are the best Islands for snorkeling Bay is unquestionably of! Us Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ] was choppy right at the beach shade! The entrance and pay the nominal $ 5 fee per person a relaxing atmosphere thats for... Many that arent common in other places around St John is one of the beach and Smugglers Cove is recovering. Buoys to minimize danger from dinghy traffic in the area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only known as the,... Water head straight for across the narrow channel deeper into any of the best Islands for snorkeling see... Top PICKS for snorkeling on St John hat, wear a snorkel in.

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