Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Add snorkeling to the mix, and you've got the perfect day! You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds. Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. Getting there is part of the fun. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. 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. Snorkeling equipment, as well as single and double kayaks, standup paddle boards, and beach chairs can be rented at the Honeymoon Beach Hut. I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. You can park in the large lot located directly across from the eastern side of the beach. 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 northeastern end of Haulover Bay can be reached by following the shoreline east for a little less than half a mile, where you will find a small sand beach. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. 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. 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. 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. 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. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. One of the best snorkeling spots on St John. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. 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. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. Trunk Bay Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom. The marine life is incredible. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. 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. 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. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Enter the water at the north end of the beach near the largeblack rocks. Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. You first need to hike to Salt Pond Beach, and then on to Drunk Bay. The reefs are destroyed but there are plenty of fish and at Maho you can't snorkel without seeing a few turtles. Join Date: Oct 2004. I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or water shoes since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path. 2022 adagio digital arts. Love my. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. I can now spend hours in the water following tropical fish and swimming alongside turtles. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Tektike Bay. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. 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. Smugglers Cove is located on the west end of Tortola, and you can get there by boat, taxi shuttle, or car. Antigua's Long Bay is a great spot for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, but it's also a snorkeling paradise. 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. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Thread Tools Search this Thread Mar 23rd, 2011, 12:40 PM #1 Jayneann. The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. 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. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly. . - See 478 traveler reviews, 98 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. 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. Snorkel gear and watersports equipment are available to rent at Honeymoon Beach, and there are various facilities, including a beach bar and grill. This healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. 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. Some of Our Top Picks For Snorkeling On St John, USVI. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Trunk Bay Beach is also quite famous for the Underwater Snorkeling Trail, which makes it one of the premier spots in the U.S Virgin Islands National Park for snorkeling. Lush v. Despite damage from the 2017 hurricanes, Buck Islands coral reef continues to be one of the best in the Caribbean, with elkhorn coral reaching heights of up to 30 feet.1. 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. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! There are boats that dock in the bay, so it can be dangerous if you try to navigate around them. The colorful mango stand with the white picket fence on North Shore Road is the only indication that youve found Gibney Beach (yep, its that private). Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly upkeeps the beach through donations. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Entry into the water is easy. This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Trunk Bay Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. If you are, snorkeling on this beautiful island is a MUST-DO! The best snorkeling in St John, USVI can be discovered at beautiful Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park. 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. 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. 2. Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. 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. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Cinnamon Bay. I went to the left and saw nice fans, fish. Follow East End Road beyond Coral Bay. This is another beach where you can spot sea turtles. 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. 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. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. Love my Ugo! 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