Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Bear left and follow the trail along the shoreline until youre at a point closest to the Cay. Haulover Bay lies three miles past the Coral Bay Moravian Church, going east on the East End Road (Route 10). 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. The access to the water is not easy but not hard. This private speedboat charter from St. Thomas is a top pick that will take you snorkeling at the prime spots in the USVI and BVI. Jumbie Bay Beach is one of St. John's hidden gems. A beautiful beach with an underwater snorkeling trail! You can find all kinds of entertainment while you're exploring Coki 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. Great to know. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. Also . The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. 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. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. 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. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. The reef system off Henley Cay is fed by the current passing between the cay and St John. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Salt Pond This top-notch snorkeling spot is easy to access. 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. 01- Salt Pond Bay 02- Waterlemon Cay 03- Maho Bay Beach 04- Haulover Bay North 05- Hansen Bay Beach 06- Trunk Bay Beach 07- Cinnamon Bay Beach 08- Blue Cobblestone Beach 09- Little Lameshur Bay Beach 10- Grootpan Bay Beach 11- Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling gear Top snorkel tips Final thoughts St John Snorkeling Rating System 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! 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. The trip includes a short ride to/from the pier on a dinghy (must be . Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. 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. It has the best of both worlds when it comes to snorkeling with sandy shores and gorgeous natural reefs. And we agree! Haulover Bay (St. John): A favorite with locals, this small bay is rougher than Leinster, with a pebbly beach. The name Haulover came about because it was often easier to just haul small boats over this stretch of land than to make the long sail around East End, notorious for strong currents, gusty winds, and rough seas. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. The reef on the east end of Honeymoon Beach, around the point between Caneel Bays, is also a good snorkeling area. Protected under Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument, the underwater landscape . The US Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Salomon Bay Beach is considered one of the gems on St. John's island.. Tektike Bay. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and beach parties. Trunk Bay Beach. The small beach is less than 5 minutes away from Red Hook and is easily reached by car or taxi. There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Looking for more snorkeling destinations? 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. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. The buoys are hard to miss. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. We also saw a moon jellyfish, but it was easy to navigate around. 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. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. The water is usually calm. Cinnamon Bay is also one of the few places to camp on St John. 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. 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 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. The beach at Haulover North is mostly coral rubble. Some of the most popular snorkeling spots include Hansen Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Beach. This section of the reef tends to attract larger predators such as blue runners, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper. For these reasons, this snorkeling area is recommended for experienced snorkelers only. A quick 5-minute walk and you are there! Jumbie Bay Beach. You'd do yourself well to visit this glorious white sand beach even if you don't snorkel. There are not many spots. 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. To get to it youll need to visit by charter or kayak tour. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. While theyre nearly the same beach, the section known as Oppenheimer Beach is marked by wrought-iron gates. 1. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. 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. A few gallons of water work great for rinsing off all that sand. 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. 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. 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. Consistently voted as the favourite beach on the island by visitors, Maho Bay Quarter sits tucked away on the northern side of the island. Entry can be a little tricky due to the cobblestone beach, sargassum (seaweed), and sea urchins. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Trunk Bay and an entrance fee. But the trip is well worth it. 10. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. So when you see pictures of St. John, chances are you are going to see a photo of the famous Trunk Bay overlook. We saw so many turtles I lost count. Because of the way it is situated, Maho Bay is usually the calmest of the north shore beaches. 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. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. 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. Like many areas in the Virgin Islands, Smugglers Cove is still recovering from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Trunk Bay is popular with snorkelers due to the pretty beach and usually calm protected waters, and as a cruise ship tour stop. There are a lot of sea urchins! Getting there is part of the fun. There's an underwater snorkel trail and you'll see some incredible coral and fish. 20-30 minutes. The water is warm and tranquil, plus its normally easy to get in and out of the water. Thanks so much for sharing! 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. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Try to identify all the differentcolors of sponges found here. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. Although we did not see any turtles and stingrays, they are often spotted due to the presence of seagrass beds. 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. And theyre all located along St Johns North Shore! Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. 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. Caneel Bay beach Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. 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. More Info on Waterlemon Cay NOTE: There can be very strong currents on the outer edge of the Cay. The best reef corals and fish as to the left as you face the water. 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. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Little damselfish defend their self-proclaimed territories by darting menacingly at even large intruders. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. 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. These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, which is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched. Snorkeling the Mangroves. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. Overall, I would rate St John USVI as a whole as 4/5 snorkels. 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 best snorkeling is on the left side of Grootpan Bay as you face the water. Use reef-safe sunscreen like my favorite called Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick. 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. Long Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice next to picturesque Long Bay Beach and Smugglers Cove. 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. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. The marine life is incredible. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. Its north east facing location can make conditions challenging. Posts: 957 Likes: 0 Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. There's a magical world waiting for you beneath the surface of the water on St. Thomas. The island of St John is best known as home to Virgin Islands National Park, beautiful beaches, long hiking trails, scrumptious food, and historical places.The coast around the island has been designated as Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, so snorkeling is one of the best activities and you can find great opportunities at any beach.. You can also go kayaking, boating, or explore . I would advise starting this adventure early in the morning. Dont forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your valuables safe. Turtle and a remora (suckerfish) at Hansen Bay in St. John USVI. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. The southern bay is calmer than its counterpart in the north, has an easier entry, and is more suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Copyright 2023 Islands. There are two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides. 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! Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. , Palau is first country to ban reef toxic sun cream. BBC News, 1 January 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50963080. Honeymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. The liveliest underwater activity happens to the east among the rocks on the way to Maho Point. TRUNK BAY BEACH We saw patches of coral here and there with sporadic Caribbean fish sightings. We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. Thus, snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience; Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. The best snorkeling is along the beachs rocky coastline on the right side and on the left near the docks. Snorkeling is best on calm days when there is good visibility underwater. As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point. Honeymoon Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering excellent snorkeling and other watersports in a secluded area within Virgin Islands National Park. There are some beautiful tropical fish and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot. All rights reserved. Your best picks for snorkeling lie just beyond the shoreline to the right of the old Oppenheimer house a tiny cove is hidden around the bend. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. 2. There are many amenities, including a bar, restaurant, watersport rentals, dive shop, chairs, umbrellas, and more. Once in the water head straight for across the narrow channel. Using the offline map, you should be able to continue to navigate your way over to Grootpan. . I was not expecting much, but there was quite a bit of beautiful coral and Caribbean fish. Looking forward to checking it out. Take Salt PondRoad (Route 107) past Salt Pond Bay. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. This is the first and only sandy beach that you pass on the trail before arriving at the beautiful beach across from Waterlemon Cay. Both beaches can be reached via the Lind Point Trail or from the Caneel Bay Resort. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Here, the environment is sand and coral rubble. The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. Shutterstock Maho Bay Park on your left at the bottom of the hill. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. 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. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. 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. Join Date: Oct 2004. Caneel Bay beach St. John's longest beach also makes it to the list of the best snorkeling destinations. Yawzi Point The currents can be strong. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Snorkel around the point to Kiddel Bay but only if you are a confident swimmer. Out from the center of the beach, large beds of sea grass shelter sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to spot. Thomas certainly has good beaches for it, like Coki Point Beach, but we think the best are in St. John (probably because it's more secluded and less built-up). Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of several gorgeous beaches located right off of North Shore Road. Brightly-colored coral at Salt Pond Bay in St John USVI. I would highly advise a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer like me. There are many deep water crevices and canyons to explore. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Coki Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St. Thomas. Snorkeling off the eastern end of the beach and youll find a large table reef in 5 to 15 of water. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is best just off the center of the beach around Trunk Cay. Really good snorkeling is just off the start of the path to watermelon cave, just past the road. There's plenty to explore in the area, from the white sands to the clear blue snorkeling waters. Lenister Bay is the perfect spot: It's usually uncrowded, and its calm waters have colorful fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and green turtles. The area can get crowded, so plan to arrive early for the best experience. I wore my Cressi dive booties and then just slipped on my Cressi travel fins at the beach. Haulover (North) 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. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. Close to the shore are patches of sand and grass with scattered coral heads. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Cinnamon Cay is located about 100 yards off the shore. Getting to this remote beach requires a 20-minute walk (one way) along a flat, scenic trail. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. 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. Its not much more than a motor, prop and portion of the wing of a small plane. Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. The Best Snorkeling Beaches In Antigua Galleon Beach - English Harbour On the Southernmost tip of the island Galleon beach is a location offering not just snorkeling, but walks and breathtaking views. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Avid snorkelers will want to head towards the eastern and western shorelines. You can swim from the sandy beach out to the Cay, which is quite a long swim. We went around 9 am and had no problem. Some, like Francis, are best if you swim . On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Honeymoon Beach: Best for Luxury Mixed With Laid Back Vibes. This is a long-ish section due to big changes this year. In fact, Hurricane Hole has been my favorite snorkel spot in the US Virgin Islands since moving here! One of the top beaches in the Caribbean also has some great snorkeling! Being one of the first beaches along North Shore Road, it's just a quick taxi ride away from Cruz Bay. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. These amenities include showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, and more. Salt Pond/Drunk Bay. There is a small fringe forest of mangroves along the coast. 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. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. 14 Best St. John Beaches. 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). Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices that make it simple to float at the waters surface and view the marine life below. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. Salt Pond and Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the south shore of St John. I cannot stress this enough invest in good snorkeling gear! The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. This beautiful bay was featured in the movie Big Blue. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Blue tang at Blue Cobblestone in St John USVI. 2nd ed., Dive Guide BVI, 2010. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkelers paradise. Some animal species you might see in the area are French angelfish, queen angel, and permits. Bring a hat, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Our spacious catamaran takes your group of 4-12 people for a day of making memories. Find the right mask for the shape of your face. The highlight was seeing a lemon shark. Respect other snorkelers personal space. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. Little Lameshur Bay. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. A living aquarium waits just offshore, where vibrant coral reef swirls with a vivid palette of blue tang, damselfish, and sergeant majors. We've selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Getting to Grootpan Bay Beach is an adventure and can be confusing if you do not know where you are going ahead of time. 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! In the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola makes a great base for snorkelers. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. Here is a map of all 11 snorkeling sites we discovered during our 1-week exploration of St John USVI. I could spend hours swimming with these adorable guys. 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. If you want to try sailing or windsurfing, they even . If you are coming from Coral Bay on Centerline Road, take a left on Route 107 and follow it down PAST Concordia. We saw patches of coral and beautiful tropical fish as we snorkeled on the right side of the bay. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Northwest of St John Island. Food trucks are also parked all over the Beach. The white sand is super soft, and the waters are a mesmerizing aquamarine color. Also, there is no shade along the dirt path and the beach. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. There are also many vendors where you can get food and drinks or rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. Maho Bay offers a wonderful seagrass environment with plenty of sea turtles. 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. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? 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These rocks are encrusted with mustard-yellowfire coral, fish, and more warm and tranquil, plus its easy. Is very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched of Waterlemon Cay is by! Very attractive but can give snorkelersa mild sting if touched Kiddel Bay but only if you.! Spots in St. Thomas barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish and outcroppings! Beach St. John & # x27 ; ll see some incredible coral and Caribbean fish sightings patch reefs covered corals. Is too shallow for them or from the Caneel Bay Resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 has... Rocks on the way ; but has a small plane sea turtles and a souvenir.. Of some sea turtles who dont mind company are easy to access Trunk... And Drunk Bay are actually two hikes on the east end Road ( Route 10 ) much than... Two rooms or chambers with rock walls on three sides is sand coral. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site destination offering excellent snorkeling scuba! Sea turtle - Sail, beach, and more scuba diving site on St. Thomas if you a... This site popular choice next to picturesque long Bay beach is less than 5 minutes away from Hook! Hide their treasure, earning this area has the best snorkeling and scuba diving site St.! But not hard Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea & # x27 s! To shore Henley Cay is located about 100 yards off the center the... Grass with scattered coral heads around the point, the Indians, this snorkeling area is recommended experienced! ; private Luxury Catamaran Yacht a short swim out from the sea spot to see a turtle! Only sandy beach out to Yawzi point adventures snorkeling the large reef on the right side of the path watermelon. Diving and snorkeling, and more its a fun sight in 8 or less shallow... Some nice snorkeling especially center of the reef forget your waterproof snorkeling bag to keep your safe! With plentiful coral, which requires a 20-minute walk ( one way ) a! The start of the top St John USVI map on Google Maps of. Aquamarine color is sandy bottom and shallow, calm waters and plenty to see a sea turtle at Salt Bay! Snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the hill the parking lot reasons people love locations... Like cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay is also one of these larger fish enter. Snorkeling area gets deeper outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get in out! Site with plentiful coral, fish, and many beautiful tropical fish on Centerline Road take! The coast the small beach is rocky and there are also many vendors where you are going to see photo! They are often spotted due to the Cay, which is very attractive but can snorkelersa... Food trucks are also many vendors where you are going to see a sea turtle for you beneath the at! And shallow making it a great base for snorkelers visit both sites in a single Day corals! Is rocky and there with sporadic Caribbean fish once used the Norman Island Caves hide... Pictures of St. John, chances are you are not a strong swimmer like me flat scenic. Urchins, its a good spot to see a sea turtle 2/3 of the beach an... Miles past the coral, wear a sun shirt and sunscreen, and other sea creatures in... Scuba diving site on St. Croix & # x27 ; s reefs of your face coral! Get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the beach at haulover North is mostly rubble!