BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
ENJOY a week luxuriating at some of the most beautiful beaches of the world where you can snorkel! Who doesn’t like that idea? Here is a guide to what I think are the BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS! The bluest, cleanest, salt water ocean glistening with the sparkle of the sunshine can be found here. If you are so lucky to visit this island paradise, GO! This island will not disappoint! The stunning views from the elevation down to the shorelines provide a different perspective around each turn as you drive on the left through these rustic, narrowly paved, carved into the mountain roads. Each beach provides a unique experience filled with rich history and gorgeous swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Are you a snorkeling enthusiast? Nothing is better than a luxurious beach where you can grab your snorkel gear and cool off from soaking up rays to cool down with an investigatory snorkel through beautiful coral gardens right off the shore! Saint John, USVI provides many of these opportunities!
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My husband and I have been very fortunate to explore many interesting Caribbean/West Indie locations. We are drawn by the beauty of these paradise themed islands. A gentle breeze to keep the overwhelming heat at bay is necessary, of course, when we determine our visit locations. Nature’s beauty draws us every time though… The beauty of each area in the Caribbean is vastly different, but one constant always present while exploring are the gorgeous beaches filled with snorkeling opportunities. Saint John’s is top of our list for one of the most beautiful places to soak up the rays and snorkel! My pick of the BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS are listed below!
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“When you’re underwater with goggles on, a couple of your senses are taken away, and it becomes this purely visual thing. It’s just you and yourself.” – Mark Foster
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#1 WATERLEMON CAY
Is there any better way to spend your lazy vacation days than at a gorgeous beach snorkeling?
All along St John’s famous North shore lies the most amazing beaches to explore!
Waterlemon Cay is noted as the number 1 destination for snorkeling off the beach (after a brief swim) on St. John. It is beautiful! The calm tranquil crystal blue water will call your name to go explore with a swim or an offshore snorkel. Walk the beach here to enjoy a taste of the beauty of St. John Island immaculately handcrafted by God’s hand.
It is a bit of work to reach. Many were hiking out here to snorkel! It seems to be top on most people’s list to explore! Waterlemon Cay is on the eastern end of Leinster Bay. Follow the directions to Annaberg Plantation ruins then follow the ocean side trail leading away from the parking area all the way around the bay past the moored sailboats. The twenty minute hike is beautiful and flat along the shoreline. This area is protected from wind and waves making it a favorite for snorkelers.
Swim out towards the island where the sandbar becomes shallow again and cautiously determine whether you wish to circle the island based on the wind and waves on the backside of the island first.
WARNING! The currents on the backside of the island can be strong and dangerous pulling one out to sea! Be cautious.
“I’ve done it all, but mainly I’ve enjoyed studying fish and being underwater with them, being in their natural habitat, looking at the fish and the fish looking at me.” – Eugenie Clark
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#2 HAULOUT BAY NORTH BEACH
HAULOUT BAY NORTH BEACH is located on the East end of Saint John, USVI. Snorkeling is best along the western side of this bay where corals and sea fans grow in abundance very near to the waters edge! Much of the nicest corals are in 5′ to 20 feet of water with many large rock and coral outcroppings to explore. They are sharp so be careful, especially if the wind and waves are in full action.
How do you get to HAULOUT BAY BEACH NORTH? Walk the path near the roadside parking area for HAULOUT BAY SOUTH (more of a swimming beach here.) The walking path is short and will lead you over to HAULOUT BAY BEACH NORTH to snorkel. This is easy and provides nice relaxing snorkeling.
Do you snorkel? What age did you learn? Do you remain a snorkeling enthusiast sharing the underwater world with your family and friends? Where is your favorite place to snorkel?
“The world’s finest wilderness lies beneath the waves.” – Wyland
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#3 BROWN BAY
Brown Bay is a hike. Located just off East End Road (Route 10). Plan on approximately 30 minutes of hiking each way. It is downhill going. It is uphill leaving. The snorkeling here was the best experience we had on the island. WOW! The coral gardens were unbelievably gorgeous. The coral fans were very vibrant and beautiful. An abundant supply of fish and healthy coral gardens were provided. Plan to enjoy this secluded snorkel early to avoid the heat of the day on that return uphill trek back out!
This was a favorite snorkel here at Brown Bay!
The beach at Brown Bay is sandy and wind swept with plenty of shade along the narrow sand and pebble shoreline. The water is a mix of sandy bottom and sea grasses. It has a shallow entry. Waves are lightest early in the morning and on days when the wind is out of the south.
Snorkeling is best along the eastern side where the corals are exposed to a stronger current and deeper water.
“Everyone loves to fly, and flying underwater is even better than flying in air because there are things around you.” – Graham Young
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#4 MAHO BEACH
The North Shore Road is the place to explore several beaches! One of our favorite was Maho! You can park right next to the perfect spot to place your beach chair, easily. Bring along the cooler, the floaties, the paddle boards, the snorkel gear or whatever you want to indulge yourself with for the day here! It is a snap! Maho is known for the turtles that congregate here! Snorkeling just off shore provides turtle heaven! Everywhere you look, many, many turtles can be enjoyed in this underwater haven!
Out from the center of the beach, past the wonderful sandy beach bottom, large beds of sea grass shelter the sea turtles.
St. John, USVI is very ocean friendly with their sunscreen rules. The rules here are to protect you, coral, and marine life. Chemical sunscreens are prohibited. Mineral sunscreens are sold on the island. This ban prohibits the use of any sunscreen with the “toxic 3 Os,” including octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene. Just something to be mindful of when packing!
Plan an adventure!
To get you started with planning your sunny day snorkel adventure, please make a list of all the beaches that you’d like to explore with a snorkel. Work out an itinerary on the the most important exploration sites that interest you. Travel, explore, go!
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“Most photos are worth a thousand words. Underwater ones are worth at least a million.” – Stephen Frink
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#5 LAMESHUR BEACH
We drove the long drive out to the south shore of Saint John to Lameshur Beach for an enjoyable afternoon of lazing in the intense rays of the island and a cool down snorkel to investigate the ocean coral bottom. It is possible here! The road is very rugged, rutted, and narrow. A JEEP is a must to traverse these roads! The beach is well worth the effort though! It is a must see and a must to enjoy! The snorkeling here was very good. Great beach to snorkel!
This hidden gem lies at the end of the Bordeaux Mountain Trail over 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Reef Bay, Saint John. I am told the views on this hike are unimaginably over the top wonderful! While we did not attempt this rigorous hike, our hosts have completed the trek and highly recommended it along with the Ram Head Peak hike from Concordia past the salt pond beach and Blue Cobblestone Beach all the way to the point and back. Our trip focused more on snorkeling and exploring beaches.
“Be alone with the sea for it is there you will find answers to questions you didn’t realize exist.” – Khang Kijarro Nguyen
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#6 KIDDLE BAY BEACH
KIDDLE (also spelled KIDDEL) BAY BEACH is not sandy. It is a cobblestone beach located on the South Shore of Saint John. It has no facilities. It is a little rocky on the ocean floor, but good snorkeling along the western beach can be enjoyed. Salt Pond is located just behind the beach.
This amazing beach is calling your name to come soak up the rays, snorkel, and relax in the abundant Caribbean sunshine!
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“Being out there in the ocean, God’s creation, it’s like a gift he has given us to enjoy.” – Bethany Hamilton
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
#7 SOUTH HAULOVER BEACH – East End
We hiked the trail to North Haulover Beach to snorkel before crossing over to South Haulover Beach to relax, eat lunch, and soak up some rays. It is a very easy beach to enjoy! It is located on the drive to the East end. This area is well worth an explore! Everything here on Saint John is magnificent and truly a representation of God’s handiwork! What a blessing to have explored this island!
BEST SAINT JOHN USVI SNORKEL SPOTS
THE EAST END – FORTSBERG SHORELINE
We were out on the lanai of the house looking down at the ocean and wondered about the snorkeling below. An adventure was born and this is what was found!
The biggest lobster Galen had ever seen was the big find! WOW! What fun! Strong currents here! BEWARE! This location would not be an ideal snorkeling spot unless the bay is extremely calm. Choose wisely.
Once again we are reminded of the hand of God through His creation. The amazing undersea wonders are endless here. Choose to explore through snorkel for a great adventure AND daily choose a relationship with your Lord and Savior who created ALL. This is our prayer for you.
I look forward to hearing from you! What are your experiences with Caribbean snorkel beaches?
On this trip we took several moments to just sit still and soak in the time with family and build memories together. God has blessed us with the ability to be here together in these moments. We have been given the opportunity to take all of this wonder in and tuck in our hearts to examine and recall intermittently. God’s amazing gifts can be found wherever you travel and with whomever you share your time. Please be sure to stop and realize this in your explorations and hold this knowledge close to your hearts too! I hope you enjoyed reading about the SNORKEL SPOTS of Saint John, USVI!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in adventurous sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
18 Comments
Dana
This is amazing! We went to St. John’s years ago but we didn’t snorkel. It’s so gorgeous there. We spent most of our time at St. Thomas. I love all of the photos and videos of the best Snorkel spots!
Barbara Robinson
YES! We flew into St. Thomas then took the car ferry with our rental Jeep over to St. John’s for the week. It was such a lovely SNORKELING adventure! So glad this brought fond memories back to you!
Max Ethan
Thank you again for sharing another place to visit …these all look amazing
Barbara Robinson
Thank you! The snorkeling was outstanding!
Fransic verso
These seem fun places to visit and I love snorkeling and will save this list to visit them.
Barbara Robinson
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed reading!
Literally Laurie
What a breathtaking underwater world you share. Love, love the underwater photography. I haven’t snorkeled in some time but planning to on my next trip to St. Martin. Only thing, I need a prescription for my mask. Any advice?
Barbara Robinson
Yes! I just bought the highlighted mask, snorkel and fins that are shown in the advertisement on the blog post! They worked great! Give them a try. Click on the link in the blog post to shop!
Fern
Wow! What beautiful pictures and videos! I have never snorkled, but this post makes me want to!
Barbara Robinson
It is a whole different world under the water for sure! ENJOY!
Jeanine
I don’t snorkel but would love to try sometime especially around the islands…
Barbara Robinson
It is so peaceful and mesmerizing to listen to the sounds of the ocean and float around observing the colorful fish!
Valery
On my travel bucket list, it’s so stunning and there’s so much to do! I also love that passports aren’t necessary here! Thanks for putting this together!
Barbara Robinson
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed! What’s your #1 pick?
Joi White
I love your site! I’m a huge nature geek lol💕
Barbara Robinson
Thanks! Saint John’s is definitely worth exploring for us nature lovers!
Jane
The photos are gorgeous! Putting St. John on the list of places to visit.
Barbara Robinson
You will not be disappointed!