You did it!
You finally did it – you booked the flight and your unbelievable vacation rental on the island St. John.
Though it’s the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, you probably picked this Caribbean vacation destination because it’s known for some of the best snorkeling beaches. Like other islands in the Caribbean it also offers crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
But did you know most of St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park?
This means most of the island is protected and managed by the National Park Service which provides better snorkeling for you. Here you can find incredible sea life like green sea turtles, eagle rays, parrot fish, angel fish, brain corals, blue tangs, and more!
Trunk Bay
One of the most popular sites for snorkeling, Trunk Bay is known for its snorkel trail. The 650ft trail runs along Trunk Cay, and has snorkel stops with markers along the trail providing details on what you might see while you’re in the water. The shallow water (8-15ft) along the trail means you’ll be able to free dive to get a closer look at the coral reef and tropical fish.
The entry fee is $5 per person, so be sure to bring your credit card or cash. The parking lot can fill up quickly, visit early for a morning snorkel. You’ll also want reef-safe sunscreen, or a sun shirt, if you plan to stay at the beach all day (which, you know you’ll do). This location has a beach bar and snack shack, so be sure to grab a fabulous rum punch before you head out.
Francis Bay
Francis Bay Beach is the perfect escape for a quiet snorkel adventure – but no less exciting than other locations. To get to the beautiful beach you can take an easy, short hike along the Francis Bay Trail – which is about a 10 minute walk. There are a few parking spaces at the trailhead, or if you arrive early enough you can find parking a shorter walk from the beach.
The Western end of the bay has a few hard and soft corals, and a few seagrass beds in the center of the bay where you can find sea turtles and rays. Keep in mind that sea turtles are threatened species, so remember to enjoy them from a distance.
Along the rocky shoreline at the western edge you’ll find sea urchins between the rocks, so watch where you step! You’ll also find schools of fish right off the beach, so you have access to marine life even in the shallow water.
This location has incredibly calm water, and is one of two locations where boats can anchor (more details below). This means when you need a break, you can set up some beach chairs in the center of the beach and admire the luxury catamarans that anchor in the Bay.
Cinnamon Bay
The longest beach on St. John, this means you’ll have tons of space to snorkel around! This is also a great location if it’s your first time snorkeling – if you don’t own your own snorkel gear, they offer snorkel rentals. This location also offers a snack bar and restaurant.
With hard and soft corals, you’re in the right place to spot some Caribbean reef fish. Swim over to Cinnamon Cay to enjoy some of the best snorkeling, as well as to the eastern end of Cinnamon Beach for more marine life around the reef.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, slip your flip flops back on and walk along the shoreline (and a bit through the woods) to Little Cinnamon Beach to check out the small plane wreckage. It’s roughly 20 yards off the rocks when you reach Little Cinnamon Beach. Just remember to look, but not touch, this piece of history.
Waterlemon Cay
NOTE: there can be strong currents at this location, so ALWAYS snorkel with a buddy, and if you do get caught in the current, remember to swim at an angle as you approach the shore – not directly into the current.
Located in Leinster Bay, Waterlemon Cay is THE top snorkeling spot on St. John.
You’ll park near the Annaberg Sugar Plantation (and check this out after your snorkel), or along the road if parking spaces are filled (just don’t block the road!). From here, you’ll hike on a paved path along Leinster Bay, past the Lower Estate Leinster Bay Ruins (approximately 1 mile). Once you reach the Y path, take the left path to reach the beach (right will take you to the Old Danish Guardhouse ruins). From the beach, you can swim out to Waterlemon Cay. If you prefer a shorter swim, keep walking to the cobble beach and swim to Waterlemon Cay from there.
Around Watermelon Cay you’ll find incredible marine life – multiple hard and soft coral species, as well as lots of surprises in the seagrass beds like sea turtles, rays, Queen Conch, and more. Head to the south side to see Cushion Starfish in the white sand past the seagrasses.
Charters
Coming with a group and want to experience a private charter for a half day in the best snorkeling destinations? Check out Salty Daze Charter for all of your snorkeling charter needs. You’ll have the best time with this crew! I’ve done the morning snorkel, which you can choose to end with lunch at Lime Out, the floating taco bar. Trust me – you don’t want to miss this.
Need a Map?
While there are over a dozen stunning white beaches on St. John, below are some of the best snorkeling spots on St. John. For details on a location, check out the interactive map below.
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park is run by the National Park Service – the park’s purpose is to protect the incredible beauty St. John has to offer. Over 40% of the national park is under water – including the coral reefs you’ll be searching for. If you’re coming to the island by private vessel, it’s important to know there are only two locations you can anchor within the park – off of Francis Bay and Lind Point.
Remember that St. John was impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, so if you visited St. John before 2017, be patient while the beautiful marine life makes a comeback.
Want to learn more about the park? Visit the National Park Service’s interactive map for Visitor Use Information. This map shows you where you can anchor, snorkeling locations, fee pay stations, and more.