Some of the best snorkeling on the U.S. Virgin Islands can be found at St. John. Swim over vast coral reefs or through a valley of sea grass, and cruise by sea turtles, star fish, and an array of tropical fish.

Snorkeling at Trunk Bay
North Shore, Route. 20, about 2½ mi east of Cruz Bay

Trunk Bay is one of the most famed beaches of the world. Trunk Bay has been named “Ten Best Beaches in The World” by Condé Nast Traveler and the “most beautiful beach in the world” by the National Geographic Society. Trunk Bay is one of the St. John’s most favored snorkeling locations due to its marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. This underwater trail is located a short distance of the shore at Trunk Cay. Here you can find fifteen underwater plaques that identify corals and fish that inhabit this cove. Snorkel above the 675-foot trail and spot the numerous Caribbean fish that call Trunk Bay home. The only bad news here is because of its popularity, it can get very crowded during popular travel times. So rise and shine and get up with the fish to see this amazing stretch of snorkeling paradise. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent on the beach, and you will be able to enjoy beach facilities that include showers, restrooms, changing rooms, public telephones, picnic tables, and a snack bar.

Snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay
Take the Leinster Baytrail to Waterlemon Bay.

Waterlemon Cay is a small island that lies just off the shore of the beach at Waterlemon Bay. The water along the shore is shallow, with the beach mostly a mix of sand and coral rubble. Put on your fins or get ready for a short swim as you coast through the clear waters on a short 0.2-mile snorkel to the fringing reef off Waterlemon Cay. On your swim to the island you’ll pass over plumbs of sea grass which provide a safe shelter for starfish, sea cucumbers, and green turtles.  On the south and east sides of Waterlemon Cay you will enjoy shallow water and coral reefs that are teeming with blue tang, parrot fish, star fish and sea cucumbers. Coast over to the west and north sides of the cay where you’ll find deeper waters, reach about twenty feet deep. On this side of Water Lemon Cay you’ll snorkel over several varieties of coral, colorful sea fans, and might even spot one of the three native sea turtles.

Snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay
Northshore, 4 miles from Cruz Bay on Route 20

Cinnamon Bay has a local Water Sports Center that rents out all the equipment you’ll need for your snorkeling adventure. Cinnamon Bay is a great location for both beginner and advanced snorkelers. If you’re new to snorkeling you should explore the eastern end of the beach where you’ll find coral formations and intricate rock formations that create safe homes for a variety of Caribbean fish.  More advanced snorkelers enjoy the short swim to Cinnamon Cay, a small island just off the shore. Cinnamon Cay is home to the remains of an old Cessna aircraft that crashed and sank years ago, and has now become home to an abundance of sea creatures. You can snorkel over this wreck in the shallow waters of  the eastern portion of the beach.

Snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay
South Shore, take route 107 heading south for 3.9 miles from Coral Bay

Salt Pond Bay has a small parking lot that is directly in front of the Salt Pond Bay Trail. This trail is a short 0.2 mile walk that leads you directly to this pristine beach. The best snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay can be found on the rocky eastern coastline of the beach. Snorkel off the right end of the beach to see massive boulders colonized by sponges and elk horn coral. These shallow waters are home to an abundance of sea grasses and fans, which make great hiding spots for star fish, sea cucumbers, and sea horses.

Other popular St. John Snorkeling locations: Hawknest Bay, Gibney Beach, Salomon Bay, Francis Bay, Watermelon Cay, Big Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Brown Bay.

St. John Beaches are some of the most pristine beaches for snorkeling in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cinnamon Bay

Cinnamon Bay is a local hot spot that offers a variety of water sports and pristine beach.  Cinnamon Bay Beach has a dive bar that promotes snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, volleyball, and camping. Dine at Tree Lizards restaurant or grab a snack at the local a snack bar. Since Cinnamon Bay borders a campground you are able to enjoy benefits like  lockers, restrooms, changing rooms, showers, telephones, picnic tables and barbecue grills. Visit the activities desk to embark on adventures like snorkeling,  SCUBA,  windsurfing lessons, day sails, cocktail cruises and National Park hiking.

Salomon Bay

Salomon Bay provides you with one of the most secluded beach destinations on St. Thomas. Due to the mile long hike to reach the beach, many tourists are warded away from this tropical paradise, thus providing you with a very private experience. Some of the best snorkeling on St. Thomas is found on the reefs between  Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Bays. Swim in the calm waters and keep a look out for shrimp, clams and crabs and several different varieties of fish that swim along this coast.

Honeymoon Bay

Enjoy a short scenic trail to Honeymoon Bay and relish in a private paradise. Honeymoon Bay is separated by Salomon Beach by a small rocky point of land. Find shade beneath the large maho trees or under the seagrape trees that line the beach. Like Salomon Bay you can enjoy some of the finest snorkeling in this secluded area. Lay out on the white sandy beaches or float in the calm Caribbean water of Honeymoon Bay.
Caneel Bay Beach

Caneel Bay is an internationally famed resort, and boasts several private beaches that are available to the public. Caneel Bay Beach is located in a private cove, surrounded by native Caribbean plants. This quiet cove is a premier location to spot hawksbill turtles. Enjoy snorkeling right off the shores, or bask in the sun on the wide stretch of white sandy beach. Over 15 different species of fish glide through the currents off the sandy shore. Visit the Water Sports Center and enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. Sip on a refreshing island beach at the Beach Bar located right along the water.

Hawknest Bay

Hawknest Bay is home to several sandy beaches. Take a short drive from Cruz Bay and park in the expansive lot that is walking distance to the beach. Enjoy snorkeling at either of the two coral banks that begin only a few feet from the sand.  These beaches offer a variety of areas in which you can snorkel and swim with grunt, goatfish and parrot fish. Bathroom and changing facilities are available on the beach. Pack a snack and eat under one of the two pavilions.

Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the US Virgin Islands. St. John Trunk Bay provides breath taking scenery and an array of activities. Swim along their underwater snorkeling trail, check out the water sports center, or grab a bite at the concession stand. Trunk day is packed with everything you’ll need for a full day at the beach. Trunk Bay also houses well kept changing and bathroom facilities, and keeps a lifeguards on duty during peak hours. Due to all of these extra amenities the National Park charges a small fee for entrance

Great Cruz Bay

The Great Cruz Bay Beach is located in front of the Westin Resort on the northern shore of St. John. The beach here has been recently renovated, providing you with an amble amount of coast and clear waters. The waters at Great Cruz Bay are generally calm since there are no sharp coral reefs. Although there is not much snorkeling here, this is a great beach for the family to swim safely in the calm waters. Grab a caribbean beach at the pool bar a short walk from the waves. The Westin Hotel supplies cabana chairs and lounges to hotel guests. A water sports center is located right on the beach for you to rent all types of water sports equipment. When you day is over head over to the local shops and dine at the Cruz Bay restaurants.