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.