The Best Snorkeling on St. John, US Virgin Islands: A Complete Guide
Snorkeling in St. John, US Virgin Islands, is a must-do experience for any Caribbean traveler. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, St. John is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, including famous beaches like Trunk Bay and Maho Bay. You can find a wide range of snorkeling on your trip to St. John. Whether you prefer to go on a group tour, a private charter, or even just snorkeling right off the beach, you’ll definitely find some perfect snorkel spots in St. John!
In this blog, I’ll go over my top 2 favorite beaches for snorkeling on St. John, along with sharing some of the best snorkel tours to take when visiting the island. St. John is only a 15-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas so even if you’re only visiting St. John for a day, you’ll still be able to fit a few of these snorkel activities into your itinerary!
St. John is the smallest of the 3 major US Virgin Islands. Although small, the island is full of adventure with two-thirds of the island being made up by the Virgin Islands National Park! Virgin Islands National Park covers 5,500 acres of St. John. This makes St. John the perfect island for outdoor and adventure travel lovers!
As always, it is important to remember to respect the nature and wildlife when snorkeling in St. John, but even more important here as all of the beaches are part of Virgin Islands National Park and are protected areas and this island is considered to be more “untouched” compared to other islands you may be used to visiting in the Caribbean!
In this complete St. John snorkeling guide you’ll find:
- The best snorkeling beaches in St. John
- Top-rated snorkel tours and boat charters
- Where to stay, when to visit & what to bring
- Tips for protecting the reefs and wildlife
- A St. John FAQ section
- My top travel tips based on real experience
An Overview of St. John
Before we dive into all the best snorkeling on St. John, lets go over everything you need to know before you visit this unique Caribbean island!
When is the best time to visit St. John?
December to April: Best time to visit for snorkeling (high season)
December through April is considered the high season in St. John and the rest of the Virgin Islands. During this time, youāll experience the best weather, with cooler temperatures around 80 degrees during the day, calm ocean conditions, and plenty of sunshine, which is ideal for beach days and snorkeling adventures. Keep in mind that this is the most popular time to visit St. John, so you can expect larger crowds, higher hotel prices, and busier beaches. However, if you’re planning a snorkeling-focused trip, this is truly the best time for visibility and marine life encounters.
Pros of visiting during high season:
- Ideal water visibility
- Comfortable 80Ā° temperatures
- Calm ocean conditions
- Best chance of seeing turtles & marine life
- Best time in St. John for snorkeling
Cons of visiting during high season:
- Higher hotel prices
- Busier beaches
- Tours booking out early
June – November: Low Season
June through November is the Caribbean hurricane season, so it is generally best to avoid travel during these months. That said, if youāre willing to take the risk, this time of year often comes with lower prices on flights, hotels, and tours. Travelers visiting St. John in the off-season may also enjoy quieter beaches and more availability at popular snorkeling spots.
Pros of visiting during low season:
- Fewer crowds
- Warm weather
- Good visibility
- Some summer storms possible
Cons of visiting during low season:
- Lowest prices
- Quietest beaches
- Higher risk of storms
Where is the best place to stay in St. John?
The most popular hotel to stay at on St. John is The Westin St. John Resort. This is a luxury resort on St. John so it is on the pricier side however, most accommodations on St. John do tend to be more expensive, especially in the high season!
My favorite way to book luxury hotels for less is through credit card points! My favorite credit cards for booking hotels are the Chase Sapphire and Capital One Venture cards!
If you’re looking for a more affordable option for places to stay on St. John, Cinnamon Bay is a popular beach on the island that is also a campground! They have cabins available for rent here at a more affordable cost.
Do I need to rent a car while visiting St. John?
Pros to renting a car:
- Why renting a car is worth it:
- Taxis get expensive fast
- Youāll access remote snorkel spots
- No waiting for rides
- Perfect for multi-beach days
Renting a car on St. John is highly recommended if you want to explore the island at your own pace. While taxis are available, renting a car gives you easy access to the best snorkeling spots in St. John, including remote beaches, scenic overlooks, and hidden coves that taxis donāt always have access to. The cost of taxis can add up quickly, especially if you plan to visit multiple beaches in one day. Having your own vehicle allows you to create a flexible itinerary, avoid waiting for transportation, and reach off-the-beaten-path areas that make St. John such a unique destination, especially if you’re planning to snorkel at more remote beaches. For travelers hoping to experience all the top snorkeling locations on the island, a rental car is often the most convenient and cost-effective option.
If you do decide to rent a car, you can pick it up directly at the St. Thomas airport and take the car ferry over to St. John. The car ferry runs daily from Red Hook in St. Thomas to Cruz Bay in St. John and costs around $65 round trip per car. This option makes it easy to start exploring as soon as you arrive in the US Virgin Islands!
Should You Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear to St. John?
Again, it depends! If you’re taking a snorkel tour, they will have snorkel gear you can use on the boat. A lot of the popular beaches that have amenities will also have snorkel gear available for rent at the visitor center.
For me personally, I never travel to a beach destination without my own snorkel gear! I usually borrow fins from the tour company when taking a tour but always prefer to have my own mask and snorkel.
THIS snorkel set from Amazon is my favorite and the one I always have in my suitcase!
More US Virgin Islands Guides:
- Things to do on St. Thomas
- Best beaches in the US Virgin Islands
- How to plan the perfect US Virgin Islands Vacation
- Ultimate Guide to the #1 Beach in The World: Trunk Bay
Now, lets talk about the best snorkeling in St. John!
Top Beaches for Snorkeling in St. John, US Virgin Islands St. John
If you are looking to snorkel right off the beach in St. John instead of going out on a group tour, there are two main beaches that I would recommend. There are tons of beaches on St. John, and you’re sure to have a great time snorkeling on all of them, however, these are the top two that I would recommend to give you the best snorkeling experience at your own pace!
1. Trunk Bay
The absolute best beach and snorkeling spot on St. John is going to be Trunk Bay! This is a stunning beach with views of the Virgin Islands and has crystal clear blue waters.
Trunk Bay, rated the number one beach in the world for 2024, is one of the most popular snorkeling beaches in St. John. Its clear waters and diverse marine life make it perfect for snorkeling in the US Virgin Islands. The beach is long with room to spread out, but it does get very crowded due to its popularity. There is a $5 entrance fee to enter the beach.
I recommend coming early to Trunk Bay because parking in the parking lot is limited and fills up quickly around 8 AM, especially if you are visiting during the high season.
Trunk Bay has great amenities available such as a gift shop, coffee, bar, and restaurant. There are also beach chairs and snorkel gear available for rent.
The most unique thing about Trunk Bay that makes it the best St. John snorkel spot is that there is an underwater snorkeling trail! The trail is 650 feet long and is marked with underwater signs that teach all about the coral and marine life at Trunk Bay! The best time for snorkeling is the afternoon when the sun is high and makes the water clear.
Why Trunk Bay Has the Best Snorkeling
ā Incredibly clear water
ā Colorful coral gardens
ā Tons of tropical reef fish
ā A unique 650-foot underwater trail with educational signs
ā Easy-to-follow route for beginners
Know Before You Go
- $5 entrance fee
- Arrive by 8 AM (parking fills fast)
- On-site amenities: restrooms, lifeguards, chair rentals, snorkel rentals, food & drinks
2. Maho Bay
One of the other best St. John snorkeling spots is Maho Bay. This ended up being my personal favorite of all the bays in St. John!
Maho Bay is close to Trunk Bay, just a few minutes away by car or taxi. Maho Bay is smaller than Trunk Bay and has very limited parking. There is also a beach bar area with food and games right across the street!
I loved Maho Bay because of how lush and tropical this beach was. The view from the lookout on your way down the road to the beach is something you definitely don’t want to miss!
Maho Bay is a turtle nesting area. This makes it a popular snorkeling spot on St. John because you are likely to see some turtles here while snorkeling right off the beach! If you do come across a sea turtle make sure to keep your distance, allow them to have space, and NEVER touch the turtles! Sea turtles will not come up for air if they are being chased or have someone swimming directly over them, this is why it is important to enjoy them from a distance.
What Makes Maho Bay Special
ā One of the top turtle nesting + feeding areas
ā Great for beginners and families
ā Tropical coastline with lush scenery
ā Beach bar, rentals, & parking across the street
Pro-Tip: In efforts to protect the reefs and marine life on St. John, it is illegal to wear anything other than mineral-based reef reef-safe sunscreen. THIS mineral sunscreen from Sun Bum is one of my favorite reef-safe sunscreens. I also love THIS ONE from Blue Lizard!
3. Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is another popular snorkeling destination on St. John, and itās often considered one of the top places to see marine life on the island. Waterlemon Cay is especially popular for snorkeling because itās surrounded by a vibrant coral reef filled with colorful fish, sea stars, and sometimes even sea turtles. The water here is typically very clear, making it the perfect spot for underwater photography and for spotting marine life that you may not see at the more crowded beaches like Trunk Bay.
To access Waterlemon Cay, you will drive the North Shore Road and go past Maho Bay. Once you arrive, youāll hike the scenic Leinster Bay Trail, which runs along the water and offers beautiful views the entire way. From the beach, you will swim out to the reef for snorkeling, and the cay itself sits just offshore. This trail-and-snorkel combo makes Waterlemon Cay perfect for anyone looking for a more adventurous snorkeling experience on St. John.
The area is rocky, and you may even encounter some sea urchins in the shallow sections, so I highly recommend packing a pair of water shoes!
Why Snorkel Here
ā Some of the clearest water on the island
ā Colorful reef + sea stars
ā Chance of turtles and rays
ā Amazing underwater photography
How to Get There
- Drive past Maho Bay on North Shore Road
- Park at Leinster Bay
- Hike the Leinster Bay Trail (~20 min)
- Swim out to the cay
4. Salt Pond Bay
Salt Pond Bay is a stunning beach on St. John located within the Virgin Islands National Park, and itās one of the best beaches for snorkeling on the island. This beautiful bay is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for travelers looking to escape the more crowded North Shore beaches. Salt Pond is a secluded white-sand beach that requires a short hike to reach, but the extra effort is well worth it for the views and amazing snorkeling conditions. One of the best features of this area is the inland salt pond near the beach, which is where Salt Pond Bay gets its name and adds to the natural beauty of this unique beach!
Salt Pond Bay is a fantastic place to see marine life thanks to the thriving grass beds just offshore. These grass beds attract sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of other tropical fish, offering snorkelers a high chance of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. If youāre lucky enough to see turtles or rays while snorkeling, remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid touching, chasing, or feeding them so the reef and it’s animals remain healthy and protected!
Salt Pond Bay Highlights
- Calm, shallow, clear water
- Seagrass beds full of turtles & rays
- Peaceful atmosphere
- A short, scenic hike to the beach
5. Honeymoon Beach
Lastly, we have Honeymoon Beach, which is another one of the most popular beaches on St. John and a top spot for snorkeling in the US Virgin Islands. Honeymoon Beach is one of the seven beautiful beaches located within Caneel Bay, an area known for its white, sandy coastline and calm, turquoise water. This beach is easily accessible by hiking the Lind Point Trailhead, which offers scenic views of the bay along the way, or by taking a quick boat ride from Cruz Bay which is perfect for travelers who want a convenient beach day or are coming to St. John for the day from St. Thomas.
Honeymoon Beach has shallow, clear water and powdery white sand, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The calm conditions create great visibility, allowing you to spot tropical fish, rays, and even the occasional sea turtle. Itās also located near Salomon Bay, another popular snorkeling spot on St. John, so you can easily visit both beaches in one trip. The combination of soft sand, great amenities, and excellent marine life makes Honeymoon Beach a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best snorkeling on St. John.
Honeymoon Beach Highlights:
- Calm, shallow turquoise water
- Tons of colorful fish
- Easy access via Lind Point Trail or a quick boat ride
- Nearby Salomon Bay for a double-beach day
Top Snorkel Tours in St. John, US Virgin Islands
Are you looking to book a group snorkel tour on your trip to St. John or maybe even a private boat charter? St. John is famous for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and marine life, making it one of the top snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean. In this section of the blog, Iāll go over some of the best snorkel tours you can book on St. John, whether you want a relaxing half-day trip, a full-day adventure, or a private charter for a more personalized experience.
A few of my go-to websites when booking tours on my trips are TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator. These platforms make it easy to compare tours, read real traveler reviews, and find options that suit your schedule and budget. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season from December to April, as tours often sell out quickly. By reserving early, youāll make sure you have a spot on some of the best snorkeling tours in St. John and will be able to make the most of your trip to the island!
3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Price: $119 per person
This popular snorkel tour offers a unique experience, combining kayaking and snorkeling through the pristine waters of Virgin Islands National Park. Paddle along the coastline, then dive into crystal-clear waters to snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays along Caneel Bay, one of the best snorkel spots in St. John!
This tour has a 4.9-star rating and stops at Caneel Bay, where you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters off the white sand beach with sea turtles and stingrays! Your guide will teach you everything you need to know about the endangered sea turtles. The tour departs from Cruz Bay on St. John.
Snorkel, Pizza, and Sunset Cruise
Price: $120 per person
This snorkel cruise is rated 4.9 stars and is a great option for anyone looking for a snorkel tour AND a sunset cruise! This tour departs from both St. Thomas and St. John. It will depart from Red Hook in St. Thomas and Cruz Bay in St. John.
The tour will first take you snorkeling around Virgin Islands National Park. After snorkeling, you will get drinks from the bar and pizza from Pizza Pi which is a floating pizza restaurant on a boat in Christmas Cove off the coast of St. Thomas! After pizza and drinks there will be a sunset dance party onboard before heading back to St. Thomas and St. John.
St. John Full Day Lime Out Snorkel
Price: $179 per person
This snorkel tour was probably my favorite part of my trip to the Virgin Islands!
The tour departs from The Westin on St. John and starts the day with a continental breakfast onboard. After breakfast, you’ll stop for snorkeling at a coral reef. After your morning snorkel you will head over to Lime Out Vi which is a floating taco bar off the coast of St. John where you can hang out on the lily pads and have some drinks and tacos.
After lunch you will do some more snorkeling before heading back to St. John. There is also and open bar onboard during this tour!
On this tour, we saw many tropical fish, a sea turtle, and some other people in our group even saw a nurse shark!
Jost Van Dyke & Soggy Dollar Snorkel Tour
Cost: $299 per person
Want to take a day trip from St John to Jost Van Dyke? This snorkel tour leaves from The Westin St. John and takes you on a day trip to see the smallest of the British Virgin Islands! If you decide to take this tour, you will need a passport to get on the boat!
The tour includes a continental breakfast on the boat, snorkeling at the coral reefs near the island, and enjoying the white sand beach near the famous Soggy Dollar Beach Bar.
After snorkeling and enjoying the beach, there is an open bar onboard to enjoy on your way back over to St. John!
St. John Pizza Pi Snorkel Sail
Cost: $149 per person
Another pizza snorkel tour! This tour departs from The Westin St. John on a luxury catamaran and you’ll then spend the day snorkeling at all the best beaches and cays on St. John.
After snorkeling pizza will be delivered to the catamaran from Pizza Pi! There’s also an open bar and snack bar on the boat to enjoy in the afternoon.
FAQ
Which St John resorts offer the best beachfront accommodations?
The Westin in St John is the best beach hotel/resort on the island. The resort offers a private beach with views of Cruz Bay. There’s also an outdoor pool and bar and grill.
What are the fun activities to do in US Virgin Islands?
Aside from snorkeling, there are tons of activities to do in the US Virgin Islands! A few of the best things to do in the US Virgin Islands include exploring the world-class beaches, hiking in the US Virgin Islands National Park, and trying a world-famous banana daiquiri in St. Thomas.
Where is the best place to snorkel in the Caribbean?
Aside from St John and St Thomas, some of my favorite places to snorkel in the Caribbean are Belize and Aruba!
What is St John USVI known for?
St. John is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Trunk Bay, which was rated the best beach in the world for 2024. The island is famous for its pristine natural beauty, with over two-thirds of the island protected by the Virgin Islands National Park.
What to wear in St John USVI?
Pack for St. John the same way you would pack for any beach destination! Shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits are really all you need on this island! I always like to pack a few fun dresses to wear to dinners at night. Some other things that might come in handy on a trip to St. John are your snorkel gear, water shoes, hiking boots, and reef-safe sunscreen. I also highly recommend to bring bug spray and bug repellent bands especially if you are visiting Trunk Bay, this is where I got the most bug bites on my trip and will not forget it next time!
Are there sharks in St John USVI?
Yes! There are several shark species in St John and the US Virgin Islands! We even saw a nurse shark on our snorkel trip when we were snorkeling around Lovango Cay! Some other shark species you may encounter in the US Virgin Islands are Caribbean Reef Sharks, Great Hammerheads, Lemon Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks!
Conclusion
Snorkeling in St. John is truly an unforgettable experience and has some of the best snorkeling in the United States, whether youāre exploring colorful reefs right off the beach or joining one of the islandās fun snorkel tours. With protected national park waters, marine life, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, St. John is a favorite destination for adventure and ocean lovers.
No matter how you choose to explore St. John, floating alongside sea turtles in Maho Bay, following the underwater trail at Trunk Bay, or hopping aboard a boat for a full day of snorkeling and island fun, youāre guaranteed to find some of the best underwater adventures in the Caribbean!
While you are planning your trip, remember to pack your reef-safe sunscreen, respect the delicate marine environment, and give wildlife plenty of space so these reefs can continue to thrive and not end up hurting from the tourism coming to the islands.
I hope this travel guide helps you make the most of your time on one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. If youāre heading to St. John soon, get ready because some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is waiting for you!
As you enjoy the island, remember to:
- As you enjoy the island, remember to:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Give wildlife space
- Respect the protected national park environment
Don’t forget to Pin this post for future planning!
