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Snorkeling in St. John, USVI
Discover the best places to snorkel in St. John, from sea turtles in calm bays to colorful reefs just offshore. Explore the best snorkeling beaches or head out by boat to discover even more.
Best Places to Snorkel in St. John
Some of the best snorkeling in St. John starts right from the beach. With much of the island protected by Virgin Islands National Park, you'll find clear bays, seagrass beds, rocky shorelines and coral habitat around the island.
The best spot depends on what you're hoping to see, how comfortable you are in the water and how much adventure you want getting there. Here are some of our favorite places to start.
01
Maho Bay
Best for: Sea Turtles • Beginners • Families
Maho Bay is one of St. John's most popular snorkeling spots, especially for visitors hoping to see sea turtles. Its generally calm, shallow water and easy beach access also make it approachable for families and newer snorkelers.
02
Trunk Bay
Best for: First-Time Visitors • Easy Access • Underwater Trail
Trunk Bay combines one of St. John's most famous beaches with easily accessible snorkeling. Swim out from shore to explore the underwater snorkeling trail and marine life around the cay.
03
Waterlemon Cay
Best for: Experienced Snorkelers • Reefs • Adventure
Waterlemon Cay rewards the extra effort it takes to get there. After hiking along the Leinster Bay Trail, snorkelers can explore the waters around the cay and surrounding reef habitat.
04
Salt Pond Bay
Best for: South Shore • Quieter Snorkeling • Exploring
Salt Pond Bay combines snorkeling with one of St. John's best south-shore adventures. Pair time in the water with the nearby Ram Head Trail for an easy way to turn it into a half-day outing.
05
Francis Bay
Best for: Families • Relaxed Snorkeling • North Shore
Francis Bay is a good choice when you want a more relaxed beach day with snorkeling mixed in. Explore along the shoreline, then settle in for a quieter day on the North Shore.
Want to Explore St. John by Boat?
Some of St. John's best days on the water go beyond what you can reach from the beach.
A snorkeling boat trip can take you to reefs, secluded bays and different parts of St. John while combining snorkeling with a day exploring the island from the water.
Featured Snorkeling Trips
Find Your Snorkel Spot
If you're looking for... | Start with... |
|---|---|
Sea turtles | Maho Bay |
First snorkeling experience | Trunk Bay |
Families with kids | Maho Bay or Francis Bay |
Coral & reef exploration | Haulover Bay |
A snorkeling + hiking day | Salt Pond Bay |
More adventure | Waterlemon Cay |
Easy North Shore access | Hawksnest Bay |
Snorkeling by boat | Snorkeling Trips |
St. John Snorkeling Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
Snorkeling FAQ
