As you head down a steep hill youll see a sign notifying you youre leaving the VINP. If you are planning a day at Trunk Bay, dont miss my article below! The western side of the cay is better protected from waves and wind. Not far from Norman Island lies a group of uninhabited rocky islets rising from the sea. Healthy elkhorn coral is found at most of USVI's reefs. A small island can be seen in the middle of the water near Trunk Bay Beach. Look under ledges and in holes to see lobsters, eels, and small fish seeking protection in their little hiding places. Ready to check out the best sites in Cruz Bay for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Cane Bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site on St. Croix's north shore. To get there, take a taxi shuttle from Cruz Bay with Virgin Islands Ecotours or hike a gorgeous one-mile section of the Lind Point Trail, which takes around 30 minutes. Your email address will not be published. Off-the-beaten-path location with a beautiful beach, food and some of the best snorkeling. To reach Waterlemon Bay, which has two great snorkeling locations, take the Leinster Bay Trail, beginning at the parking area for the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. But the trip is well worth it. Keep an eye out for brain corals, seafans, gorgonians, Blue Bell Tunicate corals, and a large variety of tropical fish including French Angelfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Puddingwife Wrasse, Blueheaded Wrasse, Jeweled Damsels, Queen Triggerfish, Blue Runners and Beau Gregory Damsels. The Caves are accessible only by boat, so youll need to book a private charter or guided tour or visit with your own vessel. On the north side of the point, there is asmall cave with an exit to the surface. The snorkeling in St John USVI surprised me. Trunk Bay I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain. Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Here are our family's votes for the best snorkeling beaches on St. John. This beach was part of our hike to Ram Head. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation nearby. Despite the fact that Salomon is the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay, it remains a private island paradise, as its accessible only by trail. The grass environment attracts rays, green turtles, starfish, and conch. The name says it all out of the way; but has a small water sports shack! Make sure to choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that doesnt contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals known to harm coral reefs and sea creatures.3 In addition to protecting marine life, youll also be following the law - the US Virgin Islands has banned the use of these reef toxic sunscreens.4. I would strongly consider wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins. Trunk Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. 1. The reef rises up close to the surface near the shore and then slopes down to a depth of about thirty feet. Read on to find all the details of each snorkeling spot we visited. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Virgin Islands. Large sea fans and gorgonians waving in the current surrounded by mustard corals and brain coral and fire corals. Hansen Bay The tropical inn is nestled among 18th-century Danish plantation ruins, overlooks Cruz Bay, and is just a short walk away from fantastic snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach and Caneel Bay. Neltjeberg Bay lies on the far side of a thick tangle of bush - including wild-growing pineapple and guava - to the west of the more accessible Dorothea Beach. You can enter the water at the rock beach at the end of the trail. Trunk Bay Beach is worth it for the swimming but not the snorkeling! Snorkelers can encounter intricate coral formations and lots of marine life, with different varieties arriving at different times of the day. Weve selected eight of the best snorkeling sites and have included some tips to help you plan your snorkeling adventure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Enriching Pursuits. We also saw a few stingrays. The snorkeling, however, is dramatic, with ledges, walls, and nooks to explore. Parking: Paid parking lot ($5) and roadside parking. The NPS actually has a great map showing where the reefs are along the beaches. Parking spots fill up quickly, so get there early! After a morning snorkel, visit Vies Snack Shack and pay the nominal fee she charges to access the sandy beach next to Hansen. Its best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility. When youve had your fill of music, stuffed French toast, and spicy Bloody Marys, head to Lameshur Beach. If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay. The trail eventually cuts inland over a few hills before it dumps you onto Blue Cobblestone Beach. Every now and then, one of these larger fish will enter to feed, moving quickly into the glittery mass. As you continue north around the point, you will start to seeunderwater channels known as spur and groove systems, and thefringing reef along the rocky coast gets larger, deeper, and morecolorful. This little beach gets LOTS OF SUN and doesn't afford much protection. We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. French Angelfish at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St John USVI, French grunt at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI, Squid family at Waterlemon Cay, St John USVI. A couple of beach shacks sell drinks and snacks and rent stand up paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear, but there are no restrooms or other amenities. 2023 SeeStJohn.com | Sombrero Publishing Company PO Box 1031, St. John, VI 00831 |, Whether you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. Be prepared for a more difficult return to the beach, as you will be going against the chop and the current. Outdoor Activities Nature and Wildlife Tours On the Ground On the Water Boat Rentals Kayaking Tours Sailing Private charters are a great way to see numerous islands and snorkel in diverse places in a single day. Before our trip, I researched a ton trying to find all the top St John snorkeling spots. Cinnamon Bay is known for its dramatic rock crevices that feature a wide variety of colorful corals. The Top 8 Beaches in St. John 1. Coral Bay, St. John USVI - A Snorkeling Paradise By Terri Clemmons Concordia Cafe Open Mic Night on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 on the East End. Vibrant coral at Francis Bay in St John USVI, Snorkeling with turtles at Francis Bay in St John USVI. The island boasts over 3 dozen beaches to choose from and discover. Another one of the best spots for snorkeling in St. John is Salomon Bay. We have seen everything from squid to barracuda to stingrays to various small tropical fish in this bay. 5 Best Ways to Explore Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay, St. John. But its a fun sight in 8 or less of shallow water. If youre looking for a more eco-friendly option, active travelers love this three-hour multisport tour featuring snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking in Virgin Islands National Park. 2022 adagio digital arts. The oceanfront boutique resort provides a luxurious yet laid-back experience with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, sailing, surfing, and paddle boarding. Terri Clemmons photos. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. Looking for the best St. John snorkeling spots?? At the seaward edge of this reef is a channel of sandabout ten yards wide that separates the fringing reef from aneighboring patch reef farther offshore. Green turtles, stingrays, and conch can be seen over the grassy areas, which make up most of the central portion of the bay. Honeymoon Beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island as once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017 along with crystal blue waters, white sands, along with a snack shack ( Parking was plentiful, and we had no problem finding a space. A few with the closest to shore are Hawksnest, Trunk (right side of the shore and around the cay) and Salt Pond. You will almost certainly see parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, damselfish, and schools of blue tang, along with a vast assortment of invertebrates such as sponges and plume worms. Most of the reef lies in calm shallow water, with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. This healthy reef community supports a diverse and tropical fish population,including grazing blue tang andfast swimming predators such as yellowtailsnapper, blue runners, barracuda, and tarpon. I like to wear dive booties with my snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection. The beach is rocky and there are often spiny sea urchins lurking in the shallow water at the shore, so step carefully. The road heads west andgoes up and then down a steep hill. I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds. The water is shallow at first, and the bottom is made up of small rocks and coral rubble. Salt Pond - Can get a bit crowded but offers . Enter the water over a shallow area of coral rubble. We would like to snorkel off the beach and not have to go out in a boat. The water is a bit rougher since it can get quite choppy with high currents and waves since the winds around the area are strong. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas. Love my. The snorkeling is great along the reef on the left side (as you face the water). The protected bay has calm, clear waters with ample opportunities to view parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, angelfish, barracuda, and porcupine puffers. Its closer to the beach and smaller than the more extensive reef on the other side of the bay. After you park, walk a few minutes along a path right to the beach. This is where youll likely see large orange and yellow cushion starfish. Snorkeling in the center of the bay can also be a worthwhile experience. Trunk Bay Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail and a lifeguards. The worst is when a snorkelers fins hit you in the face because of their lack of awareness of what is around them. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! We will be in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island, creating a rich marine ecosystem home to many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. That aforementioned place is also one of the best spots for buying souvenirs because of the beach shop there. Soft white sand, shallow water entry, beautiful aqua blue water, snorkeling and watersports make it the perfect St John beach destination! Beaches By Harlaxton7 Great snorkeling with lobster, tarpon, squid, sea turtles and a beautiful beach, great place at sunset. Bring a dive light if you want to explore deeper into any of the caves, as it can get quite dark. St John has no airport. The buoys are hard to miss. On the Beehive Cove side of the point, the water gets deeper. Great to know. Park near the big tamarindtree at the entrance to this large cobblestone beach. If you try to park there, you will be trespassing across private property to get to the beach. You will have to walk over the pebbly beach and avoid the sporadic sea urchins as you launch off into the water. Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person. Its possible to visit both sites in a single day. A good plan is to snorkel west (to the left) over the shallow portion of the reef first and then return along the deeper reef edge. While the name might imply that its only for lovers, Honeymoon Beach is a great beach for couples and families. Trunk Bay Beach - One of the Globe's Best Description. Located on St Johns East End at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park youll find this snorkelers bucket-list worthy location. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with beautiful cup corals and sponges. The local museum brings the best elements that can show you the history of the place. My mask would fog, and I would get a bunch of water in my snorkel. This is a considerable distance also, so pace yourself, or to decrease the distance, take the Ram Head Trail to the beach and snorkel towards Salt Pond Bay. Alternatively, there is limited parking right along the road itself. Families will love the convenience of unloading cooler, chairs, snorkel gear and kids floaties! Maho is the best bay on St. John for observing the inhabitants of this important environment, including rays, conch, and starfish, in a calm environment. Be prepared for a bumpy ride to Grootpan! Some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found along the rocky outcroppings on both sides of the bay, especially to the left, where angelfish, tang, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda swim through the corals. Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry. For some reason, this beautiful beach always rewards me with something exciting. If you are still in the planning phase and want to know what are the best places to stay near some of these top snorkeling spots, do not miss my article below! There are also some patches of reef on both sides of the bay, but the right side of the beach (as you face the water) is supposed to be slightly better and better suited for advanced snorkelers. Unfortunately, I have not seen any without signs of coral bleaching, as evidenced by the white areas on the coral, so enjoy it while you can. But the snorkeling is some of the best on the island. Like The Caves, The Indians are accessible only by boat. Youre likely to have this Caribbean paradise all to yourself as you snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters. It is located off of East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right. Reply Subscribe . Located on St. Thomass East End, Secret Harbor offers snorkeling conditions similar to those at Coki Beach but is quieter, less crowded, and more secluded. Entrance: Free. In fact, its so beautiful that cruise ship visitors to St Thomas will make the trek by taxi and ferry and taxi to spend a few hours enjoying everything that makes Trunk Bay famous! If you are looking to piece together all that St John has to offer, check out my ultimate itinerary below. Soft starfish, red sea urchins, and bristle worms can be seen under the rocks in shallow areas. After you hike the dirt path to Salt Pond Bay Beach, walk all the way to the far left of Salt Pond Bay Beach and follow the trail along the shoreline. In some areas, exquisite corals and sponges of every color imaginable encrust the underwater rock faces. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. These are some of the best places to snorkel in St. John, USVI. Theres plenty of parking. Distance: 1.1 miles out and back; Approx. Where to snorkel at Trunk Bay Beach. Shutterstock This white sand beach, home to Pineapple Beach Club resort, has some of the best snorkeling on the east side of Antigua. In addition to snorkeling, swimming, and diving, visitors can hike along the islands scenic walking trails or relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. Along the reef edge on the underwater hillside are gardens of sea fans and other gorgonians, such as sea rods, sea plumes, dead mans fingers, and sea whips. Whether youre visiting the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, there are plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots to choose from. Youll also find bathrooms, RainTree Caf, watersports rentals and a souvenir shop. Trunk Bay Beach. Trunk Bay Beach is popular for its clear waters, soft white sand, and views that make it one of the most beautiful beaches in St John. Brown Bay. You can relax in a hammock on the white sand beach and snorkel close to shore or rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards and paddle to nearby Caneel Bay Beach, Henley Cay, or Hawksnest Beach. This blog post contains affiliate links from Viator and TripAdvisor, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. Buck Island Reef Natural Features and Ecosystems. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/buis/learn/nature/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm. Where to Stay in St. John If you're not sailing in for the day from a cruise ship, consider staying in St. John for a holiday. There is also more current, so you need to be a strong swimmer. Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John, Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress. Entry into the water is easy. From the beach, you can see huge rock structures in the middle of the bay. Download an offline St. John USVI map on Google Maps ahead of time. 4. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity when visiting the island. Close up of sea turtle at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Yellowline arrow crab at Maho Bay in St John USVI, Beaugregory Damselfish at Maho Bay in St John looking right at me. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach in Virgin Islands National Park, often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world. A Bonnier LLC Company. Even if you're seeking a beach day, this is a phenomenal choice. Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. Five miles east of Cruz Bay lies Mahos blissful sheltered bay. Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. The water is sandy bottom and shallow making it a great spot for younger kids and parents with floats. If youre lucky, you might also catch sight of some sea turtles. Once you pass Concordia, the road will turn sharply right and the dirt parking lot will be on the left. The dominant species of coral found in the shallow top reef are colonies of star and boulder coral. However, if youre looking for a quiet getaway, Coki Beach is not it. Maho Bay offers a chance to swim with sea turtles. READ CURATED LIST OF BEST ST. JOHN VACATION RENTALS, READ 8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRUNK BAY, READ MY PERSONAL TRAVEL SNORKELING GEAR PICKS. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. Snorkel along the western shore toward the point and around the offshore rocks called the blinders. The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become. The Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. This hidden spot provides a relaxing atmosphere thats perfect for those seeking solitude. There's a $5 entrance fee but this beach has all of the amenities you could need including showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and gear rentals (snorkels and chairs). We enjoyed excellent snorkeling around this cay. It is also the best place on St. John for numerous water sport based St John activities such as windsurfing, kayak, sailboat, snorkel equipment, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Always snorkel with a buddy and never exceed your physical ability or experience. On busy days, it's best to take a taxi or bus. Site by Adagio Digital Arts | Powered by WordPress, Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Park at the gate, and hike down to this crescent of white sand. Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach. Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St John USVI. The best snorkeling area can be found as you approach Beehive Cove, as everything becomes more colorful. Start your adventures snorkeling the large reef on the left with its plentiful sea life, intriguing corals, and small shipwreck. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. Entry is not easy. St. John Virgin Islands: The Best Snorkeling and Top Beaches Francis Bay morning shade St. John, US Virgin Islands. Once youve crossed the Durloe Channel youll find a protected sandy cove on the western side of the cay. And just like other St John beaches youll find white sand, palm trees, seagrapes for shade and some good shallow water snorkeling. On the outskirts of these living clouds, in slightly deeper water, lurk predators, such as jacks, yellowtail snapper, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda as well some respectfully-sized tarpon and pompano. Snorkeling the waters of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things to do on St. John. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui, Its the Dawn of a New Day at Aurora Anguilla Golf Resort and Spa. With soft sand and a shallow entry, entry is easy and straight forward. The southern side of Haulover Bay, St John, lies just off the side of Route 10. There are bathrooms, grills and covered pavillion with picnic tables on the western end of the beach. My husband who has an amazing eagle eye even spotted a yellowline arrow crab. The Caneel Bay resort was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017 and has yet to be rebuilt. To help differentiate between all of the St John snorkeling spots, I have created a rating system to help you decide which ones to try out. Just off the center of the beach is a good spot to see a sea turtle. The area is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is rich with sea life. Fringed by coconut palms, full of gentle waves, easy to find, and full of coral reefs and other sea life, Maho is famous for a reason! The island of St John is best known as home to Virgin Islands National Park, beautiful beaches, long hiking trails, scrumptious food, and historical places.The coast around the island has been designated as Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, so snorkeling is one of the best activities and you can find great opportunities at any beach.. You can also go kayaking, boating, or explore . Here's our TOP PICKS for snorkeling on St John. 99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! St. John's Trunk Bay is unquestionably one of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. There are also many colorful spongesand various types of hard coral in this area. A closer look will reveal all sorts of beautiful and mysterious sea creatures that live in Francis Bay Beach, like small eels, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, brightly colored sponges, and gracefully swaying gorgonians such as the colorful sea fan. Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best on the eastern and western ends of the beach. This makes people coming from northern climates especially susceptible to the strong Caribbean sun. The best snorkeling is on the right side along the rocks as you face the water. This is yet another very accessible St John USVI beach. Shallow entry, calm waters and plenty to see close to shore. That is why you will get to see some of the best spots. We have all the details including the world famous north shore beaches- including maps! Henley Cay - Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John - requires kayak or charter. Sergeant major and school of French grunt fish at Cinnamon Bay in St John USVI. Whether youre heading to St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola, youre sure to find stunning places to enjoy this exciting underwater activity. THE TOP 10 St John Snorkeling (w/Prices) Home Things to do in US Virgin Islands Things to do in St John St John Tours Outdoor Activities On the Water Snorkeling Questions? Virgin Islands Ecotours: IT WAS THE BESSSSSTTTT BUY THIS PACKAGE DEF WORTH IT - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 519 candid photos, and great deals for St. Thomas, at Tripadvisor. Watermelon Cay occasionally has strong currents, making this option best for more experienced snorkelers and confident swimmers. Waterlemon Cay Its arguably the most beautiful beach on St John; if not all of the Caribbean! One of the highlights was seeing a shoal (family) of squid along the rocks on the right side. In fact, Maho is our #1 recommendation for anybody that wants a chance to swim with a sea turtle on St John. Check out my personal snorkeling gear picks below. Located on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbor Beach Resort offers prime snorkeling conditions right off of the hotel beach. If you attempt this swim, you will snorkel over seagrass beds where you may see some turtles, rays, and starfish. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline. Snorkeling in 5 to 15 of water youll discover beautiful rocky patch reefs covered in corals. The other option is to keep walking past the sandy beach to the far edge of the beach where the coastline becomes rocky again. Be aware that it is a somewhat long snorkel to reach the reef and that the sea is often choppy at times, causing waves to break over the rocks. A veritable octopuss garden dwells beneath the surface sheltering a parade of smiling, psychedelic parrotfish crunching away at the coral. Questions about the St John snorkeling sites we visited? 20-30 minutes. It's on the smaller side and is found near Trunk Bay Beach, which takes most of the tourists away from it. Snorkeling in Hurricane Hole is a MUST do on any trip to St. John. All rights reserved. From the Salt Pond Bay Parking lot, take the short trail downto the bay. Watch out for black spiny sea urchins hiding here. Since most people consider December to April the best time to travel to the Caribbean, many snorkelers visit the Virgin Islands during the North American winter. Can get a bit crowded but offers some nice snorkeling especially center of the bay. Cinnamon Bay is a lot like Trunk Bay with its beauty and amenities, but bigger and more spacious. July 25, 2019 With miles of natural coral reef, excellent visibility and a gentle coastline with access, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Visitors will argue about which one is their favorite. Lovango Resort & Beach Club: This newly opened. , Williams, Jeff and Ria OHagan. From there youll follow a narrow path about 100 yrds heading North East. Its also the only St John beach with a lifeguard . More info on Haulover North NOTE: Conditions at Haulover North depend on wind and waves. 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park [ VINP ]. According to local legends, pirates once used the Norman Island Caves to hide their treasure, earning this area the name Treasure Point. Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! Bay. This is a considerable distance also, so pace yourself, or to decrease the distance, take the Ram Head Trail to the beach and snorkel towards Salt Pond Bay. The Best of St. John Where to Stay Hale Lani: This four-bedroom villa in Maria Bluff has unobstructed sea views from every room. The water is mild and currents or strong waves are rare. Explore the beautiful coral reefs by following along the popular underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay Beach to discover the stunning, colourful reefs up-close. Salt Pond, located on the south eastern side of the island, is our next choice for snorkeling on St John. The eastern wall of the second room is encrusted with sponges and cup coral. As many visitors can attest, the reputation is well deserved. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Henley Cay Northwest of St John Island. You might also see Nurse sharks ( non threatening / shy ) and some gems like black and white geometric tunicates and blue encrusting coral. Known as The Indians, this area is a popular diving and snorkeling site with plentiful coral, fish, and other sea creatures. Because of its secluded location, Watermelon Cay rarely gets too crowded. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep! The fascinating rock formations are perfect for underwater exploration. Please read on to discover what snorkeling spots are worth it, and what are not. Because of the calm, shallow water, Smugglers Cove is a great snorkeling site for beginners. Entry is rocky and snorkelers should be aware of urchins. The rugged dirt road out to Lameshur will remind you of why you rented a jeep in the first place, but the beach is well worth it wide and sandy with plenty of shade. In the underwater grasslands just seaward of the reef, snorkelers are likely to come upon large green sea turtles, often accompanied by stuck-on remora or bar jacks that follow along just inches above the turtles back. Beginning in the parking area for Annaberg Plantation enjoy an almost 1.0 mi flat hike along Leinster Bay to reach Waterlemon Cay. The area often gets crowded and is known for being rowdy. Youll find directions to each location along with an informative snorkeling report, St John beach map and local tips so you can decide which spots are right for you; and where to stay on St John. Snorkeling at Maho Bay Beach is one of the reasons people love this locations. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach in St John USVI. You move effortlessly, unencumbered by gravity, and experience the wonderful and colorful world of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove lagoons that surround the Virgin Islands National Park. The thin yellow tentacles protruding from the small bright orange cups make the corals look like flowers. Ivette - Jul 21, 2018 - St John July 2018 We were in St John back in July of 2016 and the beauty of the island and reefs was wonderful. STJ has amazing offshore snorkeling. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly.