I'd suggest Salt Pond, this way you would see a lot of the island.

You can visit all witihn a day easy. Wes is correct that Salt Pond is a good spot. Don't stay along shore but work your way along the western side. Since you have gone that far and have the 4x4, continue west to Lameshur Bays. Again, work your way along the western shoreline in Little Lameshur and if you get adventerous, into Europa Bay further west. We had great success with rays, turtles, squid and octupus.
You do not need a 4x4 to reach Waterlemon Cay as you park on the road and walk ~ 0.75 mile along the shoreline. Here we saw hundreds of starfish.
Finally, don't overlook Francis Bay and Whistling Cay (just off Francis Bay). Turtles, barracuda, and more.

Here are my favorite beaches in order.

1.) Jumbie - Great Snorkle, beautiful beach. Private.

2.) Little Lameshur - Great Snorkle. Don't go for the beach.

3.) Waterlemon Cay - Not to be missed snorkle. Very cool to listen to the Parrotfish.

4.) Coki Beach, St. Thomas. Best beach for kids. Tame fish. Beautiful area. Eclectic, cosmopolitan crowd.

5.) Trunk Bay - go after the cruise ship passengers leave and this one is not to be missed. Stunningly beautiful.

6.) Hawksnest/Gibney. A couple of the prettiest beaches I've ever seen. Fair snorkling.

7.) Maho - Intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic. I didn't find a thing when I snorkled.

thanks...when is the best time for trunk...we went in december and it was PACKED with people....

Hello Ginger,

Early in the morning or in the afternoon or when there aren't any or many ships in port.

--Islander

We got there around 8:30 AM and left ~ 9:30 when the 'crowds' started to arrive. We then stopped back in after 4:30 PM (crowds return to STT) on the return leg but found the snorkeling to be not as enjoyable. Not sure if the crowds had anything to do with it but it seemed 'worn out'.
However, the beach does take on a completly different appearance toward dusk and well worth the visit if not relying on snorkeling.

I'd also recommend Salt Pond Bay; it's some of the best snorkling I've done. I've been many times and have seen sea turtles, octopus, and eel. Also never more than a handful of people, but I'm sure it varies with the time of year. The beach is nice in a rustic sort of way.

Favorite Places

1. Gibney

2. Hawksnest

3. Cinnamon

4. Maho

5. Salt Pond

6. Honeymoon

7. Trunk

8. The Beach Bar - Great place to watch the sunset and have a few Sam Adams

We always go in Sept/October so it's never really packed. Love this island, been 7 times so far.

Where is the Beach Bar?

Hello Gov,

Its beach side in Cruz Bay, by Wharfside Village shops.

Here you go:

http://www.beachbarstjohn.com/

--Islander

Oh, is that the place fairly close to the ferry? I think I've had a frosty beverage there before. I'll be sure to stop in again when i'm there next week!!!

Thanks again!

Waterlemon, no doubt--my favorite day.
Leinster Bay--you're already there for Waterlemon...
Little Lameshur--we snorkled in rain, recommend. the sensation has few equals