We did not snorkel there this trip, but the one before that we did. However we came by dinghy. I do not remember the snorkeling being exceptional. There was some neat rocks off the left side of the beach, but very little wildlife. The beach was great! Very quiet - I think we and another couple were the only ones there.

There are very few parking spaces for Jumbie and there is a path that takes you down there, but we have never walked it.

Jumbie is one of our favorite beaches and TomB is right there are only 4 parking spots so there are never too many people there. Years ago the snorkling was very good but for the past few years it's not very good. This beach can take a pounding when the winds come from the northeast and I suppose that's why the coral has been pretty beaten up. We love this beach in the morning because you catch the morning sun and it's so quite.

I have to chime in and say that Jumbie is one of our favorites when we are on island. It's very small, get there early and hope those before you parked tight so you can fit in as there is only room for about 4 or 5 cars/jeeps (I've seen 6 when everyone works together). The beach itself is extremely small but so worth the trip if you can get there. The morning sun is gorgeous, the snorkeling last year was great, we saw nurse sharks, stingrays, and schools of beautifully colored fish, if you head into the water and head right there is a really cool reef, although declining a bit, it's still gorgeous. The hike down from the parking lot is short, you cross the road walk about 50 yards, there are steps down and then a clear path, once you emerge from the foliage it's a little slice of heaven. Pack a cooler with some snacks and enjoy the quiet, tropical oasis.

Thanks for the replies! Can anyone give me directions from Cruz Bay? Is there a sign?

Go by mongoose junction and follow the North Shore road
up and down a few hills - it is not too far
when you get to Peace Hill you are almost there
parking is on the right side as you go down the hill
path is right there

Ok I am being a smart butt, but when you get there you will laugh.
There are no lights, very few stop signs
And you will drive pass it the first time
but it is ok - YOU ARE ON VACATION and we are stuck here

There's no sign saying it's Jumbie but there is a mile marker sign by the wooden stairs. I'm not positive but I think it's mile marker number 3. It's the only wooden stairway on the northshore road. The parking area is before you get to the stairs.

Pam Gaffin's book, "St. John Feet, Fins, & Four-Wheel Drive" gives excellent directions to beaches and trails. You can order it on-line or purchase a copy when you get there. According to her book, Jumbie is approximately 2.7 miles from Cruz Bay. Another good guide is Gerald Singer's "St. John Off the Beaten Track". Have fun!

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Recent visitors have mentioned that the big March swell beat the coral up pretty good. We drove by during the swell and the breakers were covering the beach. Still, a great private beach.

Cheers, RickG

We were just there last week. Hitch-hiking to Cinnamon, someone suggested it to us and dropped us there. We had our own snorkel gear and had a great time. The comments are right. There was a little bit of a swell, but not too bad. Snorkeling is good but not life-altering. But you have this great little private beach mostly to yourself and it's beautiful. If you're driving,keep an eye out for some wooden stairs on your left. (You'll only see the top of them as they head down the side of the hill). If you hit Trunk Bay you've gone too far. If you are hitching or taking a taxi, they'll take you right there. While I'm at it, maybe someone can clarify how Jumbie is (or isn't ) different from Denis Bay? I've heard they're the same thing and directions to both seem to lead you to the same place. Have fun!

For Denis Bay, you hike down from Peace Hill or swim left around the point at Jumbie Bay. It's not that challenging a swim, but it is open water. Denis Bay is private above the high tide line.

Cheers, RickG