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I need help determining which beaches to visit while my short 6 day stay in St. John.
I have never snorkeled so this will be a 1st as well. I don't know what coral looks like so how will I know not to step on it. (sorry if that's a silly questions)
I love clean & crystal blue waters, sandy entrance and bottom - no rocks, pebbles, etc.
Can you list some, please.
Thank you.
Hello Nicole,
You can try Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest, Maho Bay, Salt Pond Bay.... check out our beach guide on this site
https://www.vinow.com/stjohn/beaches_stj/
You might get the St. John Beach Guide book; you can look it up on
www.vitraders.com under Vacation Planning.
For 1st time snorkeling you might try Trunk Bay, they have an underwater snorkel trail with signs identifying the coral, fish ect.
Coral reefs look like an underwater garden 🙂 just stick to stepping on the sand. Check out the following web site:
There are pictures there with different coral types and description.
Have a great time.
--Islander
Also recommend 'St John Off the Beaten Track', available from VI traders. It provides a wealth of information on different beaches, what to look for, etc.
If you feel comfortable in the water, snorkeling is really no problem. If you get to Maho Bay, try Francis Bay as well. It has the sandy bottom you want with sea grass which attracts turtles.
As Islander mentioned, if it's not sand...don't stand.
Make sure you get the mask to fit properly. With the hair away from your face, hold the mask in place with slight pressure and inhale through your nose. The mask should stay in place without assistance from your hand (indicates the mask is sealing properly and should not let water in). Make sure you go through the basics from whom ever is providing the equipment.
Make sure you have a 4WD SUV.......a few of the most desirable STJ beaches are not accessible by car.
Nicole: I hope you will visit all the beaches on your trip! Stop at the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay for a most excellent map of St John. They can also help you with the coral question, although the easiest answer is- don't touch anything. You might want to go on a snorkel tour to start. It is great to have someone with experience show you how to fit your mask, how to hover, etc.
Nicole, drop me an email, I have info for you.
