St. John, a jewel of the US Virgin Islands, is synonymous with pristine beaches and breathtaking Caribbean beauty. When people say you “have got to do St. John,” what they’re truly emphasizing is experiencing its unparalleled coastline. Beyond the scenic hiking trails and charming town of Cruz Bay, the heart of St. John lies in its stunning beaches. This guide dives deep into the most exceptional St John Beaches, offering you everything you need to plan your perfect island getaway.
Exploring the Iconic North Shore Beaches of St. John
The North Shore of St. John is legendary for its powdery white sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters. These beaches, mostly part of the Virgin Islands National Park, are easily accessible and offer a range of amenities, making them ideal for families, snorkelers, and sun-seekers alike.
Trunk Bay: The Underwater Snorkeling Trail
Trunk Bay is arguably the most famous of all st john beaches, and for good reason. Its claim to fame is the 650-foot underwater snorkeling trail. This unique feature is perfect for beginners and families, with submerged plaques identifying the vibrant coral formations and diverse fish species you’ll encounter. Snorkel gear rentals are conveniently available on the beach, allowing you to easily explore this underwater classroom. Beyond the snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay offers restrooms, showers, a food concession, and a gift shop. As part of the National Park, there’s a small entrance fee, and lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hawksnest Beach: Convenient Beauty with Reefs Close to Shore
Hawksnest Beach stands out as one of the most easily accessible st john beaches, perfect for a quick beach stop. It provides convenient amenities such as picnic tables and barbecue grills, making it ideal for a beachside lunch. Parking is readily available, a bonus on St. John. Snorkelers will appreciate the vibrant reef that begins just a short swim from the shoreline, teeming with marine life.
Cinnamon Bay: Long Stretches of Sand and Watersport Adventures
Cinnamon Bay, one of the longest beaches within the Virgin Islands National Park, stretches for nearly a mile, offering ample space to spread out and relax. This expansive beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and various watersports. The Cinnamon Bay Campground provides facilities like restrooms, showers, a food concession, and watersports rentals. While it lacks a marked snorkel trail, excellent snorkeling can be found on the right side of the bay. History buffs can explore the remains of a Danish building along the beachfront, now a temporary museum showcasing local archaeological finds.
Salomon & Honeymoon Bays: Secluded Paradise Accessible by Trail
Salomon and Honeymoon Bays offer a more secluded beach experience, accessible via the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay or from Caneel Bay.
Salomon Bay: Tranquility and Seclusion
Salomon Bay Beach St. John USVISalomon Bay is a local favorite among st john beaches, known for its tranquility due to its trail-only access. The walk, about a mile from Cruz Bay, is relatively easy and rewards you with a peaceful beach experience, often less crowded than the more accessible North Shore beaches. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a relaxing escape.
Honeymoon Beach: Activities and Amenities in a Beautiful Setting
Honeymoon Beach, a short walk from Salomon Bay or Caneel Bay, offers a picturesque setting with white sand and shade from sea grape and coconut trees. While still retaining a sense of serenity, Honeymoon provides amenities and activities thanks to VI Ecotours. Here, you can rent watersports equipment, access restrooms, and even enjoy guided kayak and snorkel tours. Day passes are available that include equipment rentals like paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and beach chairs.
Caneel Bay, Denis Bay & Jumbie Bay: Hidden Gems and Serene Escapes
Venturing further along the North Shore reveals more secluded and charming st john beaches, each with its unique appeal.
Caneel Bay: White Sands and Calm Waters
Caneel Bay Beach St. John USVICaneel Bay Beach, accessible via the Lind Point Trail or through the Caneel Bay Resort, boasts incredibly soft white sand and exceptionally calm, shallow waters. It’s an idyllic location for swimming and sunbathing. While all Virgin Island beaches are public up to the high tide mark, accessing resort facilities may require a day pass. Watersports rentals are available, offering sailboats, kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel gear.
Denis Bay: Untouched Beauty for the Adventurous
Denis Bay is for the truly adventurous beachgoer. Reached via the Peace Hill Trail or by boat, Denis Bay remains largely untouched and uncrowded due to its more challenging access. This pristine beach within the National Park offers a truly secluded experience, with no facilities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.
Jumbie Bay: Intimate Beach with Easy Access
Jumbie Bay Beach St. John USVIJumbie Bay provides a delightful balance of seclusion and accessibility. A short walk down wooden steps from the main road leads to this small, intimate beach fringed with sea grape trees. Parking is limited, adding to its secluded feel. On calm days, snorkeling is rewarding along the shallow reef extending from the right side of the beach.
Leinster Bay & Waterlemon Cay: Snorkeling Paradise and Turtle Spotting
Leinster Bay Beach and Waterlemon Cay St. John USVILeinster Bay and Waterlemon Cay offer exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Leinster Bay is reachable by boat or a short hike, while Waterlemon Cay, a short swim from Leinster Bay, is renowned for its vibrant underwater life. Snorkeling around Waterlemon Cay is a must-do, with chances to spot turtles, starfish, and stingrays.
Francis Bay & Maho Bay: Family-Friendly Beaches with Calm Waters and Wildlife Encounters
Francis Bay and Maho Bay, located close to each other, are excellent choices for families and those seeking calm waters and wildlife viewing.
Francis Bay: Long Beach with Birdwatching and Snorkeling Variety
Francis Bay Beach St. John USVIFrancis Bay is one of the longest st john beaches, characterized by its long stretch of white sand and calm, clear waters sheltered from easterly winds. It offers portable toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The Francis Bay Trail, running along a salt pond, is excellent for birdwatching. Snorkeling is great for beginners at the west end, while experienced snorkelers can explore the rocky section at the other end.
Maho Bay: Calm Waters and Sea Turtle Sightings
Maho Bay Beach St. John USVIMaho Bay is particularly ideal for families with young children due to its shallow and protected waters. It’s also famous for sea turtle sightings. Snorkelers should keep an eye out for stingrays camouflaged in the sandy bottom. Many boat trips to St. John include a stop at Maho Bay, highlighting its popularity.
Discovering the Secluded South and East Shore Beaches
For those seeking to venture off the beaten path, St. John’s South and East Shores offer more secluded and ruggedly beautiful st john beaches.
Salt Pond Bay & Lameshur Bays: Off-the-Beaten-Path Serenity
Salt Pond Bay, Great Lameshur Bay, and Lameshur Bay require a bit more effort to reach but reward visitors with tranquility and unspoiled beauty.
Salt Pond Bay: Secluded Swimming and Hiking Trails
Salt Pond Bay, located on St. John’s south shore, provides a truly secluded beach experience. Access involves a taxi ride or parking on a hill followed by a 10-minute hike down to the beach. The effort is worthwhile for those seeking solitude. Several hiking trails branch out from the beach, including one leading to a salt pond.
Great Lameshur Bay & Lameshur Bay: Snorkeling and Sparse Crowds
Great Lameshur Bay and Lameshur Bay are situated past each other on the south shore and are accessed via a rough dirt road. Great Lameshur is less ideal for swimming due to its stony and pebbly beach but offers good snorkeling for experienced snorkelers. Lameshur Bay, just beyond Great Lameshur, is more sandy and offers picnic tables and BBQ grills. Both bays are often sparsely populated due to the drive, providing a sense of remoteness. Lameshur Bay is known for sea turtle and ray sightings in its seagrass beds.
Brown Bay: Wind-Swept Beauty on the East End
Brown Bay: Remote Beach for Nature Lovers
Brown Bay, on St. John’s East End, is truly off-the-beaten-path. Reaching it requires a 30-minute hike from the Brown Bay Trail. This wind-swept beach offers a mix of sand and pebbles, ample shade, and a secluded atmosphere for those willing to hike.
West Coast Gem: Great Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay: Resort Beach with Amenities and Calm Waters
Great Cruz Bay Beach St. John USVIGreat Cruz Bay, home to the Westin Resort, offers a well-maintained and amenity-rich beach experience. Here you can rent watersports equipment, enjoy a water trampoline, and relax in beach chairs and umbrellas. A poolside cafe provides convenient dining options. With its calm waters and sandy bottom, Great Cruz Bay is an excellent beach for families with children.
Conclusion: Your Perfect St John Beach Awaits
From the world-renowned Trunk Bay to the secluded shores of Denis Bay and Salt Pond Bay, st john beaches offer something for every beach lover. Whether you seek vibrant snorkeling, family-friendly amenities, or tranquil escapes, St. John’s diverse coastline promises an unforgettable Caribbean beach experience. Start planning your trip today and discover your own piece of paradise on one of these incredible st john beaches.
