Beaches & Coastline

Filter & Explore 4 beaches
Showing 1-4 of 4 beaches
Beach

Trunk Bay

North Shore Road, St. John, USVI

World-famous beach with underwater snorkel trail. Pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water. National Park beach with facilities. Entry fee. Consistently rated one of world's most beautiful beaches.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Arrive at Trunk Bay before 9 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds and have the underwater snorkel trail mostly to yourself. The morning light is also perfect for photography, and you'll find parking much easier.
Bring your own snorkel gear instead of renting at the beach - the rental prices are inflated for tourists. Also, pack your lunch and drinks since the beach bar is expensive; there are picnic tables available under the trees on the left side of the beach.
Beach

Cinnamon Bay

North Shore Road, St. John, USVI

Long white sand beach in National Park. Excellent snorkeling, calm water. Campground, water sports rentals. Less crowded than Trunk Bay. Family-friendly with facilities.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Cinnamon Bay before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds and tour groups. The beach is practically empty during these times, and you'll have the best snorkeling conditions in the early morning when the water is calmest.
Park at the far left end of the parking area near the nature trail entrance instead of the main beach parking. It's usually less crowded, provides easier beach access, and you can quickly escape to the shaded Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail if the sun gets too intense.
Beach

Maho Bay

North Shore, St. John, USVI

Calm shallow bay perfect for families. Excellent snorkeling with sea turtles frequently spotted. White sand, gentle water. No facilities but very popular. Best for turtle encounters.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Maho Bay in the late afternoon around 4-5 PM when the day-trip boats and cruise ship passengers have left, but you still have good light for snorkeling. The sea turtles are most active during this time, and you'll have the beach nearly to yourself.
Don't swim or snorkel near the sea turtles at Maho Bay - federal law requires you stay at least 6 feet away and never touch them. Park rangers do patrol this area and violations can result in hefty fines up to $100,000. Enjoy watching from a respectful distance.
Beach

Salt Pond Bay

South Shore, St. John, USVI

Remote beach requiring 15-minute hike. Pristine white sand, excellent snorkeling. Less crowded, worth the walk. Dramatic Ram Head Trail nearby. Bring supplies, no facilities.

Directions Reviews
Local Tips
Visit Salt Pond Bay on weekday mornings before 10am to have the beach almost entirely to yourself - most tourists don't make the rocky 15-minute hike from the parking area until later in the day, and cruise ship passengers typically arrive after 11am.
The trail to Salt Pond Bay becomes extremely slippery and dangerous when wet - if it's been raining or looks like rain, skip this beach and choose Cruz Bay Beach instead, as several visitors each year require rescue from falls on the wet rocks.

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