Top Things to do in St. John
Top 10 Beaches in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all.
Restaurants in St. John
1. Beach at Genti Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Scott Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Located on St. John's north shore, this is one of Caneel Bay's seven secluded beaches.
Reviewed By BPKBroiler - McLean, United States
We made a great stop at Scott Beach at Caneel Bay during our VI Ecotours kayak tour last week. It was an easy paddle from Honeymoon Beach and virtually empty with Caneel Bay Resort still closed and with no available land access to the beach. We had stayed in one of the rooms on Scott Beach the summer before the 2017 hurricanes, and it was incredibly sad to see these rooms completely destroyed and still not rebuilt. Fortunately, the beach remains pristine (it's my favorite on St. John) and can still be accessed from the water. After relaxing on the white sand soaking in the sun, we snorkeled in the clear, calm water and spotted five sea turtles. After continuing down to the rocks at the south end of the beach, we spotted stingrays and a octopus. There also is a rock ledge on the north end of the beach with lots of fish that you can see close up in very shallow water. All and all, it's a great location to visit by boat or kayak if you plan on visiting Honeymoon Beach.
3. Turtle Bay
4. Salomon Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By cebirch25
This beautiful and tranquil little beach is just a short hike off Lind Point Trail. Its definitely worth the hike and you are rewarded with a calming, beautiful beach. We loved this place, even had a little picnic on the beach.
5. Maho Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,679 reviews
Reviewed By LR417 - Barnegat, United States
This beach is absolutely beautiful. However, snorkeling is only average as there is virtually no coral. No schools of brightly colored tropical fish. However, turtles, sting rays and some large fish were sighted. The beach offers a bar, refreshments and rudimentary bathroom facilities. The taxi ride from the ferry in St John also offered glimpses of other pretty west side beaches.
6. Hansen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 288 reviews
The beach offers a very calm bay with excellent snorkeling, turtles, stingrays and an array of assorted fish. Food Truck and clean bathrooms available along with ample parking.
Reviewed By JudyK288 - Boston, United States
Private beach where you are greeted by a friendly owner who will offer free parking and then suggest a donation when you leave. This was a nice way to conduct business. They provide a couple of porta potties and some chairs on the beach. There are some small palms for shade on the beach. The snorkeling was just amazing here with turtles, squid, rays, a shark and plethora of tropical fish (tangs, sergeant majors, parrot fish, etc). All the way on the other side of the island from Cruz Bay, past Skinny Legs.
7. Trunk Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,000 reviews
The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
Reviewed By Sinceshea - New Jersey, United States
We go to trunk bay from St Thomas quite often for the beautiful clear water, terrific snorkeling path and amenities such as bar, showers and lunch if desired. The snorkeling trail is comprised of monuments affixed to the ocean floor explaining what sights are in immediate view, i.e. coral, fish species etc. The monuments are some 20 feet deep however can be clearly seen in the crystal clear waters. Sargassum (sea weed) has plagued a number of beaches in the VI but not Trunk. After your visit to the beach, you can shower up and hit the great happy hour spots on St John. It’s a great day! Returning in 6 weeks again for the 5th time.
8. Hawksnest Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
This narrow, sea-grape-tree-lined stretch of sand is a popular beach on St John, especially for island residents, which offers gazebos for parties, barbecues or family get-togethers.
Reviewed By thouks1 - Fort Worth, United States
Ample parking right next to the beach, fine sand with decent snorkeling, snady bottom for swimming, gentle wave action, potential to swim over to Gibley / Oppenheimer Beach, picnic tables, restrooms and many beachside spots with shade. Only things missing are a beach bar and rental chairs, so bring your cooler, snacks and beach chairs.
9. Salt Pond Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
This scenic bay on St. John offers a secluded beach with good swimming and snorkeling, plus a graded hiking trail leading to and from the beach and picnic area.
Reviewed By BPKBroiler - McLean, United States
We made a great stop at Salt Pond Bay during our tour last week with Sonic Charters. It was a windy day, but Salt Pond was protected and the water completely calm. The beach itself is beautiful, with white sand and some shady areas with picnic tables if you are looking to bring a picnic lunch. There is a single, public bathroom, but no other services. We stopped at Lime Out in Coral Bay and took out lunch to eat on the beach. After lunch, we snorkeled in the crystal clear water and immediately found a stingray and two juvenile sea turtles. To the right side of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling with lots of fish and some coral. We definitely will return on our next trip.
10. Jumbie Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Located right across the bay from Trunk Bay, this small beach has great snorkeling and is an ideal spot to watch magnificent sunsets.
Reviewed By KathyS894 - Falls Church, United States
Jumbie is another one of the fabulous beaches on St. John, but it's a bit off the beaten path, so it's a quieter beach w/fewer people. While one can snorkel along the bank, we found the best snorkeling a bit further out, along the bank, but around the point. In the deeper water, we saw a nurse shark, Queen Triggerfish, Queen and Gray Angelfish, Jackknife Fish, grouper, and many more. Also more hard and soft corals in the slightly deeper water. Use care though - best to be a strong swimmer. Love Jumbie!
