Top Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
What to do and see in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John: The Best Beaches
Discover the best top things to do in Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands including Trunk Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Salt Pond Bay, Jumbie Beach, Cinnamon Bay.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Cinnamon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,169 reviews
Situated in the unspoiled island refuge, Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a variety of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing, plus a popular beachfront cottage and campsite complex.
Reviewed By SydVa
We loved this beach as much as Trunk bay. The views are incredible and the beach is longer than Trunk Bay. Not as heavily populated either. the Hurricanes have wiped out the campgrounds and showers, but they are working on restoring it as quickly as they can. In spite of the damage the views were amazing. When they have facilities up and running I imagine it will be as packed as Trunk Bay is. In the meantime enjoy it before all the folks find out what a gem this palce is!
