St. John's Superb Sands
The beaches on St. John are really, truly picture-postcard perfect.
By Carol Bareuther
Soft white sand cushions your feet like a plush carpet and rolls away to the sea. Warm, crystal-clear water is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of sapphire, indigo and navy as it ripples over the coral reefs. Steps from the water, tall stands of palm trees act as nature's sun umbrellas. Here are some favorites:
Steve Simonsen
Seven white-sand beaches, with one open to the public, border the plush Caneel Bay resort. Ask at the front desk for a day-visitor pass. A 10-minute hike takes you to Honeymoon Beach, a favorite lunch and snorkeling location for day sailboats.
North Shore, off Route 20
Hawksnest Beach
Scenes from the Alan Alda movie The Four Seasons were filmed here. Several sandy stretches offer seclusion, and two coral reefs 10 feet from shore provide excellent snorkeling. Two roof-covered pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue pits invite group gatherings. Other amenities include changing facilities, restrooms and a parking lot. North Shore, off Route 20
Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is home to a famed underwater snorkel trail. Bring mask and fins or rent them at the shoreside water-sports concession, then take the plunge. Fifteen underwater signs identify coral reef and fish life throughout the 225-yard trail. Facilities include restrooms, showers, a snack bar, a souvenir shop, public telephones and an information kiosk. A $4 admission fee for adults includes the Annaberg Ruins. North Shore, Route 20
Cinnamon Bay
This fabulous beach offers great snorkeling out to Cinnamon Cay and off the eastern point, where large schools of purple triggerfish congregate in branches of elkhorn coral. Facilities include freshwater showers, restrooms, a small grocery store and a restaurant. North Shore, off Route 20
Francis, Maho and Leinster Bays
The sea life is spectacular at this trio of beaches. Endangered sea turtles nest at Francis and Maho bays. Starfish line the 200-yard underwater route from the Leinster Bay shoreline to Waterlemon Cay. Reaching Leinster Bay requires a short hike. Facilities at Francis Bay include picnic tables, barbecue pits and outhouses. A marshy area right behind the sand is a bird-watching wonderland. Hang your belongings in trees to protect them from getting wet if there's wave action. North Shore, on Route 20
Salt Pond Bay
The 10-minute downhill (uphill on the way back) hike on a path lined by prickly pear, organ pipe and Turk's head cactus is worthwhile to reach this remote horseshoe-shaped beach. Snorkeling is best along the south and north sides as well as over the rocks mid-bay. There's not much shade, but there are picnic tables, barbecue pits and outhouses. Southeast, off Route 107
Great Cruz Bay
This beautiful bay floats at the base of the luxurious Westin Resort & Villas St. John. Nonguests are welcome at the beach bar and restaurant. Water sports include parasailing, kayaking and windsurfing. West, off Route 104
Top Snorkel Spots
By Lynda Lohr
You're sure to hear plenty about Trunk Bay's underwater snorkel trail, which has
Steve Simonsen
informational tags on the undersea flora. But St. John's waters afford great snorkeling just about anywhere you wade in. If you haven't come with your own equipment, you can rent masks, snorkels and fins at water-sports stores in Cruz Bay, at your hotel, or at the beach shacks at Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay Camp.
Cinnamon Bay. Snorkel among the reefs and rocks on the east side of Cinnamon's long stretch of sand to see schools of inky blue tangs and their fishy friends darting about the mustardy fire coral and purple seafans.
Hawksnest Bay. A patch of reef just offshore makes for easy snorkeling to see schools of colorful fish. On a quick dive, tickle the feather dusters that grow on the reef to watch them close.
Leinster Bay. If you're lucky, you'll see hundreds of golden-hued starfish littering the ocean floor between the beach and nearby Waterlemon Cay at Leinster Bay. To get there, park your car at Annaberg Plantation and take an easy 15-minute walk.
Salt Pond. You might spot a pale pink conch among the sea grass beds at Salt Pond, which has a lovely white-sand beach that's a five-minute walk from your car. Snorkel along the right side of the bay to see a potpourri of colorful sea life
