Best Beaches in St. John

Information on the Best USVI Beaches on the Island St. John

Cinnamon Bay, at about 1 mile, is the National Park's longest beach

The crystal clear waters and boundless beach offers snorkeling, swimming, volleyball and more. A watersports concession stand rents windsurfing equipment, kayaks and mountain bikes. There is great snorkeling around Cinnamon Bay Cay, a short swim from shore.

Francis Bay, on one of St. John's longest beaches

This stunning beach has calm waters and a gorgeous, sandy shore. Often sparsely populated on weekdays it's easy to find a nice quiet spot. Pack a lunch and use one of the picnic tables that are available. The Francis Bay Trail runs along a salt pond and offers countless bird watching. There is snorkeling for beginners along the western end of the beach towards Maho Bay. For strong swimmers, enter the water from the rocky section on the other end of the beach. Halfway out from the bay's point begins a varied, narrow reef. For those with a kayak, Whistling Cay, adjacent to the bay, offers very good snorkeling.

Hawknest, a National Park Beach

It has gorgeous clear water and an attractive shoreline. A covered shed with picnic tables makes the beach a favorite with residents, particularly on weekends for picnics. Hawknest has plenty of parking and is easily accessed from the road. The beach is lined with sea grape trees that offer a bit of shade. A great snorkeling reef starts a few yards from shore. A perfect beach for enjoying a few hours of perfect waters and sunshine!

Honeymoon Beach is a gorgeous beach with sandy shoreline surrounded by sea grape and coconut trees

Hammocks and picnic tables are scattered under the trees. The crystal clear turquoise waters are rich in marine life and offer pristine snorkeling and calm waters, particularly around the rocky headland that extends into the water between Honeymoon Beach and Solomon Bay next door. You can access the Honeymoon Beach via the Lind Point Trail which starts just behind the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.

Salt Pond Bay is a beautiful bay with amazingly clear water

This scenic bay on St. John's south shore offers a secluded beach with worthy swimming and snorkeling. There are several hiking trails, one of which leads to a salt pond. The beach is often sparsely populated because it is a longer drive from Cruz Bay, and requires a short 7-10 minute hike downhill once at the parking lot. Snorkeling can be enjoyed along the rocky sides of the bay, in particular the eastern coastline.

Trunk Bay, voted one of the most photogenic beaches in the Caribbean

Best known for its brilliantly white sand and turquoise blue water. Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches on St. John. Renowned for its underwater snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay is definitely worth a visit. Six hundred and fifty (650) feet of underwater trails are a highlight for Trunk Bay's visitors. You can rent snorkel gear on the beach. Trunk Bay is part of the National Park and is the only beach on St. John that has an admission fee.