St John is one of our favorites, shh, don't tell anyone! Each island is beautiful and has a culture of its own. Seventy percent of St John is part of The Virgin Island National Park which centers on caring for the island.
St. John has some of the most pristine beaches, but the north shore beaches are mostly accessible by car or taxi and their diversity is unique. The influence of the National Park is seen in many areas. If you see wire mesh on the beach, read the signs, below are turtle eggs and they are being protected from humans and predators. We focus on going where it is challenging to go from land on St John, making it easy to get to these remote locations.
Our Captains will take you snorkeling to areas where your eyes will light up with color from the coral and fish. You will hear the clicking under the water as the sea bed filled with life comes alive! Textures of plants and animals stretching your imagination of ocean diversity! Yeah…we know where to take you for your exploration under the water..
We suggest you focus on one side of the island at a time, picking one bay or beach to enjoy. Then go to another and repeat, as you have time. Be flexible and communicate with your Captain with the type of day you want to have. Weather and safety are always considerations in selecting great locations.
Water Lemon Cay
St. John South Shore
A visitor favorite is Salt Pond Bay, with snorkeling around the bay, Sea Grass that turtles love and two trails that start there. It is a beautiful area and you see only the ocean looking to the south.
Lameshur Bay is a calm bay, great for beginners. On the East side is great snorkeling as you follow the land. In the West is a rock group. Then around the bay is Sea Grass that turtles and other sea creatures love! This is a bay to explore.
Would you like to see the Reef Bay Petroglyphs and the Reef Bay Sugar Factory District hiking all the way back up after going from the top to the water? We will take you into Reef Bay for you to swim to shore and explore. Easier than that hike, promise!
St. John North Shore
Did you know…?
Lovango has created an underwater coral area with their name? You can plan this as one of your stops. ? You can see how ocean creatures are making the wire block letters their home. If you are a regular, this is a rare opportunity to watch the growth through the years. Take a minute on the water to see Carvel Rock and see our neighboring islands. The channel between Lovango and Mingo is magical, the color of the water is clear and spectacular.
A perfect pair for a north shore day trip is also to visit Christmas Cove. It'ss a snorkel destination of rocks above and coral, fish, and turtles below. Enjoy the company of sea creatures like Caribbean squid, starfish, and wrasse while exploring a sunken sailboat.
Each of the north shore beaches on St. John are different and offer a variety of shorelines, amenities, and water adventure.
Sample Itinerary
9:00 am – Depart Red Hook, St. Thomas or Depart Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI
9:30 am – Arrive at the first snorkel spot.
Snorkel and sail around Lovango, Mingo, Carvel Rocks or
Snorkel and explore St. John North Shore beaches
12:00 pm – Lunch can be at Maho, LIME OUT or lunch reservations at Lovango
Explore and Snorkel Coral Bay area or
Reef Bay and South Shore
3:30 pm – Finish and return to drop off location
4:00 pm – National Parks Dock, St John or Red Hook, St. Thomas Drop-Off
Cruise Ship passengers, we will arrange Land taxi pickup at the dock to bring you to Red Hook for Day Trip pickup, rates start at $140.00. Also, times can be adjusted depending on your ship schedule.
Pricing: $950 for first six guests, each additional guest is $75 up to 12 guests. Half day $750 for first six guests, each additional guest is $50 up to 12 guests, you would only have time for one area.
Includes: Captain, **Fuel,** Snorkel Gear, Waterproof Dry Case, 30L Dry Bag, Ice, Water, Soda, and Beer
Not Included: Gratuity is not included, but is customary at 20% of Day Trip charges.
Note: Please bring towels and mineral sunscreen only. No spray sunscreen due to safety reasons (slippery decks). Please use ones that are zinc oxide based, other ones are banned because research is showing they damage the reefs. Read more...
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Cruise Ship Passengers Agenda
For an additional fee, we can arrange land taxi transport, Rates start at $125.00
9:00 am – Depart Red Hook, St. Thomas, or St. John, USVI
Snorkeling and exploration St. John North Shore beaches
Snorkel and sail around Lovango, Mingo, Carvel Rocks
Lunch can be Maho, Lime out or lunch reservations at Lovango
Explore and Snorkel Coral Bay
Reef Bay and south shore
Meet back at boat for return.
4:00 pm – Red Hook, St. Thomas Drop-Off
Times are adjusted for cruise ship passengers
Pricing: Day Trip is $150 per person (minimum of 6 people)
For cruise ship passengers, Land Taxi Round Trip $22.50 per person, 4 person minimum