Spotlight on – Honeymoon & Salomon Beaches, St John
Honeymoon/Salomon Beaches are located within the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park. They are two of St John’s famous North Shore beaches; and are part of the seven beaches that make up the Caneel Bay Resort.
Hike from Cruz Bay along the Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon
Honeymoon Beach has powdery white sand and shallow water access. Great for swimming and snorkeling. For many years it was a best-kept-secret among residents. Now it can be one of the more popular beaches on the island – attracting day visitors from the St Thomas cruise ships as well as people staying on St John. That said, it really is a wonderful place to spend a day or afternoon.
Honeymoon Water Sports Rentals
The watersports operation that was running out of Caneel Bay Resort has been moved to Honeymoon. They refurbished a small watersports/rental “shack” where you can rent chairs, snorkel gear, stand up paddle boards / SUP rental, lockers and kayaks as well as snacks and refreshments. To find out more about VI Eco Tours or to reserve an All Day Pass at Honeymoon Beach click here.
Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach is best along the western shoreline that connects Honeymoon with Salomon Bay beach. Most of the patch reef is in fairly shallow water making it easy to see a wide variety of marine life including hard and soft corals and sea fans, schools of french grunts, snapper, wrasses and Tangs. You might also encounter sea turtles and rays. NOTE: the area gets a fair amount of boat traffic – so stay within the swim markers and be aware of boats.
Getting to Honeymoon Bay Beach
Hiking from Cruz Bay: you pick up the Lind Point Trail which starts at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center on the east side of Cruz Bay. The approx. 1 mi. hike is not particularly challenging – but plan on 20 to 30 minutes each way. Along the way you’ll have several scenic overlooks to stop and take a break and just enjoy the view.
Drive and hike: The second way to get to Honeymoon Bay beach is by taking a taxi to the Caneel Bay Resort and making the short hike along the western shoreline of Caneel Bay. You must check in at the gatehouse and pay a fee ( refunded with a $20 purchase at the Resort). Then you can either hike back along the Lind Point Trail to Cruz Bay – or call for a taxi from Caneel.
St John beaches: An interactive and mobile-friendly Google Map
Please note: Access is limited to Caneel Bay beach, Honeymoon and Salomon beaches and does not include use of beach chairs, towels or amenities. Resort guests do have access to all of the beaches and facilities.