Snorkeling at Salt Pond on St John , USVI

Snorkeling – Salt Pond Bay

islandguide May 15, 2013June 18, 2013 Best spots to snorkel on St John, Snorkeling, st john beach guide, things to do on st john, top beaches, USVI

Although not the easiest to get to, Salt Pond is one of the more popular beaches and snorkeling destinations on St John. Requiring a drive and a short hike you should plan to spend the morning, afternoon or day at this beach.

Salt Pond Bay Beach
This south-facing beach enjoys plenty of sun and wonderful soft white sand. Unlike most of the north shore beaches – Salt Pond doesn’t have much shade. Shallow water entry with sandy bottom turning to sea grass beds and patch reefs along the east and west shorelines are great spots to snorkel. While the sandy bottom and usually calm waters make it a top choice for swimming and enjoying the water.

Snorkeling Salt Pond
Salt Pond is best know for its snorkeling. And some of the best snorkeling is along the eastern shoreline out towards the point and at a “hump” in the center of the bay’s “mouth”. Lots of human traffic has impacted the easiest to reach spots, but there are still plenty of corals and marine life to see and enjoy. Keep an eye out for rays, turtles and Giant Hermit Crabs ( usually seen in a large Queen conch shell) that thrive in the sea grass.

Getting There
Located on St John’s south-eastern shore, just off VI107. You’ll take Centerline (Rte 10) or North Shore Road (Rte 20) into Coral Bay. Take a left at the “T” intersection at the bottom of the hill. Salt Pond is about 4 mi, just past The Tourist Trap and Concordia. Parking is just off and along the roadside. Then you’ll hike down to the beach about .5 mi.

Drunk Bay and Ram’s Head Trail
Salt Pond has some hidden treasures and chief among them is the salt pond behind Salt pond, the dramatic shoreline of Drunk Bay and an amazing hike and scenic overlook at the top of Ram’s Head. The trail starts on the eastern end of the beach. Follow the narrow path along the shore of the salt pond. The trail will split – left takes you to Drunk Bay and its collection of cairn (stacked stones) and rock and coral “sculptures”. Stay on the trail and it winds its way up to the ridge of Ram’s Head. Don’t forget to bring a camera and enjoy the dramatic beauty of St John’s southern coast.

St John beaches: An interactive and mobile-friendly Google Map

View St John Beaches & snorkeling info in a larger map