St John may be the smallest of the US Virgin Islands but it’s world-famous beaches are a huge attraction. Whether you want to enjoy the North Shore’s Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach and Caneel Bay beaches or favor the solitude of a beach that’s off the beaten path – like Vie’s beach, Lameshur, Haulover Bay and Salt Pond Bay – there’s a St John beach to match your mood.

North Shore Beaches

St John’s top beaches are along the north shore and within the boundaries of the VI National Park. While each beach has it’s own character – they all share some common traits of soft white sand, incredible aqua blue water, palm rimmed shorelines and amazing views. Ranking them would be difficult but certainly Trunk Bay beach is at the top of the list for most beautiful beaches on St John.

Trunk Bay – is St John’s most popular and most photographed beach. It’s likely that your first image of a beach on St John was a picture of Trunk. But Trunk Bay isn’t just beautiful – it is a great beach for swimming, snorkeling and watersports. With a long white sand beach and the only underwater snorkeling trail on the island – you’ll have lots to do and see. More information about Trunk Bay .

Cinnamon Bay – is popular for its camping area and facilities. And what a great way to experience St John – under the stars! But Cinnamon Bay beach rivals Trunk for its beauty and fantastic soak-up-the-sun location and great swimming! Also a very popular beach – I recommend an early ( 9:30am >10:30am) or late arrival ( 3:00pm > 4:30pm); and you’ll usually find the beach is less crowded at the western end (left as you face the water). Facilities include a camping, snack bar/grill, souvenir shop, showers, restrooms, public telephones, and lifeguards. Cinnamon Bay Beach information .

Waterlemon Cay – while not a beach for sunbathing – Waterlemon Cay offers the best snorkeling on St John. For information and direction for Waterlemon Cay

East End Beaches

The remote East End of St John holds several wonderful beaches – each with unique charms. Visiting the East End will require a bit of a drive and some beaches require a hike – but the destination is definitely worth a spot on the itinerary!

Hansen Bay / Vie’s Beach – is the most popular and IMO the finest of the East End beaches. With a beautiful crescent shaped beach, fantastic swimming and some of the island’s best snorkeling you’ll find everything the heart desires. And when you get hungry, Miss Vie’s Snack Shack offers up some yummy Caribbean foods like conch fritters and her famous garlic chicken. More information on Hansen Bay / Vie’s Beach

Brown Bay – requires a moderately strenuous hike ( approx. 30 min each way). Take the Brown Bay Trail just of East End Road outside of Coral Bay. The location is secluded. The windswept beach has plenty of natural shade, sandy beach, shallow water and plantations ruins to explore. More information on Brown Bay, St John