Best Snorkeling in St. John for Families

If you’re visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands with kids, snorkeling is a fun and easy way for the whole family to enjoy the ocean. St. John offers calm waters, gentle beach entries, and shallow reefs that are perfect for young snorkelers. This guide highlights the best family-friendly snorkeling beaches on St. John—where both kids and parents can safely spot vibrant marine life, with convenient amenities nearby.

Contents hide

I Hawksnest Beach – St. John

II Lameshur Bay – St. John

III Hansen Bay – St. John

IV Maho Bay – St. John

V Trunk Bay – St. John

VI Salt Pond Bay – St. John

VII Honeymoon Beach – St. John

VIII Final Thoughts for Parents

For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Thomas and St. John:

Hawksnest Beach – St. John

Hawksnest Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach on St. John and is well-loved by families for its picnic areas, restrooms, and shady parking area just steps from the sand. The snorkeling is some of the best on the island, especially for beginners. Reefs start just off the beach and run along both sides of the bay.

Expect to see colorful reef fish, coral formations, and sometimes rays or turtles—all without swimming out far. Water conditions are usually calm, but parents should check the surf before heading out, especially during winter months. This beach offers a good balance of natural beauty, comfort, and accessibility.

Lameshur Bay – St. John

Lameshur Bay is a more adventurous beach option located in the quieter south shore of St. John. Families willing to make the drive will be rewarded with clear water, fewer crowds, and excellent snorkeling conditions. The bay is sheltered and usually calm, perfect for confident swimmers and older kids.

Snorkeling is best along the rocky shoreline and around the coral reef, where visibility is usually excellent. Expect to see healthy coral, tropical fish, sea stars, and possibly squid or rays. There are no lifeguards or food vendors, so families should pack snacks, water, and reef-safe sunscreen. Shade is limited, but the experience is unforgettable.

Hansen Bay – St. John

Hansen Bay is a hidden gem on the East End of St. John. It’s family-owned and maintained, and visitors are welcome with a small donation or food purchase at the local beach shack. The beach is calm, uncrowded, and incredibly clear—ideal for young snorkelers.

Kids can snorkel right from shore over sea grass beds where sea turtles are frequently spotted. The outer reef along the rocks offers more colorful marine life for older kids and parents. Shade, chairs, and kayaks are usually available for rent, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite for families seeking a peaceful snorkeling experience.

Maho Bay – St. John

Maho Bay is a family-favorite beach on St. John, thanks to its incredibly calm, shallow waters and frequent turtle sightings. This bay is one of the best spots in the U.S. Virgin Islands for kids to snorkel safely, especially along the sea grass beds where green sea turtles, rays, and conch are common.

There’s a wide, sandy beach with easy parking, food trucks, gear rentals, and shaded picnic tables. The water stays shallow far from shore, so even younger kids can enjoy snorkeling or just floating in the bay.

Trunk Bay – St. John

Trunk Bay is the most iconic beach on St. John and features an underwater snorkeling trail that makes it extra fun for kids and families. The reef begins just offshore and is clearly marked, making it ideal for confident swimmers.

Facilities here are excellent: lifeguards, showers, restrooms, a small snack bar, and gear rentals. The trail includes underwater signs identifying coral and fish species. Water conditions are usually good, but families should always check for strong surf in winter months. Early arrival is best for parking and avoiding crowds.

Salt Pond Bay – St. John

Salt Pond Bay is a scenic, somewhat remote beach on St. John’s south shore, offering excellent snorkeling and a more adventurous feel. There’s a short downhill hike to reach the beach, which may not be ideal for toddlers, but older kids will enjoy the walk and the sense of discovery.

Snorkeling is best along the left side of the bay, where healthy coral and large schools of fish are common. There’s no shade or facilities on the beach itself, so families should pack everything they need, including water, snacks, and sun protection.

Honeymoon Beach – St. John

Honeymoon Beach is one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches within Virgin Islands National Park. Families can get there via a short hike or a shuttle from Caneel Bay. Once on the beach, you’ll find clear, calm water, gentle waves, and easy snorkeling along the left reef near the rocks.

There are limited facilities, but beach gear and kayak rentals are sometimes available through local vendors. It’s a great place for families to spend a relaxing afternoon—just pack snacks and sun coverage if you’re hiking in.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Whether your kids are snorkeling for the first time or you’re planning an adventure for more experienced swimmers, the beaches of St. John offer something for every family. Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear that fits your kids properly, and plenty of water and snacks—especially if you’re visiting more remote beaches.

Want to dig deeper into any of these family snorkeling spots? Tap into our full beach guides for tips on parking, restrooms, safety, and what marine life to expect at each beach.

Planning your USVI family trip to St. John? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the islands:

For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. John:

For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. John.