Best Snorkeling in St. Thomas and St. John for Families

If you’re traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands with kids, snorkeling is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to explore the ocean together. Calm bays, sandy entries, and shallow reefs make several beaches in St. Thomas and St. John ideal for families. Here’s a guide to the best snorkeling beaches in St. Thomas and St. John where kids and parents can safely discover colorful marine life, all with family-friendly facilities close by.

Contents hide

I Magens Bay – St. Thomas

II Lindbergh Bay – St. Thomas

III Lindquist Beach – St. Thomas

IV Hawksnest Beach – St. John

V Lameshur Bay – St. John

VI Hansen Bay – St. John

VII Maho Bay – St. John

VIII Trunk Bay – St. John

IX Hull Bay – St. Thomas

X Secret Harbour Beach – St. Thomas

XI Brewers Bay – St. Thomas

XII Sapphire Beach – St. Thomas

XIII Coki Beach – St. Thomas

XIV Salt Pond Bay – St. John

XV Honeymoon Beach – St. John

XVI 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:

Magens Bay – St. Thomas

Magens Bay is one of the most popular beaches on St. Thomas, known for its postcard-perfect crescent shape, soft white sand, and calm, shallow waters. While it’s not a reef-heavy beach, snorkeling is still possible along the rocky edges of the bay—especially the far left side near the rocks, where kids may spot small fish and the occasional sea turtle.

Families will love the easy parking, lifeguards, on-site restrooms, picnic tables, and a full beachside café with food and drinks. The water is almost always calm, making it a low-stress spot for younger kids to wade, float, or try snorkeling for the first time.

Read more about Magens Bay.

Lindbergh Bay – St. Thomas

Just minutes from the airport, Lindbergh Bay is a convenient stop for families arriving or departing the island. It’s a quiet, relatively uncrowded beach with gentle waves and a shallow, sandy bottom. While the marine life isn’t abundant here, it’s a comfortable place for beginners or very young kids to practice with snorkel gear in calm, waist-deep water.

There are shade trees, nearby resorts with restaurants, and soft sand for beach play. Parents can relax knowing the waters are usually calm and easy to supervise.

Lindquist Beach – St. Thomas

Lindquist Beach, located in Smith Bay Park, is one of the best snorkeling beaches in St. Thomas. It is a local favorite for its stunning turquoise waters and family-friendly setting. The main swimming area is perfect for young kids, with calm, shallow water and soft sand underfoot. For snorkeling, families can head toward the rocky eastern side of the beach where coral and fish begin to appear.

This beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas. It’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it’s a popular spot for local families. Kids will love exploring both the sand and sea, and the shallow reef makes it easy to stay close to shore.

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.

Hull Bay – St. Thomas

Hull Bay is a quiet, local beach on St. Thomas’s north side, often overlooked by tourists. It’s a great off-the-beaten-path spot for families looking for a more natural snorkeling experience without the crowds. The reef is rocky and located along the right side of the bay, offering good snorkeling when the water is calm.

This beach is better for older kids or more confident swimmers due to occasional waves and uneven footing. There’s a beach bar, restrooms, and some shady areas, making it a relaxed, family-friendly hangout away from the busy cruise port zones.

Secret Harbour Beach – St. Thomas

Secret Harbour is a fantastic snorkeling beach for families staying on the east end of St. Thomas. The water here is almost always calm and crystal clear, and the reefs on both sides of the bay offer easy access to coral, sea fans, and colorful reef fish.

It’s one of the best beaches on the island for young snorkelers who want a safe, low-stress experience. There’s a resort on site, so families can enjoy access to a restaurant, restrooms, and beach chairs. It’s also a great place to catch the sunset.

Brewers Bay – St. Thomas

Located near the University of the Virgin Islands, Brewers Bay is a long, sandy beach with calm water and excellent snorkeling along the western edge. Families love it for its laid-back vibe and frequent turtle sightings in the grassy areas just off shore.

There are no rentals on-site, but food trucks are usually parked nearby, and there’s plenty of natural shade under sea grape trees. The water is shallow and easy to navigate, making it great for families with younger kids.

Sapphire Beach – St. Thomas

Sapphire Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations on St. Thomas, especially for families. The water is vibrant blue, and there are reefs directly off the beach—particularly along the right-hand side—filled with coral heads, tropical fish, and sometimes even squid.

Families will find bathrooms, food options, chair rentals, and water sports equipment available. It’s a busier beach, so arrive early to claim a shady spot. While snorkeling, be cautious of boat traffic in the area and stay close to the reef edge.

Coki Beach – St. Thomas

Coki Beach is a bustling, colorful beach near Coral World Ocean Park that’s very popular with cruise ship passengers—but it’s also one of the best snorkeling beaches St. Thomas. Coral and reef fish are abundant just a few feet from shore, making it perfect for young snorkelers who want instant excitement.

Vendors rent gear right on the beach, and you’ll find food stalls, chairs, and music adding to the festive vibe. It’s best for older kids who can handle crowds and occasional waves. Parents should keep a close eye, but the marine life makes it worth the visit.

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. Thomas and 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. Thomas or 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. Thomas and St. John:

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