Snorkeling Guide to Honeymoon Beach St. John

Honeymoon Beach stands out for its consistently calm water and a sandy, gradual entry, making it one of the easiest first snorkeling spots for children and beginners in St. John. Unlike many other beaches here that feature immediate reef or stronger currents, this location allows younger kids to comfortably practice snorkeling in waist-deep water over sand for the initial 20 yards. However, be aware that the beach experiences significant crowding from day charters and boat tours between 10 AM and 3 PM, which can make the water feel busy and reduce the quiet family experience.

I. Why Honeymoon Beach Works for Families (and Its Catch)

Honeymoon Beach is an ideal location for families seeking easy snorkeling opportunities in St. John. Its calm, shallow water and sandy entry provide a safe environment for children and novice snorkelers. Kids can comfortably practice in waist-deep water for the first 20 yards, which is not common on many other St. John beaches with immediate reef drops or strong currents. However, from 10 AM to 3 PM, the beach can become crowded with day charters and boat tours, impacting the quiet family experience.

II. Accessing Honeymoon Beach

Your arrival experience at Honeymoon Beach depends on your parking choice. The large parking area along North Shore Road (Route 20) is the most frequented, but it often fills by 9:30 AM during peak season (December-April). Late arrivals might find roadside parking spots further down Route 20, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the walk. Another option is to park at the Caneel Bay entrance and use their shuttle service directly to the beach; confirm public access and any fees beforehand, as this is a quicker way to reach the sand.

If you park on North Shore Road, expect a 0.7-mile downhill walk on a packed dirt path. This usually takes 15-20 minutes, especially when walking with small children and carrying gear. The Caneel Bay shuttle offers a shorter, flatter walk from its drop-off point to the beach, taking less than 5 minutes on a maintained path.

• Stroller Status: A carrier is recommended for the North Shore Road path. An all-terrain stroller might be suitable for the Caneel Bay shuttle route if available.

III. Water Entry Points and Conditions

The easiest entry into the water at Honeymoon Beach is directly in front of the main beach area. The sand here slopes gently, extending for about 20-30 yards before transitioning to scattered seagrass and then reef sections. The water depth increases gradually; it’s typically waist-deep for an adult at about 10 yards out, reaching chest-deep at 20 yards.

Mornings before 10 AM usually offer flat water with minimal surge, providing the best conditions for snorkeling. Afternoons may bring light wind chop, which can slightly reduce surface visibility. Currents close to shore are generally negligible. However, a mild, slow drift can sometimes be present near the rocky headland that separates Honeymoon Beach from Solomon Beach, particularly during tide changes. Visibility commonly ranges from 15-25 feet in calm conditions but may decrease to 10-15 feet in choppier afternoon water.

A safety note for families: the reef edges, especially near the western rocky headland, contain spiny sea urchins. It is important to teach children to keep their hands off all coral and rocks and to maintain at least a 3-foot distance to avoid contact.

IV. Spotting Marine Life

To find the most active marine life, begin your snorkel from the sandy entry point. Swim directly out about 20-30 yards over the initial seagrass beds. Once past these, turn right (west) and follow the shoreline towards the rocky headland that divides Honeymoon Beach from Solomon Beach. The primary reef structure starts in depths of 5-8 feet near these rocks and extends outwards to 15-20 feet. Keep the rocks on your right side and maintain a distance of about 10-15 yards offshore to explore the most concentrated reef sections.

Common marine life sightings in this area include:

• Stoplight Parrotfish (juveniles are often seen in shallower areas)
• Blue Tang (frequently schooling near the reef)
• Sergeant Major (abundant, particularly around boat moorings)
• French Grunt (found under small ledges)
• Four-eyed Butterflyfish
• Juvenile Barracuda (small, solitary ones are occasionally spotted)
• Green Sea Turtle (less frequent, usually in seagrass beds at depths over 8 feet, more often before 9 AM or after 4 PM).

In-water parent tip: The reef area near the western headland can have several day-charter boats anchored. Always keep children within arm’s reach and ensure they wear a bright kids’ inflatable snorkel vest to significantly increase their visibility to any boat traffic. Other snorkeling spots like Trunk Bay or snorkeling at Maho Bay may offer different marine life experiences. If you’re planning more time on the island, see our full guide to best things to do with kids in St John for ideas beyond the water.

V. Facilities and Shade on the Sand

Composting restrooms are available a short walk from the main beach entrance, located behind the concessions stand. These are basic but functional. Outdoor freshwater rinse showers are also provided near the restrooms. Natural tree cover from sea grape and coconut palms lines the back of the beach, offering shade until approximately 11 AM on the eastern side and after 2 PM on the western side. Additional shade structures are also present near the concession stands. To secure a spot under natural shade during peak hours, plan to arrive early.

Pro Tip: You can rent snorkel gear or purchase cold drinks directly at the concession stand on the beach, saving you a trip back to Cruz Bay. For families interested in exploring more of the island, the best family beaches in St John list is a great starting point. You can also browse family-friendly tours and activities to round out your St. John visit.

Want a custom plan? Use our personalized Itinerary Generator for St John: https://kiddometer.com/build-personalized-trip/

VI. Essential Items for a Honeymoon Beach Day

Here’s what you should pack specifically for Honeymoon Beach:

• Rash guards: Essential for sun protection during prolonged snorkeling, as natural shade on the beach is not constant throughout the day.
• Reef shoes: The reef edges and rocky areas where the best snorkeling is found have sharp coral and spiny urchins. Kids’ water shoes are crucial for protection.
• Kids’ inflatable snorkel vests: Help maintain buoyancy and greatly increase visibility to boaters in the busier afternoon water.
• UV-protective sun hat: Direct sun exposure is intense on the beach and in the water, especially during midday hours.
• Large, refillable water bottles: Freshwater sources are limited to small rinse showers; proper hydration is crucial in the heat. Consider durable refillable water bottles for your family. Also, consider investing in the best kids’ snorkels for their comfort and safety.

Visiting nearby St. Thomas before or after your St. John trip? Check out the best family-friendly stays in St Thomas to plan your base. If you’re also considering other islands nearby, our guide to snorkeling at Brewers Bay, St. Thomas is worth a look.