Family Guide for Visiting Salt Pond Beach with Kids in St. John

Visiting Salt Pond Beach with kids on the South Shore of St. John is a great option for families looking for a quieter beach experience with great snorkeling and hiking. While it takes a bit of effort to reach, many families say the trip is worth it for the views, marine life, and the peaceful setting.

Contents hide

I Getting There

II What to Bring for Visiting Salt Pond Beach with Kids

III Salt Pond Beach Overview

IV Snorkeling Conditions for Families Visiting Salt Pond Beach with Kids

V Video of Snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay

VI Family-Friendly Hiking Options

VII Important Safety Notes from the Virgin Islands National Park

VIII Why Families Should Visit Salt Pond Bay

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:

Getting There

Salt Pond Bay is located just past Coral Bay on Route 107. The beach is accessed via a small parking lot, which fills quickly—especially by mid-morning. Arriving around 9:00–9:30 AM is recommended to secure a parking spot. From the lot, the beach is a short 0.25-mile hike down a rocky trail. Families with younger children should wear supportive footwear, not flip-flops, due to uneven terrain.

What to Bring for Visiting Salt Pond Beach with Kids

There are no concessions or food stands at Salt Pond Bay, though you may find local vendors near the parking lot offering drinks, beach rentals, or souvenirs. Be sure to bring:

Water and snacks
An umbrella or pop-up tent (the beach has limited shade)
Water shoes or sandals with tread
Snorkel gear
Reef-safe sunscreen

There are a few picnic tables and a bathroom near the beach, but no lifeguards or food services.

Salt Pond Beach Overview

The beach is crescent-shaped with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s located in a protected cove that usually experiences calm conditions, making it suitable for families with kids who are comfortable in the water. The bay gets gentle breezes and is rarely crowded early in the day.

The shoreline has a gradual slope and shallow entry, which helps kids get used to the water comfortably. However, always keep an eye on wave activity, especially after storms or when the wind is from the south.

Snorkeling Conditions for Families Visiting Salt Pond Beach with Kids

Salt Pond Bay is one of the best family-accessible snorkeling spots on St. John. The protected cove, combined with calm water and visibility, makes it ideal for kids and beginners. Here’s what families should know before heading out:

For younger snorkelers: Stay close to shore near the center of the beach. This area has a sandy bottom and seagrass beds where sea turtles and sting rays are commonly seen.
For stronger swimmers: The main snorkeling highlight is a rock outcropping located in the center of the bay. It’s about a 5–7 minute swim from shore. Children should only go if they are strong swimmers and accompanied by an adult.
Left side of the bay: Offers excellent coral formations and colorful reef fish. You’ll likely spot parrotfish, tangs, and possibly eagle rays.
Marine life: Expect to see Queen Angelfish, sea turtles, rays, trumpetfish, and even large hermit crabs in Queen Conch shells. The seagrass areas are often rich in wildlife, especially in the morning when visibility is best.
Snorkel tips:
- Bring a snorkeling vest for kids or less confident swimmers.
- Visit early in the morning for the best conditions and fewer people.
- Avoid standing on or touching any coral.

Video of Snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay

Family-Friendly Hiking Options

Salt Pond Bay also connects to several trails that are appropriate for adventurous families. Be prepared with water and good footwear, as trails can be hot and rocky.

Salt Pond Bay Trail: This is the main trail used to access the beach and pond area.
Salt Pond Trail to Salt Pond: A short walk from the eastern end of the beach takes you to a salt pond where visitors can sometimes harvest natural sea salt. Kids may enjoy learning how the salt forms naturally. (Note: rinse well before use to remove odor.)
Ram Head Trail: A 1-mile trail with rewarding views of the Caribbean. Suitable for older kids who can handle rocky terrain and full sun. Bring plenty of water.
Drunk Bay Trail: A 0.25-mile trail that leads to Drunk Bay, known for its rocky coastline and whimsical sculptures made by visitors from natural materials like coral, seaweed, and driftwood. This is a fun trail for families with creative kids, though the beach at Drunk Bay is not safe for swimming.

Important Safety Notes from the Virgin Islands National Park

No standing on or touching coral.
Do not feed fish or wildlife.
Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Pack out all trash.
No nudity or body surfing.
Large waves may occur—stay alert to conditions.
Do not snorkel alone.
Do not leave valuables unattended.

Why Families Should Visit Salt Pond Bay

For families willing to make the drive and short hike, Salt Pond Bay offers one of the best combinations of beach, snorkeling, and hiking on St. John. It’s a great location for spotting sea turtles, exploring trails, and spending a full day away from the crowds. While it doesn’t have all the amenities of larger beaches, its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for active families.

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.