Grootpan Bay Beach, St. John USVI
There’s nothing more calming than being able to set aside a part of St. John just for you and your family. If you’re looking to find a place to set up camp and just veg out, Grootpan Bay may be just the place for you. Without having to worry about large crowds, rowdy tourists, or noisy clubs and bars, you’ll be able to experience St. John in whatever way makes your Caribbean stay comfortable.
Grootpan Bay is a cobble beach with an incredibly clam surf (especially during the winter months). The water is a beautiful shade of turquoise and the beach itself is secluded enough to ensure that no matter what you want to do, you have the chance to do it in relative privacy. No matter if you’d prefer to spend the day with a loved one, gazing out at the beautiful sea, or whether you’re someone who loves the idea of owning the beach and the waters for a day, Grootpan Bay is all you could ask for and more.
Behind Grootpan Bay beach there’s an incredible salt pond --the largest on St. John. If you’re the type of person who likes to make your meal on whatever the land offers you, then you’ll be elated by the fact that during the right times of the year, when the weather conditions are ideal, salt can be harvested. Fishing is also an option, as the waters are clam most of the year. You’ll be able to enjoy the beach without having to worry about being overrun by tourists or those who want to do a bit of beachcombing.
If you love to snorkel, then there’s no place better to do it than on Grootpan Bay. One of the most exciting snorkeling experiences that many people have had is taking a snorkel trip from the neighboring Kiddel bay to Grootpan Bay. You can snorkel around the point and proceed west --the coastline is a bit rocky, but if you’re an experienced snorkeler, this shouldn’t at all be a problem for you to overcome. If you bring shoes you’re not worried about getting wet, you can take a nice walk back to Kiddel from Grootpan.
You’ll truly love the isolated atmosphere of Grootpan; however, chances are you won’t be the only inhabitants on the beach that day. If you’re lucky you may see some flamingos. Though it’s a rare chance, they have been spotted there before. You’ll also be able to see some white cheeked pintail ducks swimming casually on the waters. Again, it’s a rarity to see many birds on this part of St. John; however, the chances aren’t improbable.
Grootpan is the perfect beach for someone who simply wants to get away from the more commercial parts of St. John. If you want to bring your own picnic basket --a good idea, seeing as there is very little in the way of amenities on the beach-- and have a quiet afternoon with the family, then Grootpan will be your own little paradise.