Leinster Bay Beach, St. John USVI
It’s always good to find a way to get away from your Caribbean getaway. If you’re interested in finding something quaint, quiet, and tranquil, then you need to travel to St. John and visit Leinster Bay. It certainly isn’t heralded as one of the most popular beaches on the island; however, if you’re looking for something that can give you that peace and quiet that you’ve been craving while on your Caribbean vacation, then Leinster Bay may just be the location for you.
Though a small beach, this white sand paradise is the type of place people need to visit for a relaxing day by the soft serenity of the Caribbean. When consider where to go, perhaps you should think of visiting what many consider a location with the “best snorkeling on St. John.” Leinster Bay is fantastic for those who like physical activity and a way to cool off from the intensive hiking and snorkeling available to them from the beach.
There are two amazing trails that anyone can travel while on Leinster Bay --the Johnny Horn Trail and the Brown Bay Trail. If you decide to chance the former, you’ll be able to choose one of four extensions. Deciding whether you want to start from Watermelon Bay or you want to visit the ruins of an old Danish guardhouse, you’ll have your fill of adventure and fun along this trail. One of the trails you can take while on this hike is one that leads to the Brown Bay Trail. It leads, of course, to Brown Bay. But it also gives the adventurous the opportunity to come in close proximity with some of the feral donkeys that frequent the area. You’ll also see some cacti, century plants, maran bush, and wild tamarind (that you can take with you if you can catch them).
Beyond the marvelous hiking, there is the magnificent snorkeling on the Leinster Bay. You can snorkel off of Watermelon Cay and get to see some live starfish among the coral rubble and the sea grass. You’ll also be able to see sea turtles and stingrays if you stay long enough in the serene waters of the Caribbean. You’ll also get the chance to see some colorful underwater flora: sea fans and sea plumes. You may also get the opportunity to hear some parrotfish gnawing at the algae that grows on the rocks under the sea.
Practice precaution. Though the water is mostly calm, there can be some offshore currents around Watermelon Cay --especially on the western side. If you’re not particularly good at snorkeling or swimming, you may want to steer clear of this area of the bay.
You may not be too keen on going to a smaller beach; however, Leinster Bay is the perfect location for those who want to have a peaceful Caribbean experience --snorkeling and floating among the exquisite underwater wildlife that inhabits the Caribbean. If you’re looking for that perfect paradise that you can have to yourself, then this bay may be just what you need.