Turtle Bay Beach, Cooper Island Travel Guide

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Discover tranquility at Turtle Bay Beach in St. John: soft sands, clear waters, and vibrant marine life await in this Caribbean paradise.

Turtle Bay Beach, located on St. John in the US Virgin Islands, is a serene public beach known for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery.

A brief summary to Turtle Bay Beach

9627+C27, St John, 00830, VI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Turtle Bay Beach.

Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Pack a picnic and drinks, as the beach is not heavily commercialized.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles and stingrays while snorkeling.

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Explore Turtle Bay Beach on the Map

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Getting There

Ferry and Taxi

To reach Turtle Bay Beach, first take a ferry from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John. Ferries depart from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. The Red Hook ferry is more frequent and takes about 20 minutes, costing $8.15 for adults and $4 per bag. The Charlotte Amalie ferry takes approximately 45 minutes and costs $13 for adults and $4 per bag. From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available to take you to the north shore. Since Caneel Bay Resort is currently closed, confirm with the driver the best accessible drop-off point for Turtle Bay Beach. Taxi fares vary depending on the destination, so confirm the price with the driver before getting into the vehicle. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a taxi to a nearby beach access point.
Public Transportation

Alternatively, from Cruz Bay, you can take the VITRAN public bus towards the north shore. The bus fare is $1 per ride. Check the bus routes and schedule, as service may be infrequent and may require a short walk to reach the beach. Be aware that the bus may not cover the entire island, so confirm the route before boarding.

Discover more about Turtle Bay Beach

Turtle Bay Beach is a hidden gem nestled on the north shore of St. John, offering a tranquil escape for tourists seeking a serene island experience. This public beach is renowned for its soft, white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding in a picture-perfect tropical setting.The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a stunning backdrop for seaside relaxation. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, thanks to the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The calm waters offer an excellent environment for both novice and experienced snorkelers to explore the underwater world. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and stingrays, as well as a myriad of tropical fish and corals.While the beach is not heavily commercialized, visitors can bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy a picnic by the shore. The tranquil environment makes it a perfect spot for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful day by the ocean. The beach is located at the northern edge of Hawksnest Point, offering views across Durloe Channel to nearby cays.Once part of the Caneel Bay Resort, access to Turtle Bay Beach was previously limited. However, in April 2024, the land was transferred to the National Park Service, with hopes of improved public access in the future.