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Little Lameshur Bay: A Secluded St. John Paradise

Discover a secluded snorkeling and hiking haven on St. John's south shore, offering calm waters, historical ruins, and access to Virgin Islands National Park trails.

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Little Lameshur Bay, nestled on St. John's south shore within the Virgin Islands National Park, is a serene escape boasting soft sands, clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery. It's known for excellent swimming and snorkeling, with historical ruins and hiking trails nearby.

A brief summary to Little Lameshur Bay

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning for the best snorkeling conditions and to avoid crowds.
  • A 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to navigate the unpaved, bumpy road to the bay.
  • Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no vendors at the beach.
  • Combine your beach visit with a hike on the Lameshur Bay Trail to explore historical ruins and connect to the Reef Bay Trail.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, take either Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road to Coral Bay. From Coral Bay, follow Route 107 past Salt Pond Bay. Continue on the unpaved road, following signs for Lameshur Bay. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended due to the rough road conditions. The drive from Cruz Bay is approximately 35-40 minutes.

  • Public Transportation & Walking

    Take the local bus from Cruz Bay towards the East End. Inform the driver you wish to go to Little Lameshur Bay. The bus will stop at the nearest point to the bay, approximately a 10-minute walk down a path to the beach. Bus fare is around $2-$3 USD. Note that bus service may be infrequent, so check schedules in advance. Alternatively, a taxi from Cruz Bay to Little Lameshur Bay will cost approximately $30-$40 USD.

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Discover more about Little Lameshur Bay

Little Lameshur Bay offers a tranquil retreat on the south shore of St. John, within the protected Virgin Islands National Park. The bay features a beautiful white sandy beach, though the shoreline can be a bit rocky. The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with underwater treasures like coral reefs, sea turtles, and stingrays to discover. Snorkeling is particularly rewarding along the left side of the bay, where you can spot diverse tropical fish. Beyond the beach, history buffs can explore colonial-era ruins at the western end. The Lameshur Bay Trail also starts nearby, leading through the jungle towards the Reef Bay Trail and its famous petroglyphs. Getting to Little Lameshur Bay is an adventure in itself. The unpaved road is notoriously bumpy and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. This challenging access helps keep the beach less crowded, offering a more secluded experience. Be sure to bring your own food and water, though picnic tables and restroom facilities are available. Historically, the area was part of the Lameshur Estate, which consolidated several smaller plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries. These plantations cultivated cotton and later sugarcane, with remnants of sugar production visible today. The name "Lameshur" may even be a corruption of "Limes ashore!", a phrase used by British sailors who noticed the abundance of lime fruits. Today, the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) is located nearby, continuing the area's legacy of research and preservation.

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