Background

Turtle Bay Beach: A Tranquil Escape on St. John

Discover tranquility at Turtle Bay Beach in St. John, USVI: soft sands, clear waters, and vibrant marine life await in this serene tropical escape.

3

Turtle Bay Beach, located on the north shore of St. John, is a serene public beach known for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. Once part of the Caneel Bay Resort, it offers a tranquil escape with excellent snorkeling opportunities and stunning views.

A brief summary to Turtle Bay Beach

  • 9627+C27, St John, 00830, VI

Local tips

  • Bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are limited amenities available at the beach.
  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
  • Don't forget your snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life in the bay.
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the local marine ecosystem.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Turtle Bay Beach from St. Thomas, take a ferry from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John. The ferry from Red Hook is shorter and more frequent, costing $8.15 for adults and $1 for children, plus $4 per bag. From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available to Caneel Bay. The taxi fare to Caneel Bay is approximately $9 per person. From the Caneel Bay gatehouse, access to Turtle Bay Beach may be limited, check with local authorities for updated access information.

  • Taxi

    From Cruz Bay, St. John, taxis are available to Caneel Bay, which is the closest accessible point to Turtle Bay Beach. A taxi from Cruz Bay to Caneel Bay costs approximately $9 per person. Confirm the rate with the driver before starting your journey. From the Caneel Bay gatehouse, access to Turtle Bay Beach may be limited, check with local authorities for updated access information.

Unlock the Best of Turtle Bay Beach

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Turtle Bay Beach

Turtle Bay Beach is a picturesque public beach nestled on the north shore of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. This idyllic beach, once part of the exclusive Caneel Bay Resort, is renowned for its soft, white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering a tranquil escape for tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty. The beach's location on the northern edge of Hawksnest Point provides stunning views across the Durloe Channel to Henley Cay, Ramgoat Cay, and Lovango Cay. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life just a short swim from the shoreline. Snorkeling is particularly rewarding along the rocky coral outcroppings on both sides of the bay, where you might spot sea turtles and stingrays. While offering a serene and relatively secluded experience, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The beach is easily accessible by boat, and land access is expected to improve following the transfer of the Caneel Bay peninsula to the National Park Service in April 2024. This transfer aims to restore public access to this beautiful area. Turtle Bay Beach was also featured in Sports Illustrated's 2015 swimsuit issue, adding to its allure.

Popular Experiences near Turtle Bay Beach

Popular Hotels near Turtle Bay Beach

Select Currency