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Little Lameshur Bay: A Secluded Snorkeling Paradise

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Discover St. John's secluded Little Lameshur Bay: pristine beaches, calm waters, vibrant snorkeling, and historical trails await!

Little Lameshur Bay, located on the south shore of St. John within the Virgin Islands National Park, offers a tranquil escape with excellent snorkeling opportunities. Known for its calm waters, soft sandy beach, and access to hiking trails, it's a favorite among those seeking a less crowded beach experience.

A brief summary to Little Lameshur Bay

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • The road to Little Lameshur Bay is unpaved and can be rough; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.
  • Bring your own food and water, as there are limited facilities available.
  • Arrive early to secure a parking spot and enjoy the beach before it gets crowded.
  • The best snorkeling is often in the morning when the sun is less intense and the water is calmer.
  • Combine your beach visit with a hike on the Lameshur Bay Trail to explore nearby historical ruins and connect to the Reef Bay Trail.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, take Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road (Route 20) towards Coral Bay. Upon reaching Coral Bay, turn onto Route 107 south towards Salt Pond Bay. Continue past Salt Pond Bay, and follow the unpaved, rocky road to Lameshur Bay. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended due to the road conditions. Parking is available near the beach, but it can fill up quickly. Be prepared for a 35-40 minute drive from Cruz Bay. There are no fees for parking or accessing the beach.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Cruz Bay to Little Lameshur Bay. It's recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. The taxi ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Given the unpaved road, confirm that the taxi is willing to drive to the bay and arrange a specific time for pick-up, as cell service can be unreliable. Expect to pay around $40 - $60 each way.

  • Public Transport & Hiking

    A bus service runs from Cruz Bay to Salt Pond Bay a few times a day. From Salt Pond Bay, hike the Reef Bay Trail, which connects to the Lameshur Bay Trail (approximately 1.5 miles). Follow the signs to Little Lameshur Bay. Check the bus schedule in advance. The bus fare is around $3. This option involves a significant hike and is best suited for experienced hikers.

Discover more about Little Lameshur Bay

Little Lameshur Bay is a hidden gem on St. John's south shore, nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park. This serene bay offers a classic Caribbean experience with its soft, white-sand beach, turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings. Unlike its neighbor, Great Lameshur Bay, Little Lameshur boasts a sandy shoreline, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Snorkeling is a major draw, with calm waters and underwater features like seagrass beds and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Snorkelers can explore the bay's left side towards Yawzi Point for the most vibrant coral and fish sightings. Keep an eye out for parrotfish, filefish, angelfish, and blue tangs. Lucky visitors might even spot sea turtles and eagle rays. Beyond the beach, Little Lameshur Bay provides access to several hiking trails, including the Lameshur Bay Trail that connects to the Reef Bay Trail. These trails lead to historical sites like the Great Reef Bay House Ruins and ancient Petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the island's past. The bay also has remnants of colonial-era ruins right on the beach. Historically, the area was part of the Lameshur Estate, which was consolidated from three plantations in the 1700s. These plantations cultivated cotton and later sugarcane. The land was eventually acquired by the Jackson Hole Preserve and donated to the National Park Service in the 1950s. Today, a park ranger occupies one of the remaining buildings.

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