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Cinnamon Bay Beach: A Pristine Paradise in St. John

Discover St. John's longest beach: Cinnamon Bay, a haven for snorkeling, watersports, history, and natural beauty in Virgin Islands National Park.

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Cinnamon Bay Beach, located in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is the island's longest beach, offering soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a variety of activities. It's known for its snorkeling, watersports, historical ruins, and the Cinnamon Bay Campground.

A brief summary to Cinnamon Bay Beach

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure parking and a prime spot on the beach.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs and marine life.
  • Explore the Cinnamon Bay Factory Ruins to learn about the island's history and sugar plantation era.
  • Snorkel around Cinnamon Cay or the eastern end of the beach for the best underwater views.
  • Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the beachside cafe for a relaxing lunch with stunning views.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, taxis are readily available. The ride to Cinnamon Bay Beach is approximately 15 minutes via North Shore Road (Route 20). The fare is around $11 per person each way for groups of two or more; solo travelers pay about $14. Confirm the rate with the driver before departing.

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, follow North Shore Road (Route 20) for about 4 miles. The drive is scenic but winding. Look for signs indicating the entrance to Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground on the left. There are two large parking lots available. Parking is free. From the parking lot, it's a short walk down a paved path to the beach.

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Discover more about Cinnamon Bay Beach

Cinnamon Bay Beach, nestled on the north shore of St. John within the Virgin Islands National Park, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. As the longest beach on St. John, it boasts a half-mile of soft, white sand fringed by towering coconut palms and sea grape trees, offering ample shade and a picturesque setting for relaxation. The crystal-clear, shallow waters of Cinnamon Bay are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A small cay located just offshore teems with marine life and vibrant coral reefs, providing an underwater playground for snorkelers of all levels. The eastern end of the beach also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, with a plateau reef structure teeming with colorful fish, sea grasses, and the occasional sea turtle and stingray. For a unique snorkeling experience, adventurous visitors can explore the remains of a sunken plane near Little Cinnamon Bay. Beyond its natural attractions, Cinnamon Bay is steeped in history. The Cinnamon Bay Plantation, one of the earliest sugar plantations on St. John, once thrived here. Today, visitors can explore the Cinnamon Bay Factory Ruins, a site on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and delve into the island's colonial past. The ruins include a sugar factory established by the Danes in 1717, a horse mill, and remnants of cauldrons used for boiling sugar cane juice. Cinnamon Bay offers a range of amenities and activities for visitors. The Cinnamon Bay Campground provides facilities such as a general store, restaurant, snack bar, restrooms, and showers. Watersports enthusiasts can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, windsurfers, and small sailboats from the Cinnamon Bay Watersports center. Hiking trails, including the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail and the Cinnamon Bay Trail, offer opportunities to explore the island's flora and fauna and discover more historical ruins. Whether you seek a relaxing beach day, an underwater adventure, or a glimpse into the past, Cinnamon Bay Beach offers a diverse and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Virgin Islands National Park.

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