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Saltpond Bay: A Tranquil Escape on St. John

Discover Saltpond Bay: Snorkel in clear waters, hike scenic trails, and unwind on a beautiful beach in St. John's Virgin Islands National Park.

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Saltpond Bay offers a serene beach experience with clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A short hike leads to this beautiful bay, known for its calm atmosphere and access to hiking trails, including the popular Ram Head Trail.

A brief summary to Saltpond Bay

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • Bring sun protection, as the beach offers limited shade.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the short but rocky and uneven hike from the parking lot to the beach.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a parking spot.
  • Explore the Ram Head Trail for stunning panoramic views of St. John's southern coastline.
  • Snorkel along the eastern shoreline or around the rocks in the center of the bay to see diverse marine life.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, take Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road (Route 20) towards Coral Bay. At the 'T' intersection at the bottom of the hill in Coral Bay, turn right onto Route 107. Continue for approximately 4 miles past Concordia Eco Resort. As the road turns sharply to the right, the parking lot for Saltpond Bay will be on your left. Parking is limited, especially during peak hours.

  • Public Transport

    From the Cruz Bay ferry dock, take the VITran bus Route 108 or 109 towards Coral Bay. The bus travels along Centerline Road. The Saltpond Bay parking lot is the last stop on this route. From the parking lot, it is a 7-11 minute walk to Saltpond Bay. Cost: $1 per ride.

  • Walking

    From the Saltpond Bay parking lot, walk down the dirt road to the beach. The trail is approximately 1/4 mile long and is rocky and uneven with a moderate slope. Note: The walk from the parking lot to the beach is downhill, so the walk back to the parking lot is uphill.

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Discover more about Saltpond Bay

Saltpond Bay, located on the southeastern end of St. John, is a destination that combines a beautiful beach with opportunities for snorkeling and hiking. The bay is known for its clear, calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach itself is a crescent of white sand, offering plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. Snorkeling is a popular activity at Saltpond Bay, with the best spots located along the eastern shoreline and around a set of rocks in the center of the bay. Here, snorkelers can observe a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, reef fish, sea turtles, and even squid. For those seeking adventure beyond the beach, Saltpond Bay provides access to several hiking trails. The Drunk Bay Trail is an easy.25 mile walk that passes the Salt Pond on the way to Drunk Bay, where visitors have created rock sculptures. The Ram Head Trail is a more strenuous.9 mile hike to the southernmost point on St. John, rewarding hikers with dramatic views of the coastline. While Saltpond Bay offers a tranquil escape, it's worth noting that the beach has limited shade, so bringing an umbrella or sun protection is recommended. The parking lot is a short hike away from the beach, down a rocky and uneven path, so appropriate footwear is advisable. Despite these minor inconveniences, Saltpond Bay remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a combination of natural beauty and recreational activities.

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