Cinnamon Bay Beach: St. John's Pristine Paradise
Discover St. John's longest beach: Cinnamon Bay offers pristine sands, clear waters, snorkeling, camping, and historical ruins within a National Park.
Cinnamon Bay Beach, nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. As the largest beach on St. John, it boasts a half-mile stretch of soft, white sand fringed by towering coconut palms and lush sea grape trees, offering ample shade and a picturesque setting. The bay's clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, attracting both novice and experienced snorkelers. Cinnamon Cay, a small, low-elevation island located just offshore, teems with vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. Snorkelers can also explore the eastern end of the beach, where a plateau reef structure provides habitat for diverse coral and marine species. For a unique underwater adventure, snorkelers can discover the wreckage of a small aircraft just off Little Cinnamon Beach. Beyond its natural allure, Cinnamon Bay is steeped in history. The Cinnamon Bay Plantation, once a thriving sugar plantation, operated during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the sugar mill, factory, and other structures, gaining insights into the island's colonial past. The Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail offers a scenic hike through the tropical forest, showcasing native plants, wildlife, and remnants of Danish settlement. Cinnamon Bay offers a range of amenities, including a snack bar, showers, restrooms, and a souvenir shop. Watersports enthusiasts can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and windsurfing equipment. The Cinnamon Bay Campground provides various lodging options, from bare campsites to eco-tents and cottages, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, as it can get crowded, especially during peak season.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs and marine life.
- Explore the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail to discover the ruins of the historic sugar plantation.
- Snorkel around Cinnamon Cay for the best chance to see sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish.
- Consider camping at Cinnamon Bay Campground for a unique and immersive experience in Virgin Islands National Park.
A brief summary to Cinnamon Bay Beach
- St John, VI
Getting There
-
Taxi
From the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, taxis are readily available to Cinnamon Bay Beach. The open-air safari-style taxis offer a scenic ride along North Shore Road (Route 20). The journey is approximately 4.3 miles and takes about 15 minutes. Taxi fares are typically around $10-$12 per person, but confirm the price with the driver before departing. Note that taxis may charge an additional fee per piece of luggage after the first.
-
Public Transport
The VITRAN public bus system offers service from Cruz Bay to Cinnamon Bay. The bus fare is $1 per person. The bus route travels along the main commercial and residential areas, with a potential short walk from the bus stop to the beach. Buses are easily identifiable by their blue and white color and destination indicators.
Attractions Nearby to Cinnamon Bay Beach
-
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins
-
America Hill Great House Ruins
-
Maho Bay Beach
-
Cinnamon Bay Trail
-
Virgin Islands National Park
-
Catherineberg Estate Ruins
-
Francis Bay
-
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail
-
Trunk Bay
-
Trunk Cay, United States Virgin Islands
-
Whistling Cay, United States Virgin Islands
-
Jumbie Beach
-
Oppenheimer Beach
-
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
-
Petroglyphs