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Saltpond Bay: A Tranquil Escape on St. John

Discover tranquility at Saltpond Bay in St. John: swim, snorkel, and hike in a serene Caribbean paradise.

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Saltpond Bay, located on the southeastern coast of St. John, is a beautiful and serene bay known for its clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and access to hiking trails. A short hike from the parking area leads to a crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the underwater world.

A brief summary to Saltpond Bay

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking is limited.
  • Bring sun protection, as the trail to the beach and the beach itself offer little shade.
  • Wear sturdy footwear for the rocky and uneven trail to the beach.
  • Snorkel along the eastern shoreline or towards the rocks in the center of the bay for the best views.
  • Combine your beach visit with a hike on the Drunk Bay Trail or the Ram Head Trail for a full day of adventure.
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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 Coral Bay, just past Concordia Eco-Resort. Look for parking on your left as the road turns sharply to the right. Parking is limited, so arrive early. From the parking area, a 7-10 minute hike downhill on the Salt Pond Bay Trail leads to the beach.

  • Public Transport

    From the Cruz Bay ferry dock, take the Vitran bus (Route 108 or 109) towards Coral Bay and Salt Pond. The bus operates mainly Monday through Friday. The bus travels along Centerline Road (Route 10). Ask the driver to stop at the Salt Pond Bay Trail. From the bus stop on Route 107, it is a 7-minute walk to the Salt Pond Bay Trailhead. Follow the Salt Pond Bay Trail downhill for about 7-10 minutes to reach the beach. Vitran Bus Fare: $1.00 per ride.

  • Taxi

    From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available. Request a taxi to Saltpond Bay. The taxi fare from Cruz Bay to Saltpond Bay is approximately $18. The taxi will drop you off at the Salt Pond Bay Trailhead. From there, follow the Salt Pond Bay Trail downhill for about 7-10 minutes to reach the beach. Taxi Fare: Approximately $18 from Cruz Bay.

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Discover more about Saltpond Bay

Saltpond Bay offers a tranquil escape with its stunning natural beauty and diverse activities. The bay is known for its calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is a crescent shape with soft, white sand, inviting visitors to relax and soak up the Caribbean sun. Snorkeling enthusiasts will find plenty to explore along the rocky sides of the bay and out towards the jagged rocks in the middle. The seagrass beds are home to sea turtles, rays, and various marine life. Divers can spot colorful coral, reef fish, and even nurse sharks in their natural habitat. For those who enjoy hiking, Saltpond Bay provides access to the Drunk Bay Trail and the Ram Head Trail. The Drunk Bay Trail leads to a rocky shoreline with unique coral and stone sculptures created by visitors. The Ram Head Trail offers a more challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views of St. John's southern coast. Historically, the area around Saltpond Bay was significant to the early inhabitants of St. John. A village was established here, and the salt pond itself was a valuable resource. Salt was harvested from the pond for various uses, and the practice continues sporadically to this day.

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