Saltpond Bay, West End Travel Guide

4.8 (18)

Discover tranquility at Saltpond Bay, St. John: pristine waters, vibrant snorkeling, and scenic trails await on this secluded south shore escape.

Saltpond Bay, located on the southeastern coast of St. John, is a serene beach offering clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and access to scenic hiking trails. A short, rocky trail leads to this secluded bay, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

A brief summary to Saltpond Bay

St John, VI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Saltpond Bay.

Bring sturdy shoes for the rocky hike down to the bay and for exploring the Ram Head Trail.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as there is limited shade on the beach and trails.
Snorkel along the eastern shoreline or out to the rocks in the center of the bay for the best underwater views.
Combine your beach visit with a hike to Ram Head for stunning panoramic views of St. John's southern coast.
Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot.

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Explore Saltpond Bay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Saltpond Bay, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available. A taxi to Saltpond Bay will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxi rates in St. John are per person, per destination. Expect to pay around $20-$30 per person for a one-way trip. Confirm the rate with the driver before starting your journey.
Public Transport

The VITRAN bus offers an affordable way to reach Saltpond Bay from Cruz Bay. Route 108 (Salt Pond) travels from the Cruz Bay ferry dock to Coral Bay, with a stop near Saltpond Bay. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour. From the bus stop on Route 107, it's a 7-11 minute walk to the bay. The fare is $2 per ride. Be aware that the bus service may not operate on Saturdays.
Car

From Cruz Bay, take Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road (Route 20) towards Coral Bay. At the 'T' intersection in Coral Bay, turn right onto Route 107. Continue for approximately 4 miles, past Concordia, until you see a sharp right turn in the road with parking on the left. The Saltpond Bay Trail begins at the parking area. Parking is limited, so arrive early. Car rentals are available in Cruz Bay.

Discover more about Saltpond Bay

Saltpond Bay is a gem on St. John's southeastern coast, known for its calm, clear waters and beautiful natural surroundings. The bay is accessible via a short, moderately steep, and rocky 7-10 minute hike from the parking lot, which helps to keep the beach relatively uncrowded.The beach itself is a crescent of white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The waters are generally calm, making it a great spot for families and less experienced swimmers. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, with the best spots located along the rocky eastern shoreline and around a set of rocks in the middle of the bay. Keep an eye out for colorful coral, sea turtles, rays, and various reef fish.Beyond the beach, Saltpond Bay offers access to two notable 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 unique sculptures from coral and stones. The Ram Head Trail is a more challenging.9-mile hike to the southernmost point of St. John, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. The trail is steep and rocky in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.Salt Pond itself is a unique geological feature. Saltwater enters the pond through seepage and waves, and the pond's below-sea-level location prevents significant outflow, leading to salt production during dry spells.While Saltpond Bay offers fewer amenities than some of the more popular North Shore beaches, it provides a more secluded and natural experience. The beach has picnic tables and restroom facilities.