Francis Bay Beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 | St. John, Best Snorkeling Caribbean

Having snorkeled all over the world from Moorea to the Maldives, Bonaire to Belize, and into the waters of Indonesia, my husband and I have seen our fair share of incredible marine life. But if you’re a turtle lover, Francis Bay Beach is an absolute must. It was a highlight of our 9-day adventure on St. John!

The beach is wide, peaceful, and picturesque, with calm waters perfect for beginner snorkelers. Keep reading to find out how to get there, the best spots to snorkel, and the marine life you will likely encounter.

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

FOLLOW & SHARE WITH A FRIEND!

Table of Contents

2

3

St. John Snorkeling Rating System

My husband and I spend a lot of our travels snorkeling, and I rate each site (like Francis Bay!) to separate the good from the unforgettable.

Please see the rating key below.

OVERALL SNORKEL RATING KEY

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = World-class snorkeling and worth traveling just for the snorkeling alone!

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = Incredible snorkeling and should be on your list of top things to do!

🤿 🤿 🤿 = Decent snorkeling and worth the effort!

🤿 🤿 = Worth consideration if you are running out of things to do!

🤿 = Not worth it!

Snorkeling is a must-do in St. John.

Check out my go-to guide featuring 11 amazing snorkel spots we’ve explored and loved around the island.

Snorkeling map of top St. John USVI Snorkeling Sites

Francis Bay Beach Snorkeling

Beautiful Francis Bay beach in St. John USVI

\

Rating: 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿

\

How to Get There

Take the North Shore Road towards Annaberg Sugar Plantation. At the end of the road at the split, take a left.

If you take a right, you will reach the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins and the entrance to the trailhead for Waterlemon Cay (another fantastic snorkeling site!).

There is a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly.

Hi, I’m Nichole—the discerning traveler, wine lover, and adventure seeker behind Enriching Pursuits.

On this website, you'll find expert insights, honest reviews, and carefully curated experiences worth your time.

I specialize in uncovering the best outdoor adventures (especially snorkeling!), incredible foodie experiences, and boutique stays for travelers who appreciate the details as much as I do.

Want more?

Stick around, explore more, and the next time you plan a trip, just Google Enriching Pursuits!

Is this your travel style?

Then subscribe below to receive my latest updates on:

→ Boutique Stays — Hotels loaded with charm & warm service
→ Sip & Savor — Wine getaways with must-visit wineries and eats
→ Outdoor Adventures — Epic snorkeling, hikes, and bike trails
→ Foodie Finds — From hidden gems to Michelin-star dining
→ Smart Travel Gear — Product reviews that make travel better
→ Nichole Pro Tips — Save smart, splurge wisely!

SUBSCRIBE

Francis Bay Beach parking lot

\

Snorkeling Map

Map of where to snorkel at the Francis Bay beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

Map of where to snorkel at Francis Bay beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

There are some patches of reef on both sides of the bay, but the right side of the beach (as you face the water) is supposed to be slightly better and better suited for advanced snorkelers.

There is a bunch of seagrass in the middle, where the turtles love to hang out!

\

Entry

Entry is easy with calm waters and a sandy bottom.

With so many incredible spots to explore on St. John, I highly recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear.

My husband and I often plan our vacations around top-notch snorkeling, so we invested in quality equipment years ago. It’s been totally worth it.

Here’s the snorkeling gear we never travel without on our “snorkations.”

\

St. John Fish Sightings

Turtles, turtles, and more turtles!

We saw so many turtles that I lost count. I could spend hours swimming with these gentle creatures.

The only other places I saw this many turtles were at Salt Pier in Bonaire and Tres Trapi in Aruba.

We also spotted a few stingrays cruising along the sandy bottom.

We snorkeled on the right side of the bay (facing the water, toward Mary’s Point), where we found coral outcroppings, colorful schools of tropical fish, and even an unexpected lionfish.

A turtle at Francis Bay in St. John USVI

Stingray at Francis Bay

Vibrant coral at Francis Bay

Francis Bay turtle in the seagrass with remora

Francis Bay turtle in the seagrass with a remora

Final Thoughts

Who can resist the charm of a sea turtle?

Even after snorkeling with more turtles than I can count, I still feel a little thrill every time one glides by. If you’re heading to St. John, Francis Bay is a must especially for turtle lovers.

And don’t miss nearby Maho Bay, another great spot for close encounters.

Happy snorkeling! 🐢

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!