Little Lameshur Bay Beach St. John US Virgin Islands

Little Lameshur Bay Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

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

As experienced snorkelers who have explored waters from remote Rangiroa to the Maldives, Moorea, Indonesia, and Belize, my husband and I can confidently say that Little Lameshur Bay is one of St. John’s best snorkeling spots without the crowds. There is one catch: you will need a Jeep to handle the bumpy, off-road path. If you decide to make the trek, you’ll find the snorkeling more than worth the effort.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to get there, the best areas to snorkel, and the fish you might see.

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Table of Contents

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St. John Snorkeling Rating System

Wherever my husband and I go, we’re always looking for the next incredible place to snorkel. I rate every spot we try, from the good to the absolutely amazing like Little Lameshur Bay.

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!

Skip the guesswork.

My guide to the top 11 snorkeling locations in St. John will help you make the most of your time in the water.

Snorkeling map of top St. John USVI Snorkeling Sites

Little Lameshur Bay Snorkeling

Brain coral, soft coral, and sea fans at Little Lameshur Bay in St. John

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Rating: 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿

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How to Get There

Take Route 107 and go PAST Salt Pond Bay Beach (another great snorkeling spot!). Eventually, you reach a sign that states “no outlet.” This is the end of the paved road.

Continue driving on the bumpy, gravely, potholed road to reach the two Lameshur Bays. We were glad we decided to rent a Jeep with my favorite car rental company! I would not attempt this road after a lot of rain.

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Driving in a Jeep to Little Lameshur Bay in St. John USVI

Drive PAST the Greater Lameshur Bay to reach Little Lameshur Bay Beach. There was plenty of parking when we went.

Because it is off-the-beaten-path, this beach does not appear to get much use. You can see the beach right from the parking lot. No hike required.

Little Lameshur Bay parking lot in St. John USVI

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Snorkeling Map

Map of where to snorkel at the Little Lameshur Bay Beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

Map of where to snorkel at Little Lameshur Bay Beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

As you face the water, snorkel to the left out to Yawzi Point.

The farther you get out to the point, the more challenging it will become.

Do not overestimate your swimming ability. I was thankful I wore my snorkel vest for this snorkeling adventure because it was choppy right at the point.

You will also need a good pair of snorkeling fins!

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Entry

Access is easy due to the sandy bottom and shallow, calm entry. There is a little bit of a pebbly transition right at the shoreline.

Don’t forget to pack your own snorkeling gear. St. John is full of so many amazing spots!

Here’s our tested snorkeling gear my husband and I always bring with us on our snorkel adventures.

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St. John Fish Sightings

As you enter the water, you’ll pass through patches of seagrass where turtles and rays are often spotted (though we didn’t see any during our visit).

The best snorkeling is along the reef on the left side as you face the water. There are plenty of deep crevices and underwater canyons to explore, making it an exciting area to drift through.

We saw lots of colorful tropical fish, but one of our favorites was the porcupine fish. With its wide-set eyes and little half-smile, they are just too cute.

While we’ve never seen one puff up, these fascinating fish can inflate their bodies and extend their long spines when they feel threatened. They’re just one of many fun surprises you might spot along the reef.

Porcupine fish at Little Lameshur Bay in St. John USVI

Flamingo tongue snail at Little Lameshur Bay in St. John USVI

Final Thoughts

My husband and I absolutely loved snorkeling at Little Lameshur Bay. While it’s not the easiest spot to reach, the extra effort is well worth it.

Once in the water, we were treated to coral canyons, large schools of fish, and some fascinating little creatures. My husband even spotted a flamingo tongue snail, thanks to his sharp eye.

If you’re already out that way, be sure to also check out Grootpan Bay, another fantastic snorkeling site nearby that we really enjoyed.

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!