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Waterlemon Cay Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Waterlemon Cay, yes, Waterlemon not Watermelon, quickly became one of our favorite snorkeling spots on St. John. And with a name that fun, it already had a head start.
My husband and I are avid snorkelers, and we do not say that lightly. We’ve snorkeled everywhere from Moorea to Belize and the Maldives and Indonesia. So when we say a spot is special, we mean it.
During our amazing 9 days on St. John, we made it our mission to find the island’s best snorkeling. Waterlemon Cay was one of the clear standouts.
Based on our own experience, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go: how to get to Waterlemon Cay, where to snorkel once you arrive, and the amazing marine life you might see along the way.
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St. John Snorkeling Rating System
My husband and I explore the world, seeking out the top snorkeling destinations.
Every spot we visit, including Waterlemon Cay, is rated to distinguish the good from the truly exceptional.
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!
Ready to explore St. John’s underwater world?
Here’s my ultimate list of 11 unforgettable snorkeling spots you won’t want to miss.
Snorkeling map of top St. John USVI Snorkeling Sites
Waterlemon Cay Snorkeling
Entering the water at Waterlemon Cay in St. John
Rating: 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿
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.
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How to Get There
Put in Annaberg Sugar Plantation in GoogleMaps. The trailhead to Waterlemon Cay is at the coastline right near the parking lot.
Waterlemon Cay parking lot
Waterlemon Cay entrance sign
The entry point to snorkel over to Waterlemon Cay requires an easy 20-minute hike on the Leinster Bay Trail through some trees and then along the rocky coastline.
I would highly advise wearing tennis shoes or dive booties since you are navigating over rocks and a dirt path.
Waterlemon Cay hike leads you through a short section of forest in the beginning
And then the trail dumps you on the rocky coastline for the remainder of the hike
Snorkeling Map
Map of where to snorkel at Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI
You have two options for reaching Waterlemon Cay:
→ Option 1: Swim from the main sandy beach out to the Cay. This is a fairly long swim, and it can be dangerous due to the boats that sometimes anchor in the bay. If you choose this route, you’ll pass over seagrass beds where you might spot turtles, rays, or even starfish.
→ Option 2: Continue walking past the sandy beach until the shoreline turns rocky again. This spot is much closer to the Cay and is the entry point we personally chose.
Whatever route you take, don’t overestimate your swimming ability. The current can be strong, especially around the far side of the Cay.
I always wear a snorkel vest for extra safety in case I get tired. It gives me peace of mind so I can focus on enjoying the experience.
Most guides recommend swimming counter-clockwise around the Cay, but we went clockwise without any issues. It really depends on the wind and current on the day you go.
Entry
There are a lot of sea urchins! Please be careful as you navigate into the water.
I like to wear dive booties with my favorite snorkeling fins to offer a little more protection.
St. John Fish Sightings
We saw a lot of beautiful coral and sea fans, shoal of squid, two nurse sharks, and many beautiful tropical fish.
The western part of Waterlemon Cay is where we saw the two nurse sharks relaxing at the bottom of the reef. Be aware the far side of the Cay can have strong currents.
French angelfish at Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI
Nurse shark at Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI
Squid family at Waterlemon Cay
French grunt at Waterlemon Cay
Final Thoughts
St. John is one of the top snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, and Waterlemon Cay is easily one of my favorite sites.
Bring your own snorkeling gear (here is the gear I bring on all of our “snorkations”), and start this snorkeling adventure early in the morning. Usually, there’s less wind and fewer crowds.
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!
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