Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Leinster Bay may not be as well known as many of St John's beautiful bays but it is spectacular and has some of the best snorkeling on the island. I always make a point to get to Leinster on every trip to the Virgin Islands. The water is calm and clear, and the beach is never crowded.  

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Sea turtles swim just off the shore and on many occasions I have seen baby lemon and reef sharks swimming in the shallow water. 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

To access Leinster you will need to park at the Annaberg parking lot and hike the Leinster Bay trail for about 20 minutes. It's an easy hike and the trail meanders along beside the water making it very scenic. 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

All over the island you may notice these large 'blobs' of mud stuck on the trunks of trees. These are the ants and termites that build their nests off the ground in order to stay dry. 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Standing on the beach and looking straight out you can see Tortola in the far distance and a little closer the small island called Waterlemon. 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

Leinster is a know sea turtle nesting beach so please pay attention to the National Park Service's directives to help preserve this habitat. 

Leinster Bay - St John US Virgin Islands

The bay is always calm and many boat owners moor up in the bay to relax.