Best Snorkeling Beaches For Kids In St. John USVI
Snorkeling is consistently ranked among the best things to do in St. John with kids. But not all beaches are created equal, especially when it comes to handing a child a snorkel and letting them explore the ocean. Some Virgin Islands beaches offer better safety, easier water access, and a more enjoyable experience from a child’s perspective.
Fitting a child with a snorkel in St. John, USVI. Image credit: Island Roots Charters
Why Booking a Snorkeling Charter Is The Better Option For Families With Kids
All the beaches listed within this article are places anyone can access by rental car or taxi. However, chartering a private boat for snorkeling with kids gives families the opportunity to visit snorkeling destinations that are only accessible by boat.
Plus, there is an experienced captain to assess sea conditions and suggest the best possible spots based on wind direction, swells, water visibility, currents, etc.
Having someone knowledgeable about the ocean when snorkeling with kids is invaluable!
Plus, Islands Roots Charters provides high quality gear and our captains will help with getting the best fit possible so you can spend your time enjoying the sea life and not clearing water from your mask and snorkel!
Trunk Bay Beach’s Snorkel Trail & Amenities
Trunk Bay is a great beach for families with children who want to snorkel in the USVI for a number of reasons:
There is a snorkel “trail” right off of the beach.
The water at Trunk Bay is fairly shallow, which makes it easier for parents to keep track of and access their kids while in the water.
Full amenities nearby include: a bath house, food, and snorkeling gear rental.
Overall, Trunk Bay makes snorkeling with kids in the Virgin Islands very easy.
Maho Bay Beach Almost Guarantees Sea Turtle, Stingray and Remora Sightings
Kids snorkeling at Majo Beach have a high probability of encountering ocean wildlife, such as sea turtles, stingrays and remoras (also called sharksuckers; not to be confused with sharks).
Salt Pond And Hansen Beaches Have It All
Salt pond and Hansen beaches are both great snorkeling options for kids because they are shallow and usually have calm sea conditions. Snorkelers usually find turtles, rays and a plethora of various reef fish here.
Minimum Snorkeling Age
Many parents ask what age their kids need to be to snorkel. There are always questions like: '“is my three, four, or five year old too young to snorkel?” But there isn’t a hard set rule on a best age to start snorkeling. It’s mostly about judging when the child is comfortable wearing a mask and keeping his or her head in the water (to be able to breathe through the snorkel). Staying calm and moving slow are key.
Make Sure The Snorkeling Gear Fits
Having quality well-fitting snorkel gear can really make or break a snorkeling experience for kids (and the accompanying adult(s)).
The mask should be properly sized to fit snugly and form a watertight seal.
Have the child press the mask to their face without the strap and inhale slightly to check for suction.
Pick a snorkel that is lightweight and made for children (who have smaller mouths than adults). The mouthpiece should be soft enough to prevent jaw fatigue.
Fins should fit snugly but not too tight. When they fit right, the child should be able to walk comfortably without slipping or feeling any pinching.
A snorkel vest or belt can add extra buoyancy and reassurance, especially for first-timers.
Have Fun
Above all, the biggest rule is to have fun out there snorkeling. Snorkeling is one of the most popular water activities for kids on St. John. The water almost always feels warm, and the sea is teeming with life that kids find magical and exciting. It’s a life changing experience for many people, and even more so for children. There is nothing like coming face-to-face with a big sea turtle.
Image credit: Island Roots Chartesr
| Beach | Why It's Great for Kids | Common Wildlife |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Bay | Features a unique underwater snorkel trail, shallow entry, full amenities including bathhouse, food, and gear rental—ideal for beginners and families. | Reef fish, coral, occasional turtles |
| Maho Bay | Almost always guaranteed turtle sightings; easy entry and calm waters make it perfect for relaxed, up-close encounters. | Turtles, stingrays, remoras |
| Salt Pond Bay | Usually calm and shallow; excellent for confident beginners. Remote but peaceful and rich in wildlife. | Turtles, rays, reef fish |
| Hansen Bay | Another calm and shallow location ideal for younger snorkelers. A bit quieter and off-the-beaten-path. | Turtles, rays, reef fish |
- Pro Tip: Use Johnson's baby shampoo as a tear-free defogger on snorkel masks—great for kids.
- Snorkel Gear Tip: Quality, well-fitting gear can make or break a child's first snorkeling experience.
- Island Roots Charters provides high-quality kids' snorkel gear and snorkel belts on all of our boat trips.
Read more on the best snorkeling on St. John and what activities there are for kids on St. John, USVI.