Great Lameshur Bay St John USVI
A secluded St. John bay renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and tranquil beach escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for snorkeling and beach activities
Great Lameshur Bay St John USVI
Best Time
Best for snorkeling and beach activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded St. John bay renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and tranquil beach escape.
"Beautiful, quiet, slice of solitude you can only reach by water... Beautiful sealife can be seen snorkelling including sea turtles."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road Access
The road to Great Lameshur Bay is rough. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for a smoother journey.
🚤 Boat Access is Easiest
Many visitors arrive by boat, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach this secluded bay.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 8 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Explore a kaleidoscope of colorful corals teeming with diverse marine life. A true underwater paradise.
Abundant Marine Life
Swim alongside sea turtles, nurse sharks, and thousands of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
Secluded Beach Solitude
Discover a peaceful, less-traveled beach offering a tranquil escape and stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Great Lameshur Bay
Snorkeling Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
St. John - tell me what I need to know about snorkeling
After a recent trip to Aruba, I have been researching other islands to visit and have fallen in love with St. John. The ability to snorkel off the beach and see amazing things is one of the main reasons why. I am just wondering about how challenging/advanced the swimming may…
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road Access
The road to Great Lameshur Bay is rough. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for a smoother journey.
🚤 Boat Access is Easiest
Many visitors arrive by boat, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach this secluded bay.
Itinerary Feedback - St. John
Hi all. Will be heading to St. John in a week for 5 days and wanted some feedback on my (tentative) intinerary. It's our first time, hoping to have a solid mix of adventuring + relaxing. We are staying in Cruz bay and renting a car! Thursday \- arrive early…
Recommendations for trip to St. John
We always go this time of year and the weather is so nice! Trails: Ram’s Head Trail is super popular for but you need to get there early because it gets hot. You can also stop at Salt Pond beach on the way to snorkel and/or swim. Reef Bay Trail is also awesome. It’s a little…
🐠 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Excellent snorkeling right off the beach! Bring your own gear or rent it before heading out.
🐢 Look for Sea Turtles
Keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles and other amazing marine life while snorkeling.
St. John Recs
Hi all! We will be in St John next week for 4 days. Staying close to Cruz Bay. Our first solo trip without kids in over 7 years. What beaches do you recommend and most importantly lunch/dinner spots?!!! Want to make sure we make the most of our short trip! Should I be making…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Road Access
The road to Great Lameshur Bay is rough. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for a smoother journey.
🚤 Boat Access is Easiest
Many visitors arrive by boat, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach this secluded bay.
🐠 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Excellent snorkeling right off the beach! Bring your own gear or rent it before heading out.
🐢 Look for Sea Turtles
Keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles and other amazing marine life while snorkeling.
🚶♀️ Hike to the Bay
Consider the scenic hike to the bay for a rewarding adventure and beautiful views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Great Lameshur Bay for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional snorkeling opportunities with abundant marine life, and its peaceful, secluded atmosphere. It's a less-traveled gem offering tranquility. Some find the journey challenging due to rough roads, and the lack of amenities requires thorough preparation.
"Stopped on a boat excursion, absolutely beautiful spot with beautiful corals to view while snorkeling"
Riley Hope
"A beautiful, quiet, slice of solitude you can only reach by water... Beautiful sealife can be seen snorkelling including sea turtles."
Jason Kay
"Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Saw thousands of fish and a nurse shark. A bit less traveled than some of the other bay areas."
Brian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Lameshur Bay is remote. The most common ways to access it are by boat or by driving a 4x4 vehicle on unpaved, rugged roads. Renting a Jeep or similar 4x4 is advised if you plan to drive.
No, the road leading to Great Lameshur Bay is unpaved and can be quite rough. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended to navigate it safely and comfortably.
Taxis may be available, but due to the road conditions, they might be reluctant or charge a premium. It's best to confirm with taxi services in advance or opt for a rental 4x4.
Yes, many boat excursions and private charters include Great Lameshur Bay as a snorkeling or beach stop. This is often the easiest way to visit.
You can fly into St. Thomas (STT) and then take a ferry to St. John. Once on St. John, you'll need to arrange local transport to reach Great Lameshur Bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Great Lameshur Bay is located within the Virgin Islands National Park. While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the bay itself, you may need to pay park entrance fees if you are visiting other areas of the park.
As a natural bay within the national park, Great Lameshur Bay is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No advance booking is typically required for visiting the bay itself. However, if you plan to join a boat tour or rent a 4x4, booking those services in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Facilities are very limited. You'll find a beautiful beach and excellent snorkeling, but no restrooms, shops, or restaurants. Come prepared with everything you need.
Absolutely! Great Lameshur Bay is renowned for its fantastic snorkeling opportunities right off the beach, with clear waters and abundant marine life.
🎫 🐠 Snorkeling & Wildlife
You can expect to see a wide variety of tropical fish, colorful coral formations, sea turtles, and even nurse sharks. It's a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
The snorkeling is generally considered moderate. While there are shallow areas, the water can get deep, and currents can sometimes be present. It's suitable for confident swimmers.
Tides and currents can vary. It's important to be aware of the conditions before entering the water and to stay within your comfort level.
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential. Water shoes can be helpful for rocky areas.
It's always safer to snorkel with a buddy. Be aware of your surroundings, especially boat traffic and any changes in water conditions.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
The beach is beautiful, often quiet, and offers a sense of solitude. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the natural scenery.
Yes, there are hiking trails in the vicinity, including trails that lead to or from the bay, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, towels, and your snorkeling gear. There are no amenities available.
It can be, especially for families who enjoy snorkeling and a more natural, less crowded beach experience. However, the journey there and the water depth might require supervision for younger children.
Yes, Great Lameshur Bay is a popular mooring spot for boats. Ensure you follow all park regulations regarding anchoring.
Social
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