Salt Pond Bay St John USVI
Discover serene snorkeling, diverse wildlife, and rewarding hikes at Salt Pond Bay, a natural gem on St. John's eastern coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Catch the sunrise & beat the heat
Salt Pond Bay St John USVI
Best Time
Catch the sunrise & beat the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene snorkeling, diverse wildlife, and rewarding hikes at Salt Pond Bay, a natural gem on St. John's eastern coast.
"A great trail to an amazing view, well worth the effort!"
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water and bug spray for the trail; hermit crabs and lizards are common sights!
🥾 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the moderate hike to Ram Head Peak due to rough terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Salt Pond Bay Beach
Base of the trail
Calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling with abundant fish and sea urchins.
Ram Head Peak Trail
From Salt Pond Bay
A moderate hike with rewarding panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Drunk Bay Trail
Off Long Pond Beach
An easy, flat walk to a unique rocky beach adorned with coral skeletons.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Salt Pond Bay
Hiking Safety at Ram Head
Best Times
Insider Tips
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National Park Hiking
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water and bug spray for the trail; hermit crabs and lizards are common sights!
🥾 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the moderate hike to Ram Head Peak due to rough terrain.
St. John Travel Tips
Hiking/remote beaches or islands
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally not an issue, as many visitors don't venture to this side of the island.
⚠️ Kid Safety
Hold onto small children tightly on the Ram Head trail due to dangerous cliffs.
Seeking Tips and Recs for 8 days in St. John’s
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water and bug spray for the trail; hermit crabs and lizards are common sights!
🥾 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for the moderate hike to Ram Head Peak due to rough terrain.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally not an issue, as many visitors don't venture to this side of the island.
⚠️ Kid Safety
Hold onto small children tightly on the Ram Head trail due to dangerous cliffs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the natural beauty and diverse activities at Salt Pond Bay, from calm snorkeling waters to challenging hikes. The accessibility via public transport is a plus, though some find the Ram Head hike strenuous. Wildlife sightings and unique beach formations add to its charm.
"This is such a cool trail.
On the walk in, look around for hermit crabs, lizards, and Land Crabs.
It is a very close walk to get to Salt Pond Bay, where there is a little beach, calm water, and some coral to snorkel around. You'll find a lot of fishies and some huge sea urchins in there.
If you take a left from the beach, you'll find the Salt Pond. There isn't much here, but it's a super quiet place to walk around. We saw a not so shy buck walking around here.
There are trash cans and a restroom by the beach.
You can also continue on to a much longer trail to the Blue Cobblestone Beach and Ram Head Peak.
We never had a problem with parking here. I think most people don't make it out to this side of the island."
Greg Eakins
"This is a great trail to an amazing view. It is a moderate hike due to its rough terrain and a few short, steep climbs. It's a memorable walk, though, well worth the effort. Get up early, take some flashlights, and catch the sunrise.
PLEASE, if you take your small kids up there, HOLD ON TO THEM! There are deadly cliffs all around Ram Head Point. It would not be hard for a kid to run around, trip, and fall.
Also, don't forget to check k out the Drunk Bay Trail that cuts off at Long Pond Beach. It's an easy and mostly flat trail that takes you out .25 miles to a beautiful rocky beach where many leave little coral skeletons around the rocks."
Shawn Selmon
"This is the trail to parknat to walk d9wn to salt pond for a fun day of swimming and snorkeling. The beach sand is beautiful and the water is generally very calm, bring water and bug spray as the trail down can get buggy."
Shawn Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can catch the public bus directly to Salt Pond Bay, as it's the last stop on its route. This makes it an accessible destination even without renting a car.
Yes, the public bus service runs to Salt Pond, making it a convenient option for visitors.
The most straightforward way is to take the public bus from Cruz Bay, which will drop you off directly at Salt Pond.
Yes, there is a trail leading to Salt Pond Bay, which is also the starting point for other hikes like Ram Head Peak.
While popular for its natural beauty, it's less crowded than some other St. John spots, especially if you visit early.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Salt Pond Bay is located within the Virgin Islands National Park, which typically has an entrance fee. Check the official National Park Service website for current rates and passes.
As a natural area within the National Park, Salt Pond Bay is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset.
No, tickets are not typically required for entry to Salt Pond Bay itself, but you may need a National Park pass.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. Be mindful of wildlife and the natural environment.
The water is usually calmest in the afternoon, making it ideal for snorkeling. Early mornings offer fewer crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, snorkel around coral reefs, spot fish and sea urchins, walk around the quiet salt pond, and hike to Ram Head Peak or Drunk Bay.
Yes, the bay offers calm waters with a good amount of coral and marine life, including many fish and large sea urchins.
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs, lizards, land crabs, various fish, sea urchins, and potentially even a buck near the salt pond.
Yes, there are trash cans and a restroom located by the beach area.
The Ram Head Peak trail is considered moderate, with rough terrain and some short, steep climbs.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers beautiful shots, especially with the calm water. The panoramic views from Ram Head Peak are also spectacular.
Absolutely! The elevated perspective provides stunning vistas of the coastline and surrounding islands, making it a photographer's dream.
Yes, you can photograph the various creatures like hermit crabs, lizards, and fish, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots.
Drunk Bay's rocky shore with scattered coral skeletons offers a unique and artistic subject for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children, the hike to Ram Head Peak might be too challenging due to the steep terrain and cliffs. However, the walk to the bay and exploring the salt pond area are manageable. The Drunk Bay Trail is also an easy and flat option suitable for little ones. Always supervise children closely, especially near any water or uneven terrain.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will also appreciate the opportunity to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various crustaceans and reptiles along the paths. The unique landscape of the salt pond and the rocky shores of Drunk Bay offer distinct natural environments to explore. The Rim Trail also starts here, offering further hiking opportunities for the dedicated explorer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Salt Pond Bay
For a more relaxed walk, consider the Drunk Bay Trail. This easy, mostly flat path leads to a unique rocky beach where visitors often leave small coral skeletons, creating an artistic display. It's a great option for a leisurely stroll and offers a different kind of natural beauty compared to the sandy beaches.
These trails are part of the larger Virgin Islands National Park, so be sure to check for any specific park regulations or advisories before you set out. The diverse trail system ensures there's an option for most fitness levels, from casual walkers to more adventurous hikers.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Beyond the bay, the waters around St. John are renowned for their biodiversity. While Salt Pond Bay offers a good introduction, exploring other nearby snorkeling spots can reveal even more vibrant coral reefs and a wider array of fish species. Always practice responsible snorkeling by not touching the coral and maintaining a safe distance from marine animals.
Remember to bring your own snorkel gear or rent it from a local shop. The accessibility of snorkeling directly from the beach at Salt Pond Bay makes it a convenient and enjoyable activity for a day of aquatic exploration.
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