Snorkeling Lameshur Bay
Little Lameshur has been a best kept secret for years. Located at the end of a poorly maintained dirt road used mostly by the Virgin Islands National Park Rangers and VIERS [ Virgin Islands Environmental Research Station] you’ll find Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay beach. Both are part of the Virgin Islands National Park and enjoy a secluded – off-the-beaten-path location. But don’t let that deter you – Little Lameshur is a wonderful place to spend a day lounging on the beach, snorkeling some wonderful patch reefs and sea grass beds as well as exploring the sugar mill ruins or heading off on one of the hiking trails.
Things to know before you go – the road is really best traveled in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is something of a trek so plan to spend some time there. Since you’ll likely spend the better part of your day – plan on bringing something to eat and drink.
The beach is a wonderful crescent of soft white sand with a pebbly transition at the waterline. Entering the water at the apex of the beach is the best. Protected from the north shore swells – Lameshur is usually pretty calm and a great place to bring a float and just hang out in the water.
Snorkeling is good along the eastern shore ( left as you face the water) and gets better the farther you travel. If you go far enough you’ll round the tip of the peninsula called Yawzi Point. The snorkeling is fantastic – but challenging. You’ll face waves, current and deeper structure and corals. But i
f you’re experienced and fit – I highly recommend it as some of the best, if not the best, snorkeling on St John!
On your way back at the end of the day you might want to stop for drinks and/or eats at the famous Tourist Trap – located just after the entrance to Concordia. Or wait a bit and further down the road is Miss Lucy’s. She has a great spot right on the water with views of St John’s East End. One of my favorite spots to have an afternoon drink to end the day.
