Waterlemon Cay on the Virgin Island of St. John, is a beautiful spot to go snorkeling. The beautiful coral, rays and turtles are abundant, and you may even see a dolphin or two. Waterlemon Cay is a beautiful tropical island beach with great snorkeling.
If it's reef snorkeling you want, Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI should be your first pick. Due to the natural and untarnished reef structure that surrounds the cay, which is home to different species of marine wildlife, many consider it as one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
WaterLEMON Cay, (not waterMELON Cay) is surrounded by a fringing reef, or a reef that is directly connected to a shore, or borders it with a shallow channel of lagoon. This natural formation explains the lush underwater forest teeming with exotic fish and other marine life. Depending your point of entry, you’ll see different kinds of aquatic animals like varieties of angel and butterfly fish, parrot fish, and surgeon fish. Turtles, cuttlefish, sea cucumbers, rays, and sea urchins are also natives of this area, not to mention the different kinds of starfish resting at the bottom, creating beautiful, colorful constellations.
The water from nearby Lienster Bay to Waterlemon Cay is shallow so you can either hike or snorkel across the reef island. Snorkeling is recommended though, because the sooner you swim, the sooner you get to see the underwater splendor. The solid mixture of sand and coral rubble bottom goes out about 0.2 mile, leading into a field of seagrass where turtles and rays live.
If you snorkel to the eastern part of the cay, the reef is even closer to the beach. On this route, you will snorkel over an area of scattered reef and plenty of seagrass. Here you also see some large parrot fishes and schools of blue tangs.
There are also descending bottoms to depths of twenty to twenty-five feet, which can be found on the west and north sides of the reef. Several varieties of corals can also be found on these parts. Although snorkeling at these depths might seem to appeal only to thrill-seekers, think again, because the sea fans and plumes found here are large and give the impression that you’re hovering over an underwater forest.
A word of caution though, an offshore current is often times detected around Waterlemon Cay, especially on the western part. If you are not a strong swimmer, be careful. Snorkeling enthusiasts frequenting the cay suggest that you follow the current, and go counter-clockwise around the cay.
The best way to get to waterlemon Cay? By boat, of course!
Leigh Woeller runs the St Thomas, USVI-based, "Pirates Paradise Adventures," a powerboat charter company specializing in taking families and friends on fun and exciting day trips to the best beaches, beach bars and snorkeling sites of the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. www.St Thomas Boat Rental.
The best (and sometimes only) way to see the Virgin Islands is by renting a boat and going out exploring! For more information, photos and videos about the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, go to www.St Thomas Boat Rental.