Coral Bay St John: Explore St. John’s Quieter Side

Are you looking to escape the crowds and discover a quaint Caribbean town? Look no further than Coral Bay, St John, in the heart of the Virgin Islands. While St John is known for its natural beauty and National Park and would be considered by most to have more of a remote island feel, Coral Bay takes that up a notch. In this post, I share my favorite things to do, places to eat, and best Coral Bay adventures.

Where is Coral Bay?

The island of St. John is divided into two towns: lively Cruz Bay, a hop, skip, and throw away from St. Thomas, and the quiet eastern side of the island, Coral Bay. You will likely spot more donkeys and goats in Coral Bay than restaurants. From mangrove snorkeling to unique beaches and picturesque hikes, no visit to Saint John is complete without visiting Coral Bay.

How to Get to Coral Bay

There are two different routes to Coral Bay from Cruz Bay. Highway 10, usually referred to as Center Line Road by locals, runs through the middle of the island and passes over Bordeaux Mountain or North Shore Road. If you opt for Center Line, the drive is eight miles. The road is curvy, and the drive itself should take twenty-five minutes. North Shore Road passes famous north shore beaches like Trunk Bay and Maho Bay. It, too, is curvy and just a slightly longer route than Center Line Road because of inevitable traffic.

Beaches in Coral Bay 

The beaches around Coral Bay and the east end of St John are each unique and worthy of a visit, especially if you enjoy avoiding the crowds. While the famous north shore beaches of St. John are known for their soft white sand, the east-end beaches all have unique characteristics. 

With its pebble-lined shoreline, Haulover South is tucked away in a cove. I do not think I have ever seen more than a handful of people there at any given time. The tranquil waters and rock outcroppings on both sides make for enjoyable snorkeling.

Hansen Bay is a beautiful white sand beach with calm waters, perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, or snorkeling. Admission to the beach is on a donation basis.

Salt Pond Bay is an excellent off-the-beaten-path Coral Bay beach to explore. It requires about a quarter-mile hike down a dirt road, so pack light. The hike there is downhill, so you know what that means: your return trip is uphill. Once you arrive at Salt Pond Bay, enjoy the tranquil waters or put on your snorkel gear for a bit of adventure.

Things to do in Coral Bay St John

If you are wondering what to do in Coral Bay St John, the answer is everything! In addition to the Coral Bay beaches, there are hiking, snorkeling, boating adventures, and so much more.  

Snorkel the Mangroves

When I first learned of mangrove snorkeling in St. John, truth be told, I was not interested. I mistakenly assumed that the water would be murky with little to see. However, to my surprise, it was great, and I would highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy snorkeling and are feeling adventurous. 

We opted to rent a dinghy in Coral Bay (shout out to Dockside Dinghy) for our mangrove snorkeling adventure. We ventured to Hurricane Hole from Coral Bay- a national monument and protected cove.

Tucked away in a cove (there are several locations to choose from within Hurricane Hole), the water is very calm. As you head towards the shore and mangrove roots, you will see an array of colorful fish and coral. We spotted a stingray, nurse shark, squid, turtles, pufferfish, and barracuda. If you feel more comfortable on a guided snorkel trip, there are several to choose from in Coral Bay.

Visit the Floating Taco Bar

Nestled in Coral Harbor, you will find Lime Out, Saint John’s famous floating taco bar. You must arrive via boat, either a dinghy, a boat you captain yourself, or a boat charter. If you are interested in visiting Lime Out and have no interest in snorkeling, then Salt Deck offers two-hour trips just to Lime Out, which would be perfect for you. 

For us, Lime Out lived up to the hype! It had a great atmosphere and fantastic food and drinks. My favorites were the Coco Colada and the Fresh Tuna Taco.

Hike the Ram Head Trail

Ram Head Trail is located near Salt Pond Bay, with the trailhead sharing the same parking lot. It is a relatively easy 2.2-mile out-and-back hike with stunning views. Located on one of the easternmost points of Saint John, you will enjoy amazing views and even be able to spot the British Virgin Islands in the distance. Word of caution: For an enjoyable hike, wear good shoes, bring water, and hike early or late in the day to avoid the mid-day heat.

Where to Stay in Coral Bay

As you have already guessed, lodging in Coral Bay, St. John is limited. You will not find any resorts or hotels in Coral Bay, but instead you’ll discover unique vacation rentals tucked in the hillside each with their own charm and character. Unwind every evening, as you sit on your balcony, and soak in the views of Coral Bay and surrounding British Virgin Islands.

Restaurants in Coral Bay St John

There are a few places to grab a bite to eat in Coral Bay. Everything is very laid back and casual, an authentic island experience.

• Miss Lucy’s (pictured above): Known for its laid-back vibe and waterfront dining, Miss Lucy’s serves traditional island fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. It also has a Sunday brunch and regular open mic nights. 
• Skinny Legs: A quintessential island hangout, Skinny Legs is known for its relaxed vibe and mouthwatering burgers. 
• Rhumb Lines Restaurant: Offering an eclectic fusion of flavors from around the world, Rhumb Lines delights diners with its inventive dishes and stylish ambiance. 
• Ekaete Pink Corner: Ekaete Pink Corner, located in Coral Bay, St. John, USVI, offers a variety of local homemade dishes, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and local fruit juices.

Coral Bay St John – Final Thoughts

If you plan a trip to St. John and appreciate quiet beauty and quaint seaside towns, add Coral Bay to your list. Whether you’re venturing over from Cruz Bay for the day or wanting to call Coral Bay home for a few days, I encourage you to explore all Coral Bay has to offer. It is one of my favorite places, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!