The best snorkeling in the islands is only accessible by boat. With a charter from Lion In Da Sun we can show you a wide variety of snorkeling locations from vibrant reefs, bays full of rays, turtles, or fish like you see in an aquarium. Your boat charter is your day, but you can use our experienced captains to help you find some of the most amazing snorkeling locations around St. John as well as all over the British Virgin islands. Listed below are some of our favorite spots.

Henley Cay
A part of the small Cays called the Durloe’s, Henley Cay is just off of Caneel Point. An interesting point about soft coral is that it needs sea currents to bring fresh nutrients in order to thrive. Henley provides plenty of current and takes proper timing to enjoy, but it provides for some gorgeous soft coral enjoyment as well as many different fish that hide in and among the reef.

The Caves
If snorkeling is your intention for you charter, this is one place you should ask your captain to take you. The Caves deliver beautiful schools of fish and coral each and every time we visit. Not to mention the frightening caves themselves, which always add a little bit of allure to us optimistic treasure hunters. Take the underwater light off the boat and look for yourself deep inside the first cave and see what you find. Different creatures live in the dark waters and are sometimes difficult to spot, but usually we will find the schools of Glassy Sweepers just inside the cave mouths.

Lovango
A small island with six or seven houses recently subdivided into a few more one and two acre plots for sale from one to two million. We hold the deeds on the boat and will take a cash deposit of 10% if you want to buy one. It has beautiful snorkeling on the north side and even boasts its own mini cave, as well as a plane-crash turned reef.

Congo
Right next to Lovango yet a bit smaller Congo is owned by the Department of the Interior and is designated as a bird sanctuary, no one is allowed ashore. As a result it is a beautiful snorkeling site and has some great diving on the west end as well.

The Indians
Our favorite snorkel stop in the British Virgin Islands. While the Caves are known for their large schools of fish, the Indians are known for their huge coral heads and fauna. The Indians are a rock formation that jets out of the water 40 feet in the air, and sink below the water about 40 feet. Black tree corals, hawksbill turtles, colorful sponges, and huge sea fans are just a few of the things you’re bound to encounter.

Whistling Cay
Love snorkeling? Are you a diver? Whistling Cay is an intermediate to advanced spot depending on the conditions. It is what we call a deep water snorkeling location as you can swim 40ft above the ocean floor looking at the huge coral heads, or you can move in closer to the rocks and free dive down 10-20feet searching for lobsters and eels. Whistling Cay has perhaps the biggest coral found on St. John. If you’re looking for big fish this may be the spot – huge Tarpon are often seen while we snorkel.

Waterlemon Cay
Known on the island as the best place to see turtles, sting-rays, and starfish. Waterlemon Cay is one of the most popular snorkeling locations on St. John. That is not to say it is over populated, you would have to hike out a half mile before getting to the beach. . ...or arrive by boat.