Salomon Bay

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Salomon Bay has a reputation from the past as a nude beach....

Salomon Bay:Does St John have a nude beach? Not officially, but lovely Salomon Bay Beach is a contender, although park rangers of late have sometimes asked people to give up their quest for the perfect tan.

Leave Cruz Bay on Route 20 and turn left at the park service sign, about 1/4 mile past the visitor center. Park at the end of a cul-de-sac, then walk along the trail for about 15 minutes. Go early, and you'll practically have the beach to yourself.

As we mentioned earlier, people also sometimes shed their swimwear at Cinnamon Bay. Again, rangers frequently ask beachgoers to put their (only slightly more modest) bathing suits back on.

There are always several boats anchored not far offshore, so any naked people would have a sizable audience, any of whom might be offended.

The beach itself is gorgeous, a small strip of white sand with crystal clear water and lots of vegetation (sea grapes, palm trees) leaning out over the water. It's the first beach you come to on the Lind Point Trail, so it's only about a 15-minute hike from the Visitors' Center in Cruz Bay.

You could easily spend an entire day here, it's much less crowded, and more peaceful than Trunk Bay, or any of the other St John "biggies" but just as beautiful.

The beach at Salomon Bay is typical of the north shore National Park Beaches except for two things, its access and its reputation. Salomon Beach is about a 1 mile hike along Lind Point Trail.

Salomon Beach is every bit as beautiful as any of St John’s north shore beaches, the unconventional access though, keeps the number of visitors down and insures a more intimate beach experience.

If you’ve come by ferry from St Thomas for the day, or are staying in Cruz Bay, you won’t need to rent a car or hire a taxi to get to this beach.

Salomon Bay was named after the brothers Jannis and Isack Salomon, The Salomon brothers, were Dutchmen from a prestigious family, who came to the Danish West Indies from Statia in the early 18th century. They dedicated the Salomon Bay property to the production of cotton.

From Salomon Bay you can see most of the islands that define Pillsbury Sound. Looking from the west to the east you will see St Thomas, also Thatch, Grass, Mingo, Lovango, Ramgoat and Henley Cays, and Jost Van Dyke, one of the British Virgin Islands. (The word “cay is pronounced “key” in the Virgin Islands.)

Snorkeling:Some of the finest snorkeling on the north shore can be found in the area of the fringing reef that lies around the point separating Salomon and Honeymoon Bays on the northeast corner of Salomon beach.

Most of the reef lies in calm, shallow water with some sections even rising above the surface at times of extreme low tides. Snorkelers should make an extra effort to avoid situations where the water is too shallow for them.

The condition of the reef is good, although there has been some damage to the coral caused by irresponsible boating, careless snorkelers, and by natural phenomena, such as heavy ground seas and hurricanes.

This is the best-protected and most easily accessible shallow water snorkeling on St John, and it can be thoroughly enjoyed by snorkelers of all experience levels. Snorkeling in the center of the bay between the fringing reefs can also be a worthwhile experience.

Always Snorkel in areas protected by swim buoys to minimize danger from boat traffic in the area.

Snorkeling over the sandy bottom is also a good way for beginners to get practice before attempting to snorkel over coral reefs where there is a possibility of danger to both the snorkeler and to the reef from accidental contact.

The Lind Point Trail begins and ends at sea level reaching a maximum elevation of 160 feet at the Lind Point Overlook. The rate of incline is moderate with no really steep hills to negotiate.

Salomon Beach is now more of a family beach where you can spend all day enjoying the sand and surf, but you will have to either arrive by boat or be willing to a take a wonderful hike through a guided trail to get there.

There are numerous trails that will take you on a picturesque stroll through some of the most beautiful countryside that St John has to offer, on your route to Salomon Beach, be prepared for about a one mile hike on most trails.

Begin at the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay and take the Lind Point Trail. Follow the trail until you arrive in the fork in the road. You can go either way, If you decide on the lower trail, it is a little bit shorter and not quiet as hilly.

The upper trail will take you past the Lind Point Overlook. This trail is very popular for the best scenic views around St John, the spur trail which will be toward your left, will take you down the hill and on to Salomon Beach.

The water is shallow on Salomon Beach and the coral reefs are magnificent. This is a great beach for children and for beginning snorkelers to enjoy the waters of the Caribbean.

Snorkelers, whether they are beginners or professionals love the reefs that lie between Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Bay. Many reefs can be found in the calm, shallow water and some sections even rise above the surface during very low tides.

The coral reefs along Salomon Beach are beautiful, and protected within Virgin Islands National Park.

It is a good idea to pay attention to the swim buoys to ensure that you do not get in the way of the boat traffic. While snorkeling Salomon Bay, you may notice many holes in the bottom of the sea floor,these unique crevices are created by the eels, shrimp, clam, and crabs that inhabit these underwater reefs.

You will be amazed at all the brilliant colors of coral, and the exotic fish that swim by, giving you an afternoon of delightful entertainment.