If reef diving is what you want, Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI should be your first choice. Due to the natural and intact reef structure that surrounds the cay, which is home to different species of marine fauna, it is considered by many to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the island and in the world.
Waterlemon Cay (not watermelon) is surrounded by a fringing reef, or a reef that is directly connected to the shoreline, or bordered by a shallow lagoon channel. This natural formation accounts for the lush underwater forest teeming with exotic fish and other marine life. Depending on your entry point, you may see different types of aquatic animals, such as the many varieties of angel and butterfly fish, parrot fish, and surgeon fish. Turtles, cuttlefish, sea cucumbers, rays and sea urchins also abound, not forgetting the different kinds of starfish that rest on the sandy bottom, creating beautiful constellations. Seeing hundreds of brightly colored starfish resting on the white sandy bottom of the clear blue sea is an incredible sight to behold and makes for an incredible underwater photo.
The water from Lienster Bay to Watermelon Cay is shallow so you can walk or snorkel around the reef island. Snorkeling is highly recommended though, because the sooner you swim, the sooner you can see the underwater splendor. The solid mix of sand and coral rubble bottom goes out for about 2/10th of a mile, and then you’ll see sea grass floating against the gentle current – this is where sea turtles nest and feed.
If you take the route to the eastern part of the key, you reduce the snorkeling distance to just a tenth of a mile. That is, if you follow the path to the other end of the beach. On this route, you will snorkel in an area of scattered reefs and abundant sea grass. Here, you will also see some large parrotfish and schools of blue tangs.
There are also sloping bottom depths of up to 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 in these parts. Although diving to these depths may seem like you wouldn’t see much, think again, because the sea fans and feathers found here give the sensation of floating above an underwater forest, filled with vibrant orange, red and purple coral fans. It is an incredible experience.
A word of caution though, an offshore current is often detected around Waterlemon Cay, St. John USVI, especially on the western side. Snorkeling enthusiasts who frequent the cay suggest following the current and going counter-clockwise around the cay and making sure to snorkel with a buddy.
If snorkeling is your thing, then Waterlemon Cay in St. John USVI is the place to do it.
