Salt Pond Bay Beach in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is a gorgeous, more secluded beach destination where you can mix classic Caribbean beach time with adventure. To reach this stunning stretch of white sand you’ll hike a short trail (about 1/4 mile downhill) with rocky crevices and scrub — so bring water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection — before arriving at a curved, calm bay with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The gentle slope into the sea makes it great for floating, wading, or snorkeling right from the shore; vibrant coral, sandy sea grass beds, and colorful reef fish can often be spotted near the rocky edges of the bay, and some visitors even encounter turtles and rays in the water.  Swim out to the rock outcropping in the center of the bay where you can observe a plethora of tropical fish and coral.  Amenities here are basic — there are bathrooms, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and scenic views, but no full beach bar or restaurant, so plan to bring snacks, water, and shade for your day under the sun.

Salt Pond Bay is also a gateway to some of St. John’s best hiking and coastal exploration. From the beach’s south end, the Ram Head Trail climbs roughly a mile round-trip to dramatic cliff-top overlooks with sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean — a fantastic way to elevate your beach day with memorable panoramas and photos. Nearby, the Drunk Bay Trail leads to a rugged, wind-sculpted shoreline where curious coral and stone sculptures dot the landscape, perfect for a short exploratory walk before returning to Salt Pond’s calm water for another swim or snorkel. Whether you’re content to relax on the sand and snorkel the bay, tackle a scenic ridge hike to Ram Head, or wander to Drunk Bay to make your own coral figurine, Salt Pond Bay offers a rich mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful beach vibes all within St. John’s National Park.

Just a short walk from the beach, Flamingos can be found hanging out in Salt Pond during different times of the year.  They are captivating and a real treat to witness them.  Natural sea salt can be harvested in Salt Pond and used in cooking, sprinkling a little St. John magic on your food long after you’ve left the island.  The back of the pond is a great place for harvesting the salt and sometimes the pond appears pink.  There are techniques for processing the salt.  Most rinse the salt to diminish the earthy smell and then let the salt dry completely in the sun.  There may be a large percentage of the sea salt lost to rinsing, although getting rid of the smell is worth it.

The parking lot is located directly off of Route 107 past Coral Bay on the South Shore.  If you get there early around 9:30 AM, you’ll usually find a spot.  But if you are looking to show up around noon, you just may be out of luck.  Be forewarned you can make this 1/4 mile walk to the beach in flip flops, but it is not easy or recommended.

FOR YOUR SAFETY FROM THE VI NATIONAL PARK:

• • Do not stand on or touch coral or rocks.
  • Do not feed the fish or wildlife.
  • Do not bring pets to the beach.
  • Remove all trash when you leave.
  • Nudity is prohibited.
  • Large waves can be dangerous.
  • Body surfing is not advised.
  • Do not leave valuables unattended.
  • Do not snorkel alone.
  • Report any damage or activity that may lead to damage. Call (340) 776-6201 Ext. 246.