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 key, 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 borders it with 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 to mention the different kinds of starfish that rest on the sandy bottom, creating beautiful constellations. Seeing hundreds of brilliantly colored starfish resting on the white sand bottom of the clear blue sea is an incredible sight to behold and makes for an amazing underwater photo.

The water from Lienster Bay to Watermelon Cay is shallow, so you can walk or snorkel around the island reef. However, snorkeling is highly recommended, because the sooner you swim, the sooner you’ll be able to see the underwater splendor. The solid mix of sand and coral rubble bottom comes out about 2/10 of a mile, and then you’ll see seagrass 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 seagrass. Here, you’ll also see some large parrotfish and schools of blue tangs.

There are also descending 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 won’t see much, think again, because the sea fans and feathers found here give you the feeling of floating above an underwater forest, filled with vibrant fans of orange, red, and purple coral. It is an amazing experience.

A word of caution though, an offshore current is often spotted around Waterlemon Cay, St. John USVI, especially on the western side. Snorkeling enthusiasts who frequent the key suggest going with the flow and going counterclockwise around the key 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.