Things to do nearCinnamon Bay
Cinnamon Bay is a sweeping Caribbean beach on St. John, USVI, celebrated for its calm turquoise waters, coral-rich snorkeling, and lush national park surroundings.
Cinnamon Bay sits within the Virgin Islands National Park, a designation that has kept its shoreline and surrounding hills in a state of quiet, unhurried beauty. The park covers most of St. John and has protected this bay since 1956, ensuring the reef systems and coastal forest remain largely intact for those willing to make the journey out here.
The beach itself stretches for roughly half a mile, wide enough to feel uncrowded even on busier days. Offshore, a shallow reef runs parallel to the sand, making snorkeling accessible to swimmers of most skill levels. Expect to see brain coral, sea fans, and a vivid cast of reef fish within a short swim of shore. The calm bay also suits kayaking on calmer mornings.
On land, the ruins of a Danish sugar plantation from the 1700s stand near the campground, offering a tangible connection to the island's complex colonial history. The nearby Maho Bay Beach is an easy walk or drive along the North Shore Road and is known for sea turtle sightings in the shallows. Cinnamon Bay rewards visitors who linger long enough to see the light change over the water at dusk.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Cinnamon Bay
Visit early in the morning to claim a shaded spot beneath the sea grape trees before the beach fills with day visitors.
Bring snorkel gear and wade out from the eastern end of the beach, where coral heads shelter angelfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.
Pack water shoes, as the entry over the reef can be rocky in places and will make your time in the water more comfortable.
Try the Cinnamon Bay Loop Trail, which begins near the beach and winds through ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation into the hillside forest.
Time your visit for a weekday if possible, as weekend ferry traffic from St. Thomas brings larger crowds to this part of the north shore.
Top tours & experiences near Cinnamon Bay
St. Thomas Full-Day Private Snorkel Charter
Customize a shaded private power-cat cruise through St. Thomas and St. John
Full-Day Private Charter in St. Thomas & St. John
Explore secluded beaches and snorkel sites aboard a smooth, stable private catamaran
Private Virgin Islands National Park Snorkel Charter
Private island hopping with snorkeling, shade, and a smooth catamaran ride
Private Snorkel Charter in St. Thomas
Cruise St. John’s shores in comfort aboard a private Aquila catamaran
Private Catamaran Charter in Virgin Islands National Park
Cruise St. John and St. Thomas waters aboard a private 36' Aquila catamaran
Snorkeling Charter in St. Thomas on a 29' World Cat
Private St. John snorkeling and island-hopping beneath a spacious shaded top
St. Thomas Private 32' World Cat Charter
Island-hop, snorkel and relax aboard a private, smooth-riding power catamaran
36' Aquila Private Charter in US Virgin Islands
Customize a comfortable USVI escape with snorkeling, beaches, drinks, and shaded space
Full-Day Snorkeling Charter in St. Thomas
Customize a private island-hopping day aboard a stable, shaded power catamaran
Full-Day Catamaran Charter in USVI
Island-hop in comfort aboard a private 32' power catamaran
Full-Day Private Catamaran Charter US Virgin Islands
Customize a private day of snorkeling, beach stops and island cruising aboard Caribe Express
St. Thomas 3.5-Hour Private Snorkeling Charter
Private catamaran cruising with snorkel stops around St. Thomas and St. John
29' Catamaran Charter in St. Thomas & St. John
Customize a shaded catamaran day of snorkeling and island hopping
Full-Day St. Thomas & St. John Charter
Customize a smooth, shaded private day of snorkeling and beach hopping
36' Catamaran Charter in USVI
Customize a private island day with snorkeling, drinks, snacks, and air-conditioned comfort
3.5-Hour St. John Snorkeling Charter
Private catamaran cruising with flexible St. John snorkeling stops
St. Thomas Island-Hopping Charter
Private catamaran cruise with snorkeling, beach stops, and a route tailored to your group
Snorkeling on a 3.5-Hour St. John Charter
Private luxury catamaran cruising with snorkeling, drinks, and shaded comfort
Full-Day Jeep Tour of St. John or St. Thomas
Customize a private island day of beaches, history and scenic drives
Afternoon Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote side beyond Virgin Islands National Park
3-Hour Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote destinations beyond the national park