Waterlemon Cay [Suggest Edits]

Description

Watermelon Cay is a small, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef, and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the park. The cay is surrounded by a fringing reef where visitors can expect to see a variety of tropical fish and possibly even a sea turtle if they are lucky! The Cay is also one of the few places that is home to the large Cushion Sea Stars. Visitors can choose to snorkel over the seagrass bed near Annaberg Point or hug the eastern shore to snorkel out to the Cay. Be aware of the rocks and long-spine urchins as you enter the water.

For a shorter swim, continue down Leinster Bay Trail and enter the water closer to the cay. You'll find a variety of corals, fish, and gorgonians (tree-like coral) on your way and more as you encircle the cay. It is best to stay on the southern side of the cay as a strong current runs on the Tortola (north) side. A sandy spit of beach on the cay's southern tip offers a place to rest or warm up.

Remember, stand only in sand and look but don't touch the coral as you snorkel!

Short Hike: Leinster Bay and Watermelon Cay are accessed by a 10-minute walk from the Annaberg parking lot. A 10-minutes walk farther down the trail brings you to the main beach of Leinster Bay. From here you can snorkel out to Watermelon Cay itself.

Family Friendly: Even if you don't make it out to the cay, just snorkeling in the shallow water near the shore will be an experience that children will love.

Gem Type: Swimming