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United States Virgin Islands🇻🇮 | beachesCinnamon BayCampground on the sand, watersports shop, windsurfing, plantation ruins trail | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cinnamon Bay
🏆 Top pickbeach ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Cinnamon Bay beach has a campground, a dive and watersports shop, a small restaurant and a snack bar right behind the sand, so you can arrive with little and still eat, rent a snorkel set and sleep within a minute of the water. It sits on the north shore of St. John, in the United States Virgin Islands, inside Virgin Islands National Park, on the road toward Maho Bay. The sand is long, pale and clean, the water is calm and clear most of the year, and the hills behind are thick with tropical forest. Snorkeling is decent along the rocky edges, though the middle is mostly sand and seagrass. Crowds thin out early and late, but cruise and day-trip visitors fill the middle of the day. Costs run high by backpacker standards, with pricey campsites. Unlike Trunk Bay, which is busier and charges its own beach fee, Cinnamon Bay is wider and quieter, with room to spread out.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 beach in United States Virgin IslandsThe unique appeal for travelers

Cinnamon Bay beach is where you can sleep beside the sea on an island where almost every other bed is expensive. The campground, run inside the national park, offers tent sites and simple cottages, and that makes it one of the few realistic ways to stay on St. John without a resort budget. Wake up, walk ten steps, and you are on a sheltered north-shore beach with gentle water.

The second reason is the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which starts across the road and climbs through ruins of an old sugar plantation, with the stone walls of the factory still standing among the trees. It makes a good morning outing before the heat builds, and it gives the stop some history beyond sand.

The third is the setup for gear. The watersports shop on the beach rents kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel sets and windsurfers, … read more 👉
Cinnamon Bay beach is where you can sleep beside the sea on an island where almost every other bed is expensive. The campground, run inside the national park, offers tent sites and simple cottages, and that makes it one of the few realistic ways to stay on St. John without a resort budget. Wake up, walk ten steps, and you are on a sheltered north-shore beach with gentle water.

The second reason is the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which starts across the road and climbs through ruins of an old sugar plantation, with the stone walls of the factory still standing among the trees. It makes a good morning outing before the heat builds, and it gives the stop some history beyond sand.

The third is the setup for gear. The watersports shop on the beach rents kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel sets and windsurfers, so you do not need to haul anything over on the ferry. Between the camp store, the grill and the park sites nearby, you can stay several nights without ever needing a car.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Cinnamon Bay Beach Swim and Snorkel: The main draw is the long arc of white sand and calm water. Swim early, when the surface is flat, and snorkel along the rocky points at either end, where fish and the occasional sea turtle gather.
  2. Cinnamon Bay Trail and Plantation Ruins: An easy, shaded loop of about 0.5 mile (0.8 km) starts across the road from the campground and passes the remains of the sugar factory and old stone walls, and it takes 15 to 30 minutes. The steeper 1-mile (1.6 km) Cinnamon Bay Trail climbs on to Centerline Road, so wear closed shoes and bring water, since the forest holds the heat.
  3. Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The bay is sheltered enough that beginners can paddle comfortably along the shoreline. Gear is rented on the beach, and early morning is the calmest time on the water.
… read more 👉
  1. Cinnamon Bay Beach Swim and Snorkel: The main draw is the long arc of white sand and calm water. Swim early, when the surface is flat, and snorkel along the rocky points at either end, where fish and the occasional sea turtle gather.
  2. Cinnamon Bay Trail and Plantation Ruins: An easy, shaded loop of about 0.5 mile (0.8 km) starts across the road from the campground and passes the remains of the sugar factory and old stone walls, and it takes 15 to 30 minutes. The steeper 1-mile (1.6 km) Cinnamon Bay Trail climbs on to Centerline Road, so wear closed shoes and bring water, since the forest holds the heat.
  3. Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The bay is sheltered enough that beginners can paddle comfortably along the shoreline. Gear is rented on the beach, and early morning is the calmest time on the water.
  4. Windsurfing: The trade winds make the bay a good place to try windsurfing, and the rental shop offers boards and basic lessons. Afternoons usually bring the steadier breeze.
  5. Evening on the Campground Sand: After day visitors leave, the beach turns quiet and dark, with almost no light pollution. Campers sit on the sand and watch stars over the water, and the only sounds are waves and tree frogs from the forest.
At Cinnamon Bay beach, start with the swim and snorkel at first light, because the water is clearest and the sand is empty before the day boats arrive.
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🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Cinnamon Bay

The best window for Cinnamon Bay beach is mid-December through April, when days run dry and sunny with the calmest water on St. John's north shore.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Highs sit around 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F), nights near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), with steady trade winds. Rooms and campsites cost the most, and the Christmas to New Year week sells out months ahead.
  • Shoulder Months (May, June, November): Expect 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), a few short showers and thinner crowds. Lodging prices drop noticeably, and snorkeling visibility stays good.
  • Hurricane Season (June to November): Peak risk runs August to October, with heat near 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F), high humidity and heavy rain. Some services close, and the campground shuts every September and October.
  • Daylight: Winter days are about
… read more 👉
The best window for Cinnamon Bay beach is mid-December through April, when days run dry and sunny with the calmest water on St. John's north shore.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Highs sit around 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F), nights near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), with steady trade winds. Rooms and campsites cost the most, and the Christmas to New Year week sells out months ahead.
  • Shoulder Months (May, June, November): Expect 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), a few short showers and thinner crowds. Lodging prices drop noticeably, and snorkeling visibility stays good.
  • Hurricane Season (June to November): Peak risk runs August to October, with heat near 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F), high humidity and heavy rain. Some services close, and the campground shuts every September and October.
  • Daylight: Winter days are about 11 hours long, and summer days stretch to roughly 13 hours, so winter afternoons feel short.
  • Swell: Winter north swells occasionally add surf to the bay, while summer is flatter.
Book campsites or cottages as early as you can for winter, and aim for late April or early May for good weather at lower prices.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: below average for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
united-states-virgin-islands-beach-cinnamon-bay
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✈️ The backpacker research shortcutUnited States Virgin Islands Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in United States Virgin Islands

The best base for backpackers is the Cinnamon Bay campground itself, a few steps from the sand, with tent sites and basic cottages in the trees behind the beach.
Camping is the budget route on St. John, where most rooms run well above US$200 a night. Expect to pay about US$50 for a bare site and about US$190 for an eco-tent, and more for cottages. Shared bathhouses, a camp store, a restaurant and gear rental sit on site, so you can snorkel, paddle and eat without leaving. Evenings are social, with travelers swapping trail and snorkeling notes at picnic tables.
The second option is Cruz Bay, about … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers is the Cinnamon Bay campground itself, a few steps from the sand, with tent sites and basic cottages in the trees behind the beach.
Camping is the budget route on St. John, where most rooms run well above US$200 a night. Expect to pay about US$50 for a bare site and about US$190 for an eco-tent, and more for cottages. Shared bathhouses, a camp store, a restaurant and gear rental sit on site, so you can snorkel, paddle and eat without leaving. Evenings are social, with travelers swapping trail and snorkeling notes at picnic tables.
The second option is Cruz Bay, about 15 to 20 minutes by road to the west. It is the ferry hub, with bars, groceries, restaurants and the island's widest choice of cheaper rooms and shared houses. You can ride the open-air taxis out to the bay each morning, though service thins in the evening.
Maho Bay and Trunk Bay, both a short drive away, hold little budget lodging, so most backpackers choose between the campground and Cruz Bay. Book camping well ahead for winter. If you want nightlife, choose Cruz Bay. If you want quiet nights, trade it for the campground.


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🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Cinnamon Bay beach is one of the calmer, easier swimming beaches on St. John, with a lifeguard-free, gently sloping sand bottom and usually small waves.
The water is generally clear and mild. Winter north swells can bring shore break and a mild pull, so watch the sets before wading in and stay near the middle of the beach where others swim. Snorkelers should keep to the rocky edges and seagrass, where turtles often feed, and avoid touching the coral. Sea urchins sit on rocks, so wear water shoes if you walk the edges. Jellyfish are uncommon.
The Caribbean sun is strong all year, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon, so cover up and bring shade. Shade under the sea grape trees helps.
Break-ins from parked cars and unattended bags do occur at national park beaches, so leave nothing … read more 👉
Cinnamon Bay beach is one of the calmer, easier swimming beaches on St. John, with a lifeguard-free, gently sloping sand bottom and usually small waves.
The water is generally clear and mild. Winter north swells can bring shore break and a mild pull, so watch the sets before wading in and stay near the middle of the beach where others swim. Snorkelers should keep to the rocky edges and seagrass, where turtles often feed, and avoid touching the coral. Sea urchins sit on rocks, so wear water shoes if you walk the edges. Jellyfish are uncommon.
The Caribbean sun is strong all year, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon, so cover up and bring shade. Shade under the sea grape trees helps.
Break-ins from parked cars and unattended bags do occur at national park beaches, so leave nothing visible in a rental car and keep valuables with you or locked in your campsite. During hurricane season, check forecasts before planning.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Cinnamon Bay

From Cruz Bay, Cinnamon Bay beach is about 15 to 20 minutes by road along North Shore Road, and most travelers take the ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas (about 15 to 20 minutes, around US$8 to 10 each way) to reach Cruz Bay first. Open-air taxis run from Cruz Bay for roughly US$10 to 15 per person, or you can rent a Jeep, usually from about US$80 to 120 a day. Drive on the left, and expect winding, hilly roads.
Cinnamon Bay beach suits swimming and snorkeling best, with calm, clear, shallow water and turtles and rays often seen along the rocky edges. Surfing is rare here, though winter north swells can make small waves, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear at the beach for roughly US$10 to 25 an hour or around US$20 to 50 a day. Windsurfers also use the bay on breezy days.
Cinnamon Bay beach lies within Virgin Islands National Park, so the beach is open to the public and free to enter. The park charges no entrance fee, and its only beach fee (US$5 per person aged 16 and up) is at Trunk Bay. Parking is free at the beach lot, though it fills by late morning in winter. Camping, rentals and food cost extra, with bare sites about US$50 a night.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Virgin Islander beaches near Cinnamon Bay

Explore more nearby:

  • Maho Bay—Seagrass turtles, waist-deep wading, sea grape shade line, beach bar| 1 km away
  • Trunk Bay—Marked snorkel trail, Trunk Cay, lifeguards, overlook stop| 1 km away
  • Jumbie Beach—Short dirt trail, tiny crescent, no facilities, Peace Hill ruins| 2 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Cinnamon Bay beach works best as the middle stop between Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, with the Cinnamon Bay Trail as a morning walk on the way. I would book a campsite well ahead for winter, bring your own food and a good mask, and skip the rental car until you want to see the east end.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in United States Virgin Islands. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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