Deep Bay

Deep Bay is a near-perfect horseshoe of calm, clear water tucked into the Five Islands peninsula west of St. John's. The bay is almost fully enclosed by land, so the water stays glassy and protected, ideal for swimming and easy snorkeling. The pale sand and green hills give it a quiet, postcard quality.

The bay's signature feature is the wreck of the Andes, a 19th-century sailing ship that sank here and now lies in shallow water in the middle of the bay. Its masts once broke the surface; today snorkelers swim out from the beach to explore the encrusted hull and the fish that shelter around it. It is one of the few shore-accessible wrecks on the island.

Above the northern headland sit the ruins of Fort Barrington, reached by a short uphill walk that rewards you with sweeping views over the bay and coastline. Deep Bay has few facilities and can be quiet outside of resort and tour visits, so bring water and shade. The calm, scenic water and the wreck make it a favorite for snorkelers and photographers.

The bay is reached by a short drive onto the Five Islands peninsula, and parking is limited, so arrive earlier in the day for the calmest water and the best snorkeling visibility. There is no lifeguard, but the enclosed, shallow bay keeps conditions gentle. Combine a swim and a wreck snorkel with the hike up to Fort Barrington for a half-day that mixes beach, history, and panoramic views, all within easy reach of St. John's. For its size, Deep Bay packs in more variety than almost any other beach near the capital.