Hawksnest Bay Beach, St. John USVI
St. John is known for its incredible shopping, beautiful secluded beaches, and unbelievable food. However, in all the fuss over the most popular and most tourist active spots on the island, one can forget that sometimes there are people who want to enjoy the luscious sights, sounds, and scents of the Caribbean with the entire family. For those who want to take a step away from the rowdy teen crowd or the overzealous tourists, you must take a trip to Hawksnest Bay.
Not only is Hawksnest Bay a favorite among the St. John locals, it’s also the perfect spot for families with children. It’s heralded as one of St. John’s most gorgeous locations; however, it also has the distinction of the islands’ most convenient. It’s but a short drive from the port of call of St. John --Cruz Bay. To add to the remarkable convenience of the beach, there’s easy access parking close to it for those who have quite a haul with them. What’s more, there aren’t an incredible amount of tourists that make their way to Hawksnest Bay. It’s frequented by locals --a favorite spot to take a dip after a hard day’s work.
Hawksnest Bay is usually mostly populated when there’s a local holiday or perhaps a birthday celebration; however, that doesn’t suggest that there isn’t enough room for everyone. The parking lot can get a bit packed, though, if you are visiting during an especially festive time of the year. The one unfortunate aspect of the beach is that there’s no running water, so using the bathroom is all up to you and nature. There are, however, lovely barbecue pits and picnic tables --if you reserve in advance, you also have the opportunity to use one of two pavilions on the beach for a family party or meeting.
It’s understandable that you’d want a bit of privacy, even from the few locals that frequent the beach. If you’re looking for that little piece of heaven for you and a loved one, you should head over to Little Hawksnest. It’s one of the most underrated stretches of beautiful white sand on St. John. Take two minutes to forge over a few rocks and you’ll find yourself staring right into paradise.
If you’re interested in getting a bit of snorkeling in, then you’re in luck. Though the waters can get a bit choppy during the year, there are perfect opportunities for you to get a face to face encounter with some of the underwater wildlife that inhabits the beach. It’s great for beginners and experts alike. The reef just off the centre of the beach is a great spot for getting in touch with sea nature. You’ll find large orange Elkhorn coral and even get to see an array of sea creatures and fish.
Hawksnest Bay is certainly a treasure of a beach in the heart of St. John. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy the unmarred beauty of the Caribbean, then you must take your family to this patch of sandy perfection.