Hawksnest Beach

Hawksnest Beach is a short white-sand beach on Hawksnest Bay, along St. John's North Shore in Virgin Islands National Park, reached from North Shore Road (Route 20). Tall trees shade much of the sand, and three small reefs of elkhorn coral reach out from the shore. The park asks snorkelers to stay around the edges of the reefs rather than swim over them, because the water above is shallow and the protected coral breaks easily, and to take extra care when the sea is rough. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, grills and a pavilion, with wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms and paths to the water. There is no fee, but the small lot often fills by mid-morning. Commercial boats may not land tour groups here, pets and glass are not allowed, and the park lists no lifeguard. In winter, northern weather can bring large waves to North Shore beaches.