Hawksnest is the first National Park beach you hit driving east out of Cruz Bay on North Shore Road. It's three small crescents of sand separated by rocky points, with the best snorkeling off the eastern point where elkhorn coral grows in 10–15 feet of water.
Why we send guests here
Hawksnest is the right answer for: "We slept in, we want to be on a beach in 15 minutes, and we don't want to fight Trunk Bay crowds." It rarely fills up, parking is free, there are picnic tables in the shade, and the snorkeling at the eastern point is better than people give it credit for.
The basics
- Entrance fee: None.
- Parking: Free lot, plus shoulder parking on both sides.
- Facilities: Restrooms, charcoal grills, picnic shelters. No food on site — bring lunch.
- Snorkeling: Best at the eastern rocky point. Calm water, easy entry.
From Sunset Villa
Eight minutes by car. We keep a small "Hawksnest kit" by the door — two masks, a cooler, and a beach blanket — so guests can roll out of bed and be on the sand before breakfast.
Part of the The Beaches of St. John, USVI: A Complete Guide.
Frequently asked
›Is Hawksnest Beach worth visiting?
Yes — especially if you have limited time. It's the closest North Shore beach to Cruz Bay, free to enter, has bathrooms and grills, and the snorkeling on the left side is genuinely good.
›Does Hawksnest Beach have a fee?
No. Unlike Trunk Bay, Hawksnest is a free Virgin Islands National Park beach with no entrance fee.
›How far is Hawksnest from Cruz Bay?
About 10 minutes by car or taxi — the first major beach you reach on the North Shore Road heading east out of town.
Keep reading
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Trunk Bay, St. John: The Complete Guide (Snorkel Trail, Fees, Parking)
Everything you need to know about Trunk Bay on St. John, USVI: the underwater snorkel trail, National Park fees, parking tips, what to bring, and the best time to arrive.
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Maho Bay, St. John: The Sea Turtle Beach (And Why Families Love It)
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