St. John Beaches on the North Shore
One white-sand bay after another, most of them inside the national park.
See top-rated activities »About the St. John Beaches
The best-known St. John beaches line North Shore Road between Cruz Bay and Annaberg, and nearly all of them are protected by the national park. They are close enough together to visit two or three in a day, but parking at each is limited, so arrive early or take a safari taxi in high season.
Trunk Bay is the postcard view, a long curve of white sand with a small cay offshore and a marked underwater snorkel trail with signs on the reef. It is the only beach with an amenity fee, which helps pay for its facilities. Hawksnest, closer to town, is smaller and popular with locals; its reef sits close to shore.
Cinnamon Bay has a long beach, ruins of an old sugar factory across the road and the reopened campground with cottages and eco-tents. Maho Bay is shallow and calm, with seagrass where green sea turtles graze, and a cluster of food and rental stands across the road at Maho Crossroads. Francis Bay, at the end of the road, is quieter, with a trail behind the beach past a salt pond that attracts birds.
Closer to Cruz Bay, Honeymoon Beach on the Caneel peninsula is reached on foot by the Lind Point Trail or by the road through Caneel Bay, whose beach reopened to the public in 2024 while the old resort awaits redevelopment. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, never stand on coral and leave shells and sea life where you find them.
Don’t Miss
The island’s most photographed beach, with an underwater snorkel trail; a daytime amenity fee applies.
A smaller beach close to Cruz Bay with reef near shore and picnic shelters.
A long beach next to the rebuilt campground, with sugar factory ruins across the road.
Calm, shallow water and seagrass beds where green sea turtles are often seen.
A quieter beach at the end of the road, with a short trail past a salt pond.
Reached on foot from Cruz Bay by the Lind Point Trail; a favorite stop for snorkel boats.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in St. John Beaches
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Get free trip quotes »St. John Beaches — FAQ
Which of the St. John beaches is best for snorkeling?
Trunk Bay has the marked underwater trail, Hawksnest has reef close to shore, and Maho Bay is the easiest place to see sea turtles. Waterlemon Cay, reached by a short trail from Annaberg, is a favorite for stronger swimmers.
Which St. John beach is best for children?
Maho Bay, for its shallow, calm water and nearby food stands. Cinnamon Bay is also good, with facilities and space to spread out.
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