The St John Beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. With crystal clear water, beautiful white sand, and little islands scattered around, you’ll want to explore them all. The US Virgin Islands national park is home to famous beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay. But did you know that there are beautiful St John Beaches all along the North Shore Road, the southern tip, and everywhere in between?
The USVI’s are made up of three Caribbean islands – St Croix, St Thomas, and St John. Each island is unique in its own way, with St John being the smallest of the three. With its slow pace, it really is the ideal island for those who really want to escape the rush and worries of the world. It also has the reputation of being the most beautiful and tranquil island, filled with stunning beaches, great hiking trails, and snorkeling reefs.
Accessible only by boat, the St John beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean, rivaling the beautiful beaches of Jamaica. This guide showcases the 15 best St John beaches, with the highlights of each location, amenities, and how to get there.
Table of Contents
1. Maho Bay, North Shore St John Beaches
Visiting Maho Bay is one of the best things to do in St John. The beach is turtle heaven. And not just a couple. They are everywhere. If seeing turtles is on your bucket list, grab your snorkeling gear and get down there ASAP. The gently sloping beach has a seagrass bed. This is where the turtles feed. You can swim or rent a paddleboard while turtles pop their heads up in waist-deep water.
Where is Maho Bay located:
Maho bay is one of the North Shore St John Beaches. It is approximately 20 minutes drive from both Coral Bay and Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Irma Effect:
- No palm trees on the beach
- Very little tree shade
Amenities:
- Designated car park across the road from the beach
- New beach bar (Maho Crossroads) with food, toilets, and a small gift shop
- Equipment rental store (snorkels, stand up paddleboards, kayaks)
Tips:
- Bring an umbrella for shade
- Get there early or late (busy through the day) – Most people leave by 4:30/5 PM
- Sandflies come out around 5:30 PM but won’t get you if you’re in the water
- It is part of the national park. Boats are not allowed close to shore.
- Eco Tips:
- Do not touch the turtles or chase them! They are easily stressed and the stress can weaken their immune system which can lead to sickness.
- Wear reef safe sunscreen. While there is not much coral near the beach, reef-safe sunscreen is also safer for sea life.
- Don’t run and jump/splash in the shallows. Enter and exit the water calmly. Some turtles come into knee-deep water. Be aware.
2. Trunk Bay, North Shore
Trunk Bay is home to some of the whitest sand on the island! With its beautiful, crystal clear water and small offshore island, you’ll want to add it to your itinerary immediately. Make sure you bring your snorkel fins, as this is one of the best snorkeling beaches St John has to offer, with an underwater park and a snorkeling trail. This trail has different plaques underwater that highlight the types of coral and fish found in the area.
Where is Trunk Bay located:
Trunk Bay is one of the North Shore St John Beaches. It is approximately 20 minutes drive from Coral Bay, and from Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Irma Effect:
- Most of the palm trees and natural beach shade are gone
- Damage to infrastructure. Still some building debris on the walk to the beach
- No entry fee post-hurricane
- A bit of coral damage around the island (small rubble piles)
Amenities:
- Carpark
- Showers & Toilets (closes at 5:00 PM)
- Equipment rental store (snorkels, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks) Closes at 5 PM.
Tips:
- Get there early or late (busy through the day)
- Most people left by 4:30/5 PM if you want to get the last couple of hours of sun in
- Sandflies come out around 5:30 PM but won’t get you if you’re in the water
- Island is closer to shore than Cinnamon Bay Beach
- Inside the National Park
- Eco Tips:
- Be aware of your flippers! Many people kick the reef accidentally while snorkeling as there are shallow areas of the reef
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
3. Cinnamon Bay, North Shore
Cinnamon bay is another beach with beautiful white, powder sand, and crystal clear water. Similar to Trunk Bay, it has a small offshore island (often large schools of small fish hanging around). If you arrive early in the morning or late afternoon you might be lucky to spot a deer on the beach.
Where is Cinnamon Bay located:
Cinnamon Bay is one of the North Shore beaches. Situated inside the national park, it is approximately 25 minutes drive from Coral Bay, and 15 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Irma Effect:
- Most of the palm trees and natural beach shade gone
- Damage to infrastructure. Campgrounds are not open.
- Some coral damage around the island.
Amenities:
- Carpark
- portable toilets between the car park and beach
Tips:
- Bring your own snorkel equipment
- Bring food/water as needed.
- Eco Tips:
- Be aware of your flippers when you are snorkeling so you don’t accidentally kick the reef!
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
4. Waterlemon Cay, North Shore
If you’re up for a remote beach, do the hike to Waterlemon Cay. There is a small offshore island that you can snorkel to. There are often large schools of small fish hanging around and some small reef sharks in the area.
Where is Waterlemon Cay located:
Waterlemon Cay is one of the North Shore St John beaches. It is approximately 20 minutes drive from Coral Bay, or 25 minute drive from Cruz Bay. From the Carpark, it is a ~25-minute walk.
Hurricane Impact:
- Some coral damage around the little island
Amenities:
- N/A
Tips:
- Make sure you bring drinking water. It is quite a walk from the car park and with not a lot of shade so it gets hot!
- Eco Tips:
- Be aware of your flippers! Many people kick the reef accidentally while snorkeling as there are shallow areas of the reef
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
- Bring a reusable water bottle
5. Honeymoon Beach, North Shore
If you want to hang out by a beach that still has palm trees, make a visit to Honeymoon beach. Close to Cruz Bay, this beach has beautiful white sand, as well as a range of amenities.
Where is Honeymoon Beach located:
Honeymoon Beach is one of the North Shore St John beaches. Situated inside the national park, it is approximately a 30 minute drive from Coral Bay or a 5 minute drive from Cruz Bay. From the car park, it is approximately a 15-minute walk.
Hurricane Effect:
- A bit of shade is gone but it still has palm trees
Amenities:
- Can rent chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear (expensive)
- Sometimes there is a boat that can take you back for approximately $10
- bar and snack stand
- Bathroom/shower
Tips:
- Park on Lind Point road and walk down Lind Point Trail – it is a steep climb down the hill to the beach (approximately 15 minutes)
- Bring water and shade
6. Oppenheimer Beach, North Shore
One of the quieter beaches on St John, it’s a good place to get away from the crowds. You can snorkel along the rock wall base, and sometimes spot some eagle rays in the area.
Where is Oppenheimer Beach located:
Oppenheimer beach is located approximately 25 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 10 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Amenities:
- N/A
Hurricane Effect:
- Not much shade on the beach
- The palm tree with the swing tire is no longer there.
Tips:
- Close to walk to from the car park (however limited spots)
- Bring your snacks and water as no facilities nearby.
- Eco Tips:
- Be aware of your flippers! Many people kick the reef accidentally while snorkeling as there are shallow areas of the reef
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
7. Hawksnest Bay, North Shore
Hawksnest bay is one of the easier beaches to get to from Cruz Bay. It is often popular with tourists and has some great facilities. With barbecues near the beach and some permanent shade structures on the beach with seating, it’s perfect for an afternoon lime. If you like snorkeling, there are often a few stingrays in the shallows.
Where is Hawksnest Bay located:
Hawksnest Bay is approximately 30 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 10 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Amenities:
- Permanent shade
- Seating and tables
- BBQ
- Carpark
Hurricane Effect:
- Trees have remained mostly intact.
Tips:
- Snorkel across the bay to Oppenheimer Beach to see Eagle Rays!
- There is easy access from the car park you can enjoy the beach without a hike!
- Eco Tips:
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
8. Francis Bay, North Shore
With some cool DIY driftwood shelters along the beach, offering seating and some shade, this is the perfect place for an afternoon getaway. As it’s further out, it is often quiet, with a few deer in the bushes nearby. If you are up for exploring, take the wooden walking trail through the mangroves where you can see birdlife.
Where is Francis Bay located:
Francis Bay is approximately 20 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 25 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Effect:
- Not noticeable on the beach
Amenities:
- Carpark (sand)
- Wooden Walking Trail through Mangroves
Tips:
- Use a sarong to tie up to little wooden shelters to create extra shade
- Eco Tips:
- Be quiet when walking through the mangrove trail to see the most birdlife
- Bring a reusable water bottle
9. Salt pond bay, South shore
Close to a natural salt pond, this is one of our favorite beaches on the island. With powdery white sand and shallow, crystal clear water, you will feel like you are living the Caribbean dream. There is amazing snorkeling at the offshore rock outcrops (large fan coral forest).
If you are up for a hike, you can take the Rams Head Trail. Here you have beautiful views of the island and nearby beaches. The nearby salt pond varies in color from green to blue to orange depending on the time of year.
Where is Salt Pond Bay located:
Salt Pond Bay is approximately 15 minutes drive from Coral Bay, or 40 minutes drive from Cruz Bay. From the carpark it is a 10 minute walk down the hill.
Hurricane Effect:
- A bit of reef damage out on the point
- A bit of reef damage out on the point
Amenities:
- Carpark
- Toilet
Tips
- Snorkel out to the rocky outcrops offshore!
- Eco Tips:
- Be careful of fin damage to the reef when snorkeling (read the warning sign at the entrance to the beach)
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
10. Great Lameshur Bay, South Shore
This beautiful little sandy bay feels very secluded. It’s an adventure to get there, so make sure you are confident with driving on St John. As it’s a dirt road with plenty of deep holes, it is recommended to visit only if you have a 4-wheel drive. If you are keen on snorkeling, there is an interesting little rock outcrop right offshore that has a lot of fish hanging around.
Where is Great Lameshur Bay located:
Great Lameshur Bay is approximately 25 minutes drive from Coral Bay, and 50 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Amenities:
- Carpark
- Toilets
Hurricane Effect:
- A bit of reef damage out on the point
- Not much shade
Tips:
- Make sure you have a four-wheel drive to get here. The dirt road getting to the beach is long and very bumpy with holes
- Eco Tips:
- Be careful of fin damage to the reef when snorkeling
- Wear reef safe sunscreen
11. Reef Bay, South Shore
This is the place for a surf on the island if there is any. There’s a surf instructor who has boards for rent (if there are waves around) and is not often busy.
Where is Reef Bay located:
Reef Bay is approximately 30 minutes drive from Coral Bay, or 15 minutes drive from Cruz Bay. From the car park, it is about a 5 minute walk.
Amenities:
- N/A
Hurricane Effect:
- A bit of reef damage out on the point
Tips:
- Beach entrance in between last two houses at the end of Reef Bay Road
- The walk down to the beach from the “carpark” (side of the road) is quite steep [has a rope to help get up and down]
12. Hansen Bay, East End St John Beaches
This beautiful beach was the home to the Caribbean’s first Floating Bar “Lime Out” (now moved to coral harbor). You can hire watersports gear (paddleboards, kayaks, etc.) from the beach. We were lucky enough to swim with some wild dolphins here. However, this isn’t a common occurrence.
Where is Hansen Bay located:
Hansen Bay is one of the East End St John beaches. Situated outside the national park, it is approximately 12 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 40 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Effect:
- Only one big tree near the beach for shade
Amenities:
- Water sports rental
- Carpark
- Toilet
Tips
- Kayak rental is approx. $35/hour
- There is some pretty good snorkeling off the rocky outcrop on the south end of the beach
- Dog-Friendly
13. Haulover Beach (South), East End
This beautiful and calm beach is one of the less touristy beaches to visit. Situated on the East End, you will most likely have the beach just to yourself.
Where is Haulover Beach located:
Haulover Beach is one of the East End St John Beaches. Situated outside of the national park it is 10 minutes drive from Coral Bay and 40 minutes drive from Cruz Bay.
Hurricane Effect:
- Not noticeable on the beach
Amenities:
- Car park
Tips:
- Don’t eat the hanging fruit! They’re poisonous. They look like apples.
- Rocky beach, be careful getting into the water
- Dog Friendly
- Bring a reusable water bottle
14. Limetree Cove, East End
This tiny beach is a hidden gem. Situated in front of private property you can only access it by the beach (in St John you can access any beach from the water. So you can swim here from one of the nearby bays).
Where is Limetree Cove located:
Limetree Cove is just north of Hansen Bay, however as it is in front of a private property, it is only accessible by the water.
Hurricane Effect:
- Not noticeable on the beach
Amenities:
- N/A
Tips:
- Can snorkel or kayak to this beach from one of the nearby bays.
- Outside National Park
15. Frank Bay, West End St John Beaches
This tiny little beach is walkable from Cruz Bay. There is a little art studio next to the beach, and sometimes peacocks are walking around.
Where is Frank Bay located:
Frank Bay is one of the Cruz Bay St John Beaches, located 5 minutes drive from Mongoose Junction, or 40 minutes drive from Coral Bay.
Hurricane Effect:
- Still some palm trees by the beach
Amenities:
- N/A
Tips
- Get down there early and you might see the peacocks wandering down from their home on the hill and walking along the beach
Beaches Not On The List
Caneel bay resort was once a popular hotel on the island, with a beautiful beach. It was seriously damaged during hurricane Irma and has been closed since.
The Westin Resort has a nice selection of Palm Trees by their beach. You don’t have to stay at the resort to access the beach but you do have to buy something.
Denis Bay is a hidden beach just before Trunk Bay. Park at the Peace Hill carpark, and follow the unmarked trail down to the beach for your own secluded gem.
Mermaid’s Chair Beach is a secret beach that is usually accessed by charter boats. It’s difficult to get to from shore, however, you can snorkel there from Oppenheimer beach, along the eastern shoreline.
Where to Stay on St John
If you want to avoid the St John resorts, VRBO is a popular alternative choice. There are different options available, whether you want to stay in a room, a cottage, a guesthouse, or a villa. Here are some St John USVI stays available for rent.
Pricing structure:
- $ = $50-150
- $$ = $150-300
- $$$ = $300-500
- $$$$ = $500+
Cruz Bay Accommodation
Sweet St. John
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$$ | VRBO
This stylish, contemporary property boasts polished marble floors, quartz counter tops, and outstanding views.
Cara Mia
3 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | $$$$ | VRBO
This lovely three-bedroom house, furnished in an attractive British Colonial design, is both stately and inviting. Crafted from island stone and slate it has its own charm and warmth. Enjoy the island breezes or dine in air-conditioned luxury in one of the home’s indoor or outdoor dining rooms.
Indigo Blue Luxury Studio Beachfront
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$ | VRBO
This beachfront luxury condo is located at Grande Bay Resort. The second story property has magnificent coastal and bay views. The condo’s seaside terrace enables you to hear the soothing waves of Cruz Bay.
Coral Bay Accommodation
Coral Bay St John has no hotels, but there are several lovely rentals, ranging from luxury homes to guesthouses with infinity pools. The following are some of the most highly rated properties in Coral Bay, St John.
Salty Kisses & Goodnight Wishes
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$ | VRBO
This cozy two-person bungalow is tastefully decorated and well-equipped. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, a luxurious queen-size bed, and a deck that overlooks Coral Bay.
Seawing
2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | $$ | VRBO
This spacious two-bedroom house has high ceilings, large windows and is very secluded, sitting on a two-acre property. It has two outdoor showers, one constructed of native stone. If you are lucky enough to be staying here during rainy season, there is a waterfall in the garden, flowing over natural rock formations.
Caribbean Charmer
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $ | VRBO
Looking for a more affordable stay in Coral Bay? This charming one-bedroom condo overlooks Coral Bay and has a fully equipped kitchen. The suite has a colorful Caribbean color palette, wood furniture, and a great hillside breeze.
Seagrape estate, Coral Bay | VRBO
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | $$$$ | VRBO
If you are looking for a three-bedroom rental with breathtaking views and a refreshing atmosphere, Seagrape estate is an excellent option. This property sleeps up to nine people and features king-sized beds, air conditioning, and a huge salt water pool.
What To Pack for St John
As the island is mostly national park (and marine park) there are a few essential packing items you should have got ensure you have the best time while also stay environmentally conscious.
Eco Travel Products
- Reusable bag for grocery shopping and heading to the beach
- Reusable cutlery and container for any takeaway that you may purchase
- Wine tumbler/coffee cup for the beach or walking around town
- Reusable water bottle
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Reusable Straws
Be sure to use the bins provided at the beaches, or bring your rubbish with you when you leave!
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Looking for more Caribbean destinations to visit? Check out our guides to Grenada, Carriacou, and Puerto Rico.
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Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
Great beach suggestions! After visiting the USVI twice, we have still barely scratched the surface with so many beaches! Honeymoon beach is my favorite! 😍 trunk bay is always a must for us too 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the comment! We love St John so much. It’s so hard to decide which beach is best as they’re all special in their own way. But yes, Honeymoon is definitely up there! 😉