St. John North Shore Beaches – Find the One That Fits Your Vibe 🌴

Stunning overlook of St. John’s North Shore beaches, featuring peaceful Francis Bay and Maho Bay framed by tropical vegetation.

Planning a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands? With so many stunning spots, choosing just one beach can be tough. But if you’re visiting St. John, the St. John North Shore beaches are a must-explore stretch of coastline. Home to some of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands, these beaches each offer a unique vibe – from sea turtle encounters and underwater snorkel trails to barefoot beach bars and laid-back island charm.

Whether you're here for a day, a week, or just a few blissful hours on a St. John boat charter, this guide will help you figure out which North Shore beach is right for you.

🌴 Hawksnest Beach – Easy Access, Epic Views

Closest to Cruz Bay, Hawksnest is your go-to for a quick beach trip that doesn't skimp on beauty. It’s usually less crowded than the more famous beaches, and when the water is calm, you’ll find some great snorkeling right off the sand.

Pros:

• Short drive from town

• Great for swimming and snorkeling (when calm)

• BBQ grills, pavilions, changing rooms

Cons:

• Pit toilet (no flushing restrooms)

• No snorkel gear rentals

• Poor visibility if waves are up

Best for: Quick beach trips, locals’ favorite, easy swimming

Vibe: Low-key and effortlessly beautiful

A small wave comes ashore under a seagrape tree at Hawksnest Beach, St. John

View of Hawksnest Beach on a sunny day with calm turquoise water and no people in sight

Wide shot of Hawksnest Bay with clear blue skies, lush green hills, and an empty white-sand shore

🐠 Trunk Bay – The Iconic “Postcard” Beach

Trunk Bay is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and for good reason. With soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and a self-guided underwater snorkeling trail, it’s a top spot for both first-time visitors and seasoned beach lovers.

Pros:

• Full amenities: restrooms, showers, snack bar

• On-site snorkel gear rental

• Famous underwater snorkel trail

Cons:

• $5 entry fee (subject to change)

• Smaller parking lot

• Can get crowded (especially when cruise ships are in St. Thomas)

Best for: First-timers, families, Insta-worthy moments

Vibe: Picture-perfect paradise

Trunk Bay’s iconic white sand and crystal-clear water with the Cay visible offshore, with no crowds.

Scenic view of Trunk Bay and the underwater snorkeling trail, with very few beachgoers in the frame.

Outdoor food court at Trunk Bay with shaded picnic tables and a snack bar on a sunny day in St. John

🌊 Cinnamon Bay – Space to Roam & Explore

If you like your beach days with room to spread out, Cinnamon Bay is calling. It’s the largest beach on St. John and features everything from a restaurant and beachside food truck to Hobie Cat rentals and hiking trails nearby.

Pros:

• Big beach with lots of space

• Flushing toilets, food & drinks, snorkel gear rental

• Great for beginner sailing and nearby hikes

Cons:

• Snorkeling is good, but not the best on the island

Best for: Groups, active travelers, beach & hike combo day (read our blog about Cinnamon)

Vibe: Adventurous and family-friendly

View of Cinnamon Beach from the Cinnamon Bay hiking trail

Colonial-era stone structure nestled in greenery at Cinnamon Beach, a historic site on St. John

Expansive Cinnamon Bay beach with untouched sand, calm surf, and no one on the shore.

🐢 Maho Bay – Chill Vibes & Sea Turtles

If you’re dreaming of swimming with sea turtles in St. John, Maho Bay is the place to go. This calm, shallow bay has tons of seagrass – a sea turtle buffet – and you’ll often spot rays and starfish too. Discover how to safely and respectfully swim with sea turtles - read our blog here!

Pros:

• Paddleboard, kayak, and snorkel gear rentals

• Chill beach bar (Maho Crossroads), food, drinks, gift shop

• Turtles!

Cons:

• Farther from town

• Fish prefer the rocks along the sides of the bay, you’ll need to cover some ground to see turtles and fish

Best for: Wildlife lovers, families with young kids, paddleboarding

Vibe: Relaxed, tropical, and social

View from the overlook at Maho Bay, great for swimming with sea turtles!

Peaceful Maho Bay shoreline with shallow water and sea grass visible, photographed without crowds.

Relaxed dining area at Maho Bay’s food court with picnic tables, souvenir stands, and tropical vibes

🐦 Francis Bay – Quiet, Peaceful, and Scenic

Want to escape the crowds? Francis Bay is a local secret with great snorkeling and a peaceful setting. It’s the furthest beach on this list, but the drive along North Shore Road is absolutely worth it.

Pros:

• Great snorkeling on the edges

• Less crowded

• Bird-watching nature trail nearby

Cons:

• Limited parking

• No amenities except a pit toilet

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, off-the-beaten-path explorers

Vibe: Serene and untouched

Francis Bay in perfect weather with still water, soft sand, and zero people on the beach.

Tranquil snorkeling area at Francis Bay, showing clear Caribbean water and natural reef structures.

Forest boardwalk along the Francis Bay loop trail, perfect for bird watching and nature walks

🛥️ See All St. John North Shore Beaches with a Boat Charter

Want the ultimate experience? Skip the parking stress and see the North Shore beaches from the water on a private St. John boat charter. With Blue Water Charters, you can cruise past these iconic beaches and even stop for a swim or snorkel – no crowds, no time limits, just your group and the Caribbean Sea.

Plus, we’ll take you to exclusive spots you can’t reach by land – hidden coves, private reefs, and secret snorkeling sites. It’s the best way to experience the beauty of St. John’s North Shore and beyond.

🧭 Pro Tips for Your Beach Day

• High Season (Dec–April): Arrive early – parking fills fast

• Low Season (Aug–Oct): You’ll find plenty of space and fewer crowds

• Taxi Tip: You’ll always find return rides from Trunk, Maho, or Cinnamon

• Snorkeling Tip: Bring your own gear, or rent at Trunk, Maho, or Cinnamon

• Lunch Plan: Grab food at Maho Crossroads, Cinnamon’s restaurant, or Trunk’s concession.

🌺 Final Word: Your Beach, Your Vibe

There’s no such thing as a bad beach day on St. John – but finding the one that fits your vacation style makes it even better. Want turtles? Go to Maho. Want solitude? Head to Francis. Want the full “wow” factor? Trunk is calling.

And if you just can’t choose? Let us take you on a USVI boat tour where you can see them all – and then some.

Iconic Mermaid’s Chair landmark visible from Blue Water Charter's boat on St. John’s North Shore.

📸 All photos courtesy of Capt. Sara Richter 📸