Snorkeling Hansen Bay with Kids on St. John - What Parents Should Know

Snorkeling Hansen Bay with kids is a wonderful family-friendly activity in St. John. It is located on the quiet East End of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This beach is privately owned but open to the public, with calm waters, soft sand, and excellent beginner-friendly snorkeling. Families looking for a quieter alternative to the busier North Shore beaches will appreciate Hansen Bay’s easy access, gentle waves, and space to relax.

Contents hide

I Getting to Hansen Bay

II What to Expect when Snorkeling Hansen Bay with Kids

III Video of Snorkeling at Hansen Bay

IV Snorkeling Tips for Families at Hansen Bay

IV.I What You’ll See

IV.II Snorkeling Safety Tips for Families

V Other Family Travel Tips

VI Where to Eat Nearby

VII Final Thoughts: Is Snorkeling Hansen Bay with Kids Good for Families?

For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Thomas and St. John:

Getting to Hansen Bay

To reach Hansen Bay, drive east past Cruz Bay, then Coral Bay, and continue even farther past Haulover Bay. Hansen Bay is one of the farthest beaches from the main tourist area, which keeps it peaceful and less crowded. It’s located in Round Bay, just off Route 10.

There is plenty of parking near the beach, although a small donation is appreciated by the local family that maintains the area. Chairs, tables, umbrellas, and cabanas are available to rent for a fee, which can be helpful for families needing shade or a spot to rest. Note: There are no food or drink vendors, so parents should pack everything they’ll need for the day, including water, snacks, and lunch.

What to Expect when Snorkeling Hansen Bay with Kids

The beach at Hansen Bay is medium-sized, with soft white sand and a few shaded areas under sea grape trees. It’s usually uncrowded, making it easier for parents to keep track of young children. The water is shallow near the shore with a very gradual slope, and its location within the bay protects it from large waves and strong currents. This makes it ideal for kids who are new to swimming or snorkeling.

The calm water also makes paddleboarding or floating easy and safe. Many families bring floaties, noodles, or small rafts to enjoy the gentle surf. Parents can comfortably sit on the shore while kids play safely in the water nearby.

Video of Snorkeling at Hansen Bay

Snorkeling Tips for Families at Hansen Bay

Snorkeling at Hansen Bay is accessible right from the beach. The calm, clear water and shallow depth make it a safe and fun introduction to snorkeling for kids.

What You’ll See

To the Right of the Beach: The right-hand side offers the easiest and most family-friendly snorkeling. Here you’ll find shallow rocky outcroppings and sea grass beds filled with colorful reef fish, sea fans, sponges, and occasionally endangered Staghorn coral. Kids will love spotting tropical fish like damselfish, wrasse, tangs, and parrotfish. The sea grass beds are also a common hangout for sea turtles and southern stingrays, which tend to glide slowly and stay near the sandy bottom—exciting and safe for young snorkelers to observe.
To the Left of the Beach: Stronger swimmers (teens and confident parents) can explore further out toward Pelican Rock, a patch reef across the small bay. Visibility is often excellent, and this area offers a more diverse range of coral and larger marine life such as jacks, pompano, and occasional barracuda (which are harmless if not disturbed). Stick close to your kids in this area as water depth increases and currents can be slightly stronger.

Snorkeling Safety Tips for Families

Bring your own gear: There are no rentals on-site. Kids’ snorkel sets with dry-top snorkels are recommended.
Use swim vests: For young children or beginner swimmers, a snorkel vest or swim float is strongly recommended.
Enter from the right: The sandy bottom on the right side is easier for entry and helps avoid stepping on fragile coral.
Watch for sea urchins and coral: Teach kids not to touch anything underwater. Many marine animals and corals have spines or stingers.
Go slow: The slower kids move, the more marine life they’ll see.
Stay close: Parents should stay within arm’s reach of younger children at all times in the water.

Other Family Travel Tips

Restrooms: There are no public restrooms at Hansen Bay, so plan accordingly.
Shade: Bring your own beach umbrella or rent a cabana for sun protection. The beach has limited natural shade.
No lifeguards: Parents should stay vigilant as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Pack it in, pack it out: Be sure to take all your trash with you to help keep the beach clean.

Where to Eat Nearby

There are no food vendors at Hansen Bay, but Skinny Legs, a family-friendly restaurant in Coral Bay, is a great stop on your way back. It’s known for burgers, cold drinks, and a laid-back island vibe. It’s also one of the few restaurants on this side of the island.

Final Thoughts: Is Snorkeling Hansen Bay with Kids Good for Families?

Yes. Hansen Bay is one of the best beaches on St. John for families who want a quiet place to relax and snorkel. The easy beach access, calm shallow water, and safe snorkeling make it an excellent choice for families with younger kids or beginner snorkelers. Just make sure to bring your own food, drinks, and snorkel gear.

Planning your USVI family trip to St. Thomas or St. John? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the islands:

For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Thomas and St. John:

For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Thomas. Here is the info on St. John.