Snorkeling Hawksnest Beach with kids is a wonderful excursion on a family trip to St. John. The beach is located along the north shore of St. John, is a scenic and convenient spot for families interested in snorkeling. The bay (Hawksnest Bay) includes several connected beaches—Hawksnest Beach, Little Hawksnest Beach, Gibney Beach, and Mermaid’s Chair—all offering clear, shallow waters and reef access. Though some areas show reef wear due to surf and current, the calm portions of the bay make it a worthwhile stop for families, especially those with children who are new to snorkeling.
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:
- Best Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
Why Snorkeling Hawksnest Beach with Kids is Good for Families
Hawksnest Bay Beach is about two miles from Cruz Bay via North Shore Road (Route 20), making it easy to reach by car. There is a parking lot just off the road, adjacent to Hawksnest Beach, which is the most accessible spot for families with younger kids.
Families will appreciate the following features:
- Soft sandy beach with shaded areas under sea grape trees
- Picnic tables in a covered shelter (great for lunch breaks)
- Shallow water entry with visibility close to shore
- No entry fee or commercial vendors on-site
Because the beach is within the Virgin Islands National Park, there are no food or drink concessions. Families should pack all needed supplies, including water, snacks, sunscreen, flotation devices, and snorkeling gear.
Snorkeling Overview: What Kids and Parents Can Expect
Snorkeling Hawksnest Beach with kids is manageable and enjoyable, especially near the center of Hawksnest Beach where the water is shallower and entry is sandy. While the bay isn’t always calm due to surf and current exposure, there are still excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially during lower surf conditions.
Best Areas to Snorkel
- Center of Hawksnest Beach: A shallow reef is located just offshore. Look for the breaking waves to spot the reef area, and snorkel to the left and right of this point.
- Toward Little Hawksnest Beach (east): A healthier reef with elkhorn and brain coral, along with sea fans and small schooling fish.
- Gibney Beach area: A second, smaller reef offers additional snorkeling but may have fewer fish. Good for more confident swimmers or older kids.
Marine Life Kids May See
The reef system supports a variety of easy-to-spot marine life:
- Parrotfish, blue tang, and angelfish
- French grunts and yellowtail damselfish
- Smooth and spotted trunkfish
- Occasional sightings of sea turtles or southern stingrays
- Chain moray eels in shallow coral beds (caution: don’t touch)
Parents should always accompany younger children and ensure they are using appropriate snorkeling vests or flotation gear. The reef is close to shore in many places, so children can see fish even in waist-deep water.
Video of Snorkeling at Hawksnest Bay Beach
Safety Tips for Snorkeling Hawksnest Beach with Kids
- Watch the surf conditions: Because Hawksnest is less protected than other north shore beaches, avoid snorkeling during high surf or rough water days.
- Enter from the center: The easiest and safest entry point is from the middle of Hawksnest Beach, where there are fewer rocks and the sand is soft.
- Stay close to shore: Younger snorkelers should stay in shallow areas where parents can supervise easily.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect the coral and your kids’ skin with biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Teach basic reef etiquette: Kids should avoid standing on coral and be reminded not to touch marine animals.
Facilities and Nearby Amenities
Hawksnest Bay is within Virgin Islands National Park and has no commercial vendors. There are:
- Restrooms and changing areas
- Covered picnic tables for meals or shade
- Trash receptacles, but no food or drink services
Families can stop in Cruz Bay for food or supplies before heading out, or visit restaurants in the area on the way back.
Nearby attractions and lodging include:
- Vacation rentals and inns within a 5-minute drive
- Caneel Bay (currently closed for redevelopment)
- Additional family-friendly snorkeling spots like Trunk Bay or Maho Bay
Final Thoughts: Is Hawksnest Beach Right for Your Family?
Snorkeling Hawksnest Beach with kids is a fun and practical activity, especially for families looking for less crowded beaches with natural reef access. While not the most vibrant reef on St. John, the area has enough marine life and shallow coral beds to entertain younger snorkelers and provide a safe environment to learn.
For the best experience:
- Check surf conditions before going
- Bring all supplies for the day
- Choose calm days and stay close to shore
With a mix of sand, shade, and sea life, Hawksnest Beach can be a great part of a family snorkeling itinerary on St. John.
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:
- St. Thomas with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Snorkeling and Beaches around St. Thomas and St. John for Families
- Best Family Hikes in St. Thomas
- Top Rated Family Restaurants in St. Thomas
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:
- Best Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in St. Thomas and St. John (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Thomas. Here is the info on St. John.
