Finding a gorgeous beach on St. John is easy—the island’s north shore is lined with one stunning strand after the next. Choosing a favorite beach might prove a bit more challenging. Island resident and photographer Christian Wheatley loves them all and devotes much of his time to documenting them from land, sea, and air. He’s either floating in the water, on a boat, flying overhead in a plane or helicopter, or setting up a drone shot, always looking for a different perspective. To see more of his photos of the magnificent beaches of St. John and nearby islands, go to http://www.christianwheatley.com/
Trunk Bay
Crowned by towering palms and washed by blue water, the powder-white sands of Trunk Bay Beach make it the most photographed and famous beach on the island. Snorkelers flock to the spot for its underwater nature trails that lead through coral reefs populated by patrolling parrotfish and stealthy octopus. Sightings of nurse sharks, stingrays, and turtles are not uncommon. Run by the National Park Service, it’s the only beach to charge admission. Facilities are plentiful and food is available. Arrive early or late in the afternoon to find some solitude as the spot is popular with cruise passengers and day-trippers.
Hawksnest Bay
Just down the road from the town of Cruz Bay, the protected waters of Hawksnest Bay are a favorite with locals and families seeking calm conditions for young swimmers. However, there are times when waves break over the reef offshore and swimming takes a back seat to sunbathing. There are actually four individual beaches within the bay. The largest, Hawksnest proper, has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. The beach itself is narrow and punctuated by mangroves, sea grapes, and palms that offer up a bit of shade and a place to drift off in the afternoon once the crowds have left.
Cinnamon Bay
It’s the have-it-all beach on St. John. On the longest and widest strand on the island, you’ll get plenty of soft white sands, swaying palms, and blue-green waters. But the shore also offers a changing facility, a snack bar, picnic tables with grills, and even a camping area. The watersports hut has snorkeling gear, windsurfers, and kayaks for rent. The calm inner reaches of the bay and a nearby cay are perfect for paddlers, while sailors can venture a bit farther out to ride the trade winds. There’s a nice reef just offshore, with plenty of overhangs and crevices to explore. Back on land, there are remnants of a Danish building ready to explore.
Maho Bay
Amenities are bare bones along the long stretch of sand that fronts Maho Bay, so you need to pack your own food, drink, and beach toys. The good news is that you won’t have to carry things far, as the North Shore Road parallels the water, and you can park just yards from your beach towel. A favorite with local residents, the beach offers a bit of shade with towering palms and sea grapes. Sheltering bluffs to the east create very calm conditions, making this a favorite site for paddleboarders and snorkelers. The reefs aren’t quite as colorful as elsewhere on the island, but the area is a favorite with sea turtles.
Caneel Bay
Find your place in the sun on the legendary 170-acre eco-resort grounds, which was founded by Laurence Rockefeller in 1952. Caneel Bay Resort closed in 2017 after devasting damage from back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria. The property provided seven gorgeous beaches for guests: each one different from the next. The area remained shut down until 2014 when a portion opened as a beach club. With a mission to restore the former resort’s ambiance set in harmony with nature, much of the former staff now greets visitors and locals. Access via Linda Point trail is open to those arriving on foot and a shuttle runs from the parking area to Honeymoon Beach. The club serves cocktails and a mid-day menu.
