Beaches/St. John Web Cams

Caneel Bay Beach remains one of St. John’s most beautiful and scenic shorelines, known for its calm waters, soft sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities—making it a wonderful choice for a beach day.

The former Caneel Bay Resort is no longer operating in its original form following Hurricane Irma. As a result, resort amenities such as beach chair service, water sports rentals, and multiple beachfront facilities are no longer available at Caneel Bay itself.

One notable exception in the area is ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay, a popular waterfront restaurant located on the peninsula offering fine dining and sunset views, though it is not part of a resort operation or beach service program.

For beach-going visitors, Honeymoon Beach (accessible via boat, parking and paying a fee at the Caneel parking lot or hike the Lind Point Trail from Cruz Bay) is the primary nearby option with amenities, including food and beverage service, restrooms, and beach chair rentals.

Access to Caneel Bay’s various beaches can vary, and some areas may have limited or changing public access. While services are minimal, the Caneel Bay coastline remains a stunning place to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the natural beauty of St. John.

If you’re looking for a livelier beach experience, Cinnamon Bay on St. John’s North Shore is a must-visit. In addition to excellent swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, you will often find a variety of activities that make it one of the island’s more active beach destinations.

With its wide stretch of sand, beautiful turquoise water, and energetic atmosphere, Cinnamon Bay is a great spot for those who want both relaxation and a bit of island adventure.

Step off the ferry from St. Thomas and you will find yourself right in Cruz Bay, the lively heart of St. John. Cruz Bay Beach is a great spot to pause, take in the beautiful harbor views, and watch the comings and goings of boats and ferries that give the area its energy.

While it is a convenient and scenic place to relax for a bit, it is not recommended for swimming or water sports due to frequent boat traffic in the harbor. For swimming and beach activities, visitors will want to explore some of the island’s nearby North Shore beaches.

Located on St. John’s quiet East End, Hansen Bay is approximately 3.7 miles east of the Moravian Church along Route 10. This peaceful and less-developed area offers a more relaxed alternative to the island’s busier North Shore beaches.

The main sandy beach in this area is privately owned, and day use is available for a small access fee. Visitors will find calm waters, good snorkeling conditions, and a quiet atmosphere that is ideal for a low-key beach day.

Amenities in this area are very limited, so guests should plan to bring their own food, drinks, and beach supplies.

Francis Bay is another stunning St. John beach, known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and sparkling turquoise views. Because it faces west, the bay is often calmer than many of the other North Shore beaches, making it a great option for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

You can access Francis Bay from the North Shore Road (Route 20). Driving past Maho Bay, the road curves inland to the right; continue approximately 1.5 miles until you reach the intersection with the road that runs along the Leinster Bay shoreline. Follow this road to parking areas near the beach.

Alternatively, from Centerline Road (Route 10), you can turn left by the former Colombo Yogurt stand, descend the hill, and then turn right to connect with the Leinster Bay shoreline road, which leads you toward Francis Bay and nearby access points.

Francis Bay is a beautiful, peaceful beach that’s especially popular with those looking for a quieter North Shore experience.

A beautiful stretch of white sand with a rich history, Gibney Beach and Oppenheimer Beach are beloved for their calm waters, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Popular with both beachgoers and those interested in the island’s history, this area offers a quiet, uncrowded experience that often feels like a hidden gem.

Public access is now permitted, though it was once privately owned and restricted. Today, it remains a tranquil spot ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Please note that parking is very limited, so early arrival or taking a taxi is strongly recommended. When driving along the North Shore Road, look for the white picket fence on the left just past Hawksnest Beach. Shortly after the fence, you will see an iron gate marking the entrance to Gibney and Oppenheimer Beaches. Do not block the gate. If parking is available, proceed through the gate and down the paved road, where the community center is on the right and the beach is to the left.

About Oppenheimer Beach:
Oppenheimer Beach refers to the same stretch of shoreline commonly known as Gibney Beach. It is located on Hawksnest Bay along St. John’s North Shore. The beach is historically connected to Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” who began visiting St. John in the late 1950s. He and his family spent time on the island and eventually built a small cottage on land purchased from the Gibney family.

Today, the beach remains a peaceful, natural setting enjoyed by visitors seeking quiet beauty and a connection to St. John’s unique history.

Great Cruz Bay Harbor is home to the Westin Resort and offers a convenient beach option close to Cruz Bay. Day visitors are welcome to enjoy the beach itself, which features calm waters and easy access.

However, resort amenities such as lounge chairs, beach equipment, and pool facilities are reserved exclusively for Westin guests. Day visitors may still access on-site restaurants, bars, shops, and water sports services available within the resort area.

Directions:
From Cruz Bay, take South Shore Road (Route 104) east for approximately 0.9 miles. Turn right into the entrance for the Westin Resort. Parking is available in the hotel lot, and from there you can walk to the beach.

Hawksnest is a favorite among locals and a great option for families with children. It is the closest North Shore beach to Cruz Bay that you can drive directly to, making it especially convenient for a quick beach day.

The parking area is located just steps from the sand, so there’s no long walk with beach chairs or coolers. Hawksnest faces east, which means it is beautifully lit by the morning sun—perfect for an early swim or a peaceful start to the day.

Because of its orientation, the beach also moves into shade earlier in the afternoon compared to some of the other North Shore beaches, making mornings the ideal time to enjoy it.

Klein Bay is a beautiful pebble beach on the south side of St. John, well known for its excellent snorkeling and clear, calm waters.

To reach Klein Bay from Cruz Bay, take South Shore Road (Route 104) east for approximately 1.6 miles. When the road forks, stay to the right and continue following the coastline. Turn right onto Klein Bay Lane, then take the second right and continue to the end of the road where you will find parking. A short path leads down to the beach.

While the access road is private, public access to the beach itself has traditionally been permitted, and no restrictions have been actively enforced.

Lameshur Bay is a great alternative when the North Shore beaches are experiencing larger surf, offering generally calmer waters and a more remote, natural setting.

It is a longer and more rugged drive compared to beaches like Salt Pond, but once you arrive, the beach is conveniently located right next to the parking area, making access relatively easy despite the journey.

To reach Lameshur Bay, follow Route 107 south to its end and continue approximately one mile on the unpaved dirt road. Parking is available along the road in the vicinity of the beach.

This area is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and is appreciated for its quiet atmosphere, natural beauty, and excellent snorkeling conditions.

Leinster Bay is a beautiful and scenic area on St. John’s North Shore, stretching from Mary Creek on the west to Waterlemon Bay on the east. It offers a peaceful setting with excellent opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty.

At Waterlemon Bay, you’ll find a small white sand beach that serves as the starting point for one of St. John’s most popular snorkeling adventures. Just offshore sits Waterlemon Cay, a small island known for some of the best snorkeling on the island, with vibrant marine life and clear waters.

Visitors should be aware that currents can be stronger on the western side of the Cay, so caution is advised when swimming or snorkeling in that area.

Maho Bay is one of St. John’s most popular North Shore beaches and is especially known for its easy access and calm, shallow waters—making it a favorite for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

It is one of the few North Shore beaches where you can drive directly to a parking area just across the road from the sand. From there, it’s only a short walk to the beach.

Maho also offers convenient beach amenities, including food and beverage options, souvenir shopping, and beach rentals such as chairs, umbrellas, and water sports gear—making it easy to spend a full and comfortable beach day.

At the eastern end of Maho Bay, you’ll find the Goat Trail, which leads to the area formerly known as Maho Bay Campground and continues toward Little Maho Bay. This scenic path is great for those looking to explore a bit more of the coastline on foot.

Reef Bay is a beautiful and remote area made up of three connected bays: Genti Bay at the end of the Reef Bay Trail, Little Reef Bay in the center, and Parrot Bay to the west. This part of St. John offers a more secluded, natural beach experience.

The best swimming is typically found at the eastern end of Little Reef Bay, near the rocky shoreline on the eastern side (to your left when facing the water). Conditions can vary, so visitors should always use caution and be mindful of surf and currents.

To reach Reef Bay Beach, take South Shore Road (Route 104) to Fish Bay Road, then continue to the intersection of Marina Drive and Reef Bay Road. Bear left onto Reef Bay Road and drive up the hill. At the top, turn left and continue approximately a quarter mile, where you will find roadside parking.

The trailhead begins at a telephone pole and descends steeply downhill before leveling out as it winds through vegetation toward the beach. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hike.

Salt Pond Bay is a beautiful white sand beach conveniently located near Coral Bay, making it a great option for guests staying on the island’s East End. It’s also a popular alternative when North Shore beaches have larger surf, as the waters here are typically calm and well-suited for swimming and snorkeling.

To reach Salt Pond Bay, take Route 107 south for approximately 3.9 miles from the Moravian Church in Coral Bay. From the parking area, a well-marked quarter-mile Salt Pond Bay Trail leads down to the beach.

This area is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and offers a peaceful, scenic setting with excellent hiking and coastal views nearby.

If you are staying in Cruz Bay and do not have a Jeep rental—and prefer not to rely on taxis—Salomon Beach is a great option for a scenic and rewarding walk. It’s a peaceful, tucked-away beach that feels like a hidden escape just outside town.

To reach Salomon Beach, take the Lind Point Trail, which begins at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay. From there, it is just under a one-mile hike to the beach.

When you reach the trail fork, you can choose either route:

• The lower trail is slightly shorter and less steep.
• The upper trail is generally better maintained and offers more scenic views.

Both routes lead you to the beautiful, calm shoreline of Salomon Bay, a quiet spot perfect for swimming and relaxing away from the busier beaches.

Frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches, Trunk Bay is a must-visit during your St. John vacation. Known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and lush palm-lined shoreline, it offers an iconic Caribbean beach experience.

One of Trunk Bay’s most popular features is its underwater snorkeling trail, complete with an easy-to-follow guide that highlights the vibrant marine life and coral formations just offshore.

Visitors can also enjoy basic amenities on-site, including a snack bar and restrooms, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend the day. Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach, Trunk Bay delivers an unforgettable island experience.