Beaches · North Shore

Hawksnest Beach

Hawksnest is what locals reach for when Trunk Bay, ten minutes further down the same road, feels like too much. It's the closest north-shore beach to the Cruz Bay ferry dock, which makes it convenient, but reviewers describe it as noticeably calmer and less crowded — a quieter alternative rather than a lesser one. The beach itself is narrow and shaded by sea grape trees, and it turns rocky in spots, so travel blogs consistently recommend water shoes for the short walk in. There's no snorkel rental, food, or bar here — bring everything you need, though picnic tables, grills, and restrooms are on site. What draws people into the water is the reef along the rocky points at each end of the bay's three coves: no marked trail, no interpretive signs, just snorkeling that reviewers say rewards wandering, with regular sea turtle sightings and less foot traffic on the coral than at Trunk Bay. Winter's north swell can stir up visibility for a day or two, so the calmer months from spring through early summer are the more reliable window.