Beaches · North Shore
Little Hawksnest
Little Hawksnest is the smallest and least visited of the three coves that share Hawksnest Bay — a pocket of sand separated from the main, popular beach by a rocky point at the western end. Reviewers describe two ways in: a short, unmarked woods trail that parallels the shoreline from Hawksnest's far parking end, or simply swimming around the point, which doubles as the appeal — the shallow reef along that swim route holds parrotfish, coral, and the occasional starfish, visitors note local beach guides. What repeat visitors consistently note is how much quieter it stays than its famous neighbor even on a packed Saturday, since most Hawksnest visitors never realize there's more beach around the bend. It's a true no-frills stop: no facilities, no rentals, nothing beyond sand, shade from a few trees, and a narrower footprint than the main cove — worth combining with a Hawksnest or Trunk Bay visit rather than treating as a standalone destination.
Little Hawksnest area, North Shore, St. John
Does this beach fit the day you want?
Little Hawksnest is the smallest and least visited of the three coves that share Hawksnest Bay — a pocket of sand separated from the main, popular beach by a rocky point at the western end. Reviewers describe two ways in: a short, unmarked woods trail that parallels the shoreline from Hawksnest's far parking end, or simply swimming around the point, which doubles as the appeal — the shallow reef along that swim route holds parrotfish, coral, and the occasional starfish, visitors note local beach guides. What repeat visitors consistently note is how much quieter it stays than its famous neighbor even on a packed Saturday, since most Hawksnest visitors never realize there's more beach around the bend. It's a true no-frills stop: no facilities, no rentals, nothing beyond sand, shade from a few trees, and a narrower footprint than the main cove — worth combining with a Hawksnest or Trunk Bay visit rather than treating as a standalone destination.
What Island Hype can confirm
- Access
- road
- Access effort
- easy
- Snorkeling
- good
- Family friendly
- Yes
Good fit if you want
- a road-access beach with an easy approach
- snorkeling as part of your beach day
- a beach marked family-friendly
Keep the decision
Save Little Hawksnest if you want to compare it against other places later. Saving means you're still deciding, not booking.
These comparisons use the beach details available here, not real-time water conditions. Confirm current access and conditions before you go.
Photos
Make the next decision easier
Continue: How to choose a St. John beach for your day
What to decide next
Plan how you will get there
Resolve the transport decision before treating a beach as a complete day plan.
Add a water activity only if it fits
Browse activity options after the beach choice is clear.
Compare a stay shortlist
Choose where to base yourself separately from a beach-day consideration.