Beaches · Hansen Bay
Pelican Rock
Pelican Rock is less a beach than a snorkeling destination reached from one — a small offshore rock formation within Hansen Bay on St. John's East End, known mainly to repeat visitors and local charter guides rather than casual beach-hoppers. The most common route is a roughly 15-minute swim out from Hansen Bay's own beach, either cutting straight across deeper water with less to see along the way, or following the shoreline for a longer swim that passes more fish and offers spots to rest partway. Experienced snorkelers who've done it more than once recommend circling the rock completely rather than turning back partway, since the far side holds reef structure the near side doesn't show. An alternate approach exists by driving to the end of Route 10 near a homeowners' association boundary and walking in, though that route crosses land the association controls even where public access is technically preserved. There are no facilities at Pelican Rock itself — it's purely a swim-to snorkeling spot, best treated as an add-on to a Hansen Bay beach day rather than a destination on its own.
Pelican Rock (Hansen Bay area), Hansen Bay, St. John
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Pelican Rock is less a beach than a snorkeling destination reached from one — a small offshore rock formation within Hansen Bay on St. John's East End, known mainly to repeat visitors and local charter guides rather than casual beach-hoppers. The most common route is a roughly 15-minute swim out from Hansen Bay's own beach, either cutting straight across deeper water with less to see along the way, or following the shoreline for a longer swim that passes more fish and offers spots to rest partway. Experienced snorkelers who've done it more than once recommend circling the rock completely rather than turning back partway, since the far side holds reef structure the near side doesn't show. An alternate approach exists by driving to the end of Route 10 near a homeowners' association boundary and walking in, though that route crosses land the association controls even where public access is technically preserved. There are no facilities at Pelican Rock itself — it's purely a swim-to snorkeling spot, best treated as an add-on to a Hansen Bay beach day rather than a destination on its own.
What Island Hype can confirm
- Access
- boat
- Snorkeling
- excellent
- Family friendly
- Not marked family-friendly
Good fit if you want
- snorkeling as part of your beach day
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- a beach marked family-friendly
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Cinnamon Bay Beach
Better if you need a beach marked family-friendly
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