Pick the North Shore beach that fits your access, water, and return plan

North Shore St. John beaches

Pick the North Shore beach that fits your access, water, and return plan

North Shore beaches are close enough to feel like one route but different enough to require a real choice. Maho, Trunk, Cinnamon, Hawksnest, and the smaller bays vary in parking, trail length, shade, snorkeling, facilities, and how quickly you can get back to Cruz Bay. The best beach depends on the group and the day, not a universal ranking.

Choose a primary stop and treat a second beach as optional. If the group is carrying gear, using taxis, or fitting the coast between ferry times, access and return certainty should outrank squeezing in another name.

Before you decide

• Choose the main beach before leaving Cruz Bay.
• Check parking, taxi pickup, shade, and water conditions.
• Leave room for the return to town or the ferry.