Excerpted
from St. John Beach Guidek ©
2006 Gerald Singer
Hawksnest Beach is a St. John locals' favorite and the preferred
beach for families with children. The reason for this is that
Hawksnest is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on St.
John, it is also the most convenient. It's the closest north
shore beach that you can drive to from Cruz Bay and the parking
lot is close to the beach, so there's no need for a long walk
carrying your beach accoutrements. In the late afternoon, many
native St. Johnians come to Hawksnest to "take a soak"
after work.
Starting from Mongoose Junction, go 1.8 miles east on route 20.
Park in the Hawksnest parking lot.
Hawksnest Beach provides ample parking, although on some weekend
afternoons, especially when a birthday party or a popular holiday
brings more people out, it may be somewhat tight.
There are pit toilets, but no running water, thus no showers,
sinks or flush toilets.
Between the parking area and the beach is a shady wooded area.
There are two pavilions (covered decks with tables) that are often
used for family parties, get-togethers and meetings. These are
available on a first come first serve basis after obtaining permission
from the National Park (776-6201). Uncovered picnic tables and
barbecue grills are also available.
Hawksnest faces east and is lit by morning sun, so if you enjoy
a refreshing swim in the early morning light, Hawksnest is an
ideal destination. Conversely, Hawksnest gets shade earlier in
the afternoon than other beaches, a plus to some, a minus to
others; it's your choice.
Little Hawksnest is a beautiful and almost forgotten stretch of
white sandy beach just to the west of Hawksnest Beach. If you
want to get away from the crowd to enjoy a little privacy and
serenity, Little Hawksnest is an easy two-minute rock scramble
to the west or left, if facing the sea.
European settlers named the bay, Högsnest. The Geographic
Dictionary of the Virgin Islands, written shortly after the United
States took control of the territory, explains that this name is
probably "compounded from the Danish Hög, meaning Hawk,
with Dutch or English Nest."
The term "hawk" either referred to the American kestrel,
the little hawk that inhabits the island, or to the hawksbill turtle,
which used to nest on the sandy shore.
It is best to snorkel Hawksnest on days when the bay is calm and
there are no north swells to churn up the water and diminish visibility.
The reef that begins just a few yards off the center of the beach
is the most popular snorkel at Hawksnest. Snorkel around the perimeter
or over the top of the reef where there is sufficient depth. Here
you will find many large and healthy examples of the elegant orange
elkhorn coral that looks more like a small tree than the colony
of animals it actually is.
Hawksnest Bay is home to an abundance of fish and sea creatures,
which seem content to observe you observe them. Have fun!
To the right facing the water, there is a formation of black rocks
that separates Hawksnest Beach from Gibney Beach. Snorkeling
around these rocks is an excellent way for beginning snorkelers
to practice and gain confidence in a safe, shallow and non-threatening
environment while still being able to observe colorful fish,
corals and sea creatures. Look for schools of small fish such
as grunt, fry and goatfish. Watch the parrotfish grazing the
algae and the spunky damselfish defend its territory against
all intruders regardless of size.
Little Hawksnest is a beautiful almost-forgotten stretch of white
sandy beach just to the west of Hawksnest Beach. If you want to
get away from the crowd and enjoy a little privacy and serenity,
Little Hawksnest is just a two-minute rock scramble to the west,
or left if facing the sea.
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