Hawksnest Beach

Shallow coral reefs, abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling.

Shore Access
2m Avg Depth
5m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site is Hawksnest Beach, located on St. John’s north shore in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It offers easily accessible shallow coral reefs just off the popular beaches of Hawksnest, Little Hawksnest, and Gibney. With a maximum depth of 5 meters and an average of 2 meters, it's an ideal location for entry-level divers and snorkelers to explore vibrant marine ecosystems close to shore.

Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a variety of colorful reef fish, including grunt, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Stingrays are commonly seen gliding across the sandy bottoms, and lucky visitors might also spot occasional sea turtles gracefully navigating the coral gardens. The shallow coral reefs themselves provide a beautiful habitat for diverse marine life.

The best time to visit Hawksnest Beach for diving and snorkeling is generally year-round, as the Caribbean offers consistent warm waters and mild conditions. Its shallow nature makes it particularly appealing for beginner divers, families, and snorkelers seeking a relaxed and visually rewarding underwater experience. Always be mindful of boat traffic due to its popularity.

DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Plan Your Visit

coral reefbeginner friendlysnorkelingturtlestingrayshallow divebeach access

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Beginner

Extremely shallow depths and calm conditions make it ideal for new divers, snorkelers, and families.

Hazards:
boat trafficsharp rock
Current Strength:

Mild

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