ST JOHN, US Virgin Islands — Swimmers enjoy the warm tropical waters of Hawksnest Bay on St John in the US Virgin Islands. Hawksnest Bay is part of Virgin Islands National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The bay's clear turquoise waters and white sand beach make it a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Photograph by David Coleman. Hawksnest Bay is one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches on St John, the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands. Located on the north shore of St John, Hawksnest Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers approximately 60% of the island. The bay is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and lush surrounding vegetation, including coconut palms and sea grape trees. The beach at Hawksnest Bay stretches for about a quarter-mile, offering ample space for visitors to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery. The bay's calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling. Just offshore, a vibrant coral reef system teems with colorful fish and marine life, attracting snorkelers and underwater enthusiasts. Hawksnest Bay is easily accessible by car, with a parking area located near the beach. The bay's proximity to Cruz Bay, the main town on St John, makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Despite its popularity, the beach remains relatively uncrowded due to its protected status within the national park. The Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956, plays a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological diversity of St John. The park encompasses over 7,000 acres of land and 5,650 acres of adjacent submerged lands, protecting a rich variety of plant and animal species, as well as important cultural and historical sites.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Hawksnest Bay, St. John, St. John, Virgin Islands
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: &, .., america, bay, beach, beaches, beautiful, blue, caribbean, coast, coastal, coastline, ecology, ecosystem, environment, environmentalism, getaway, hawksnest, island, islands, john, land, national, nature, north, park, photo, photos, recreation, saint, sand, sandy, scenery, sea, seaside, snorkeling, sports, st, st., states, swimming, travel, tropical, united, usa, usvi, vacation, views, virgin, water, waterfront, white
