Haulover Bay North
A hidden gem for snorkelers, Haulover Bay North offers vibrant coral and diverse marine life via a scenic forest trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Haulover Bay North
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem for snorkelers, Haulover Bay North offers vibrant coral and diverse marine life via a scenic forest trail.
"The best place I've seen for snorkeling on St John. Amazing coral and diverse fish. "
🤿 Snorkel Left Side
Focus your snorkeling efforts on the far left side of the bay for the most impressive coral and marine life.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and potential sea urchins make water shoes essential for comfort and safety.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Snorkeling
Far left side of the bay
Discover vibrant coral gardens and diverse fish species. The best action is along the point on the left.
Scenic Forest Trail
Trailhead to the beach
A short, engaging walk through the forest, often with hermit crabs to spot.
Rocky Coral-Littered Beach
Haulover Bay North shoreline
A unique beach experience with interesting coral formations washed ashore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Snorkeling Success: Timing is Key
Trail Access & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Currently on St. John USVI and need beach help
We have three more opportunities to hit some beaches. Of the list below, what 3 would you choose? (We want to snorkel and lay on the beach, prefer quieter crowd with no rentals or vendors): Dennis Bay Brown Bay Trunk Bay Salt Pond Beach Watermelon Cay Thank you in advance!!…
🤿 Snorkel Left Side
Focus your snorkeling efforts on the far left side of the bay for the most impressive coral and marine life.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and potential sea urchins make water shoes essential for comfort and safety.
St. John Snorkeling Trip February 2026
I have just started to research our trip to St. John for February 2026. I love doing trip research and planning, but I have never been to St. John (true story - I lived in St. Croix until I was 2 y.o., but I've never been back). We love to snorkel, walk on the beach and hike.…
Need Advice!! First time to St John’s
Hi everyone! Appreciate your time on this. First time to St John in USVI and we are leaving in 2 weeks & staying at the Wharfside village hotel in Cruz Bay. We are in our 50’s and need to relax more than anything. Questions I have 1) do I HAVE to rent the jeep ahead…
☀️ Check the Weather
Calm seas are crucial for a good snorkeling experience; avoid visiting on rough days.
🦀 Trail Wildlife
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs and other small creatures along the forest trail.
St John Honeymoon - Any Tips?
My fiance and I will be honeymooning in St. John for about a week and a half this July, and I could not be more excited. I have been obsessively browsing Youtube, Reddit, etc. for months now reading about STJ and all it has to offer. I've also read through Off The Beaten Track…
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Snorkel Left Side
Focus your snorkeling efforts on the far left side of the bay for the most impressive coral and marine life.
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Rocky terrain and potential sea urchins make water shoes essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Check the Weather
Calm seas are crucial for a good snorkeling experience; avoid visiting on rough days.
🦀 Trail Wildlife
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs and other small creatures along the forest trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haulover Bay North is highly praised for its exceptional snorkeling, boasting vibrant coral and diverse marine life, particularly on the left side. Visitors appreciate the scenic forest trail leading to the rocky beach. However, some note the presence of seaweed and a strong smell, and recommend water shoes due to sea urchins and the rocky terrain.
"The best place I've seen for snorkeling on St John. Amazing coral and diverse fish. If you're into snorkeling come here! Snorkel on the left side of the beach. There is a short trail to access the beach."
Chris Hebert
"Nice lil walk over to a rocky beach with very good snorkeling in the bay."
c “cfl” lane
"220 steps thru the forest gets you to North Haulover Bay. An easy walk. The beach is rocks. But the snorkelling to the far left has incredibly beautiful fans and coral. Make sure it is a calm day. No waves. Or else it will be miserable. But on a calm, sunny day you will be amazed and well satisfied. I promise. Go all the way down to the point on the left, 300 yards of great fans and coral."
tom walrath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haulover Bay North is accessed via a short trail, sometimes noted as having around 220 steps, leading from a parking area. The trail is generally considered an easy walk through a forested area.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the trailhead for Haulover Bay North. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
The walk is a scenic forest trail. Some visitors mention seeing hermit crabs along the way. Be prepared for steps, but it's generally a manageable walk for most.
While not strictly mandatory if you're staying nearby, having a rental car, like a Jeep, is highly recommended for exploring St. John and reaching various trailheads and bays, including Haulover Bay North.
The trail involves steps and a rocky beach, so it may not be ideal for those with significant mobility issues. However, many find the walk manageable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Haulover Bay North is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, which generally does not have specific entry fees for individual beaches or bays. However, there might be park entrance fees if you plan to visit other areas within the National Park.
As a natural bay within the national park, Haulover Bay North is accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety and enjoyment.
No, tickets are not required for Haulover Bay North. It's a natural beach accessible to the public.
Typically, natural bays like Haulover Bay North do not have extensive facilities such as restrooms or changing rooms. It's advisable to come prepared with everything you need.
While technically accessible, visiting natural bays at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The snorkeling is considered excellent, especially on the far left side of the bay, where you can find beautiful fans and coral formations. Aim for calm, sunny days for the best visibility.
Expect to see a diverse array of fish and vibrant coral. The bay is known for its healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top spot for snorkelers.
The beach at Haulover Bay North is primarily rocky, with coral fragments scattered along the shore. It's not a typical soft sand beach.
Sturdy footwear like water shoes or hiking sandals are highly recommended due to the rocky beach and potential for sea urchins. Bring your snorkeling gear and sun protection.
Be cautious of small sea urchins on the rocky beach and in the water. Also, ensure the sea is calm before snorkeling, as rough conditions can be unpleasant. Some visitors have noted a strong smell from seaweed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit