Hansen Bay Beach
A serene, donation-based beach on St. John's east end, famed for abundant wildlife and excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Hansen Bay Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, donation-based beach on St. John's east end, famed for abundant wildlife and excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
"This is my new happy place! Sitting under a palm tree looking out at crystal clear blue/aqua water while watching iguanas, chickens, goats, donkeys, birds, geckos, soldier crabs, and anoles."
Bring Cash for Donation
Support this beautiful private beach by donating cash for upkeep. :moneybag:
Pack Food & Drinks
There are no services, so bring everything you need and pack out your trash. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Marine Life
Shallow waters
Snorkel alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish in crystal-clear waters.
Critter Spotting on Shore
Beachfront
Watch iguanas, goats, donkeys, and various birds roam freely near the palm trees.
Peaceful Palm-Shaded Relaxation
Beachfront
Unwind under the shade of palm trees with provided chairs, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Donation-Based Entry & Wildlife Wonders
Pack Essentials & Embrace Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Currently on St. John USVI and need beach help
Bring Cash for Donation
Support this beautiful private beach by donating cash for upkeep. :moneybag:
Pack Food & Drinks
There are no services, so bring everything you need and pack out your trash. :sandwich:
1 empty day in 7 day itinerary for St. John. Any last minute ideas?
St John snorkel
Easy Snorkeling Spot
Calm waters make it ideal for beginners and families looking for wildlife. :mask:
Arrive Early for Shade
Chairs are available, but arrive before 9 AM for the best spots under palm trees. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Donation
Support this beautiful private beach by donating cash for upkeep. :moneybag:
Pack Food & Drinks
There are no services, so bring everything you need and pack out your trash. :sandwich:
Easy Snorkeling Spot
Calm waters make it ideal for beginners and families looking for wildlife. :mask:
Arrive Early for Shade
Chairs are available, but arrive before 9 AM for the best spots under palm trees. :sunwithface:
Friendly Owner & Wildlife
The owner is welcoming, and you'll likely see goats, donkeys, and iguanas. :goat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hansen Bay Beach is a highly recommended, serene local favorite known for its abundant wildlife both on land and in the sea. Visitors praise the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, the friendly owner, and the peaceful atmosphere. Some find the drive long compared to other beaches, but the unique experience and natural beauty are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"This is my new happy place! Sitting under a palm tree looking out at crystal clear blue/aqua water while watching iguanas, chickens, goats, donkeys, birds, geckos, soldier crabs, and anoles.
The beach is clearly an east end local favorite, and it's easy to see why. They have chairs and cabanas spread out for use.
The beach is donate to enter (no recommended amounts are posted, but it's easy to want to be a little more generous to keep this place amazing). Plenty of on site parking, there are some porta potties to use, and the Love City public WiFi reaches here as well!
The attendant is super friendly and knowledgeable, he told us about Thalia (the landowner) whose family has owned this beach since the 1700's! They'll point out great spots to snorkel and tell you about some of their more frequent visiting wildlife to be on the lookout for as well!
This is a place I will absolutely visit again, and would highly recommend everyone check out!"
Eric Brammer
"My wife had this beach on her list of places to go because of the promise of meeting local pet lovers. She did well when she found this happy place. Love this beach. Love the people. Love the critters. Love the remoteness. I give it over five stars, but only three on the review because I’m a little bit selfish and don’t want the algorithm to attract anyone who doesn’t take the time to read the details. There’s a lot of details to unpack about this part of the island.
Bring your own food and drink. (Pack them out too, no trash service… but if you made it this far you probably already understand that)
There is a porta potty and plenty of beach play for the day supplies on site. Bring a little cash to put in the kitty. They won’t hassle you if you don’t have a lot to spare.
It closes early, but then so does the rest of VI.. Since it also gets dark early you’re likely to be very ready to sleep after a day in this warm salty breeze.
Roads were tiny and steep, but much better condition than some more popular beaches."
Gerald Burnett
"We made the travel here. We were staying at Cruz bay so it’s a 40min drive. Honestly compared to all the other beaches I’d say it’s not worth the effort. Go to salt
Pond bay. 13minutes away. We try to hit two beaches a day and this one was just ok. But hey honestly they all are still great 👍"
Matt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hansen Bay Beach is located on the east end of St. John. The drive from Cruz Bay is about 40 minutes, with roads described as steep but in better condition than some other popular beaches.
Yes, there is plenty of on-site parking available at Hansen Bay Beach.
While it's a bit of a drive to the east end, the roads are generally well-maintained, making it relatively straightforward to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hansen Bay Beach is privately owned and operates on a donation basis. While no specific amount is posted, visitors are encouraged to contribute to help with beach upkeep.
The beach tends to close early, similar to other attractions in the US Virgin Islands, often around dusk.
While some reviews mention borrowing kayaks and paddleboards, it's best to bring your own snorkel gear or rent it elsewhere on the island, as rental availability isn't consistently mentioned.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hansen Bay Beach is renowned for its abundant wildlife. On land, expect to see iguanas, chickens, goats, donkeys, and various birds. In the water, it's a prime spot for snorkeling with sea turtles and stingrays.
Yes, there are porta-potties available on-site for visitor use.
Absolutely! Hansen Bay Beach is highly recommended for snorkeling due to its calm, clear waters and rich marine life, including sea turtles and stingrays.
The beach offers chairs and cabanas for visitors. The owner may also allow borrowing of kayaks and paddleboards.
Yes, the Love City public WiFi network reaches Hansen Bay Beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or drink services available at Hansen Bay Beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own provisions.
It's recommended to pack a cooler with your preferred beverages and snacks. Remember to pack out everything you bring in.
📸 📸 Photography
One visitor mentioned being allowed to fly their drone, but it's always best to confirm with the owner upon arrival.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting. The wildlife also provides excellent photo opportunities throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions. The donation-based entry is usually modest, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a welcoming spot for families looking for a relaxed beach day. The drive might be a bit long from Cruz Bay, but the unique wildlife and serene environment are often considered worth the trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
The lack of commercialization means you're paying for the natural beauty and experience, not for expensive amenities. It's a chance to enjoy a beautiful St. John beach without a hefty price tag, provided you come prepared with your own supplies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Hansen Bay Beach: A Local's Paradise
The beach is privately owned by Thalia, whose family has a deep historical connection to the land, owning it since the 1700s. This personal touch adds to the beach's charm, with the owner or attendant often on-site to share insights about the local fauna and the best spots for snorkeling. The donation-based entry system ensures that this pristine environment is maintained, encouraging visitors to contribute to its upkeep.
For those seeking a tranquil beach experience with opportunities for wildlife encounters, Hansen Bay Beach is a must-visit. It offers a genuine slice of St. John life, away from the hustle and bustle, making it a truly memorable destination for those who appreciate nature and a peaceful atmosphere.
Snorkeling and Wildlife Encounters at Hansen Bay
Beyond the marine life, the beach itself is a haven for terrestrial critters. It's common to see iguanas basking in the sun, goats and donkeys grazing nearby, and various birds flitting through the palm trees. This unique combination of accessible snorkeling and abundant land wildlife makes Hansen Bay a dynamic destination for nature lovers. The friendly attendant or owner can often point out specific areas where wildlife is frequently spotted, enhancing the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit