Hansen Bay Beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

Hansen Bay Beach Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 | St. John, Best Snorkeling Caribbean

As experienced snorkelers who have explored remote and stunning destinations like Rangiroa, the Maldives, Moorea, and Belize, my husband and I also appreciate a good balance between underwater adventure and a relaxing beach day.

Hansen Bay Beach was the perfect spot for that on St. John. It’s quiet, peaceful, and far less crowded than popular spots like Trunk Bay. We loved being able to unwind in beach chairs under the shade, then hop in the water for a bit of snorkeling whenever we felt like it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to Hansen Bay, the best areas to snorkel, and the types of marine life you might spot while exploring this hidden gem.

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Table of Contents

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St. John Snorkeling Rating System

My husband and I love to “snorkation,” discovering and rating snorkeling destinations (like Hansen Bay) to spotlight the ones that truly stand out.

Please see my personal rating key below.

OVERALL SNORKEL RATING KEY

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = World-class snorkeling and worth traveling just for the snorkeling alone!

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = Incredible snorkeling and should be on your list of top things to do!

🤿 🤿 🤿 = Decent snorkeling and worth the effort!

🤿 🤿 = Worth consideration if you are running out of things to do!

🤿 = Not worth it!

Wondering where to snorkel in St. John?

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best spots based on personal experience.

Snorkeling map of top St. John USVI Snorkeling Sites

Hansen Bay Beach Snorkeling

Hansen Bay beach

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Rating: 🤿 🤿 🤿

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How to Get There

This is yet another very accessible St. John USVI beach. It is located off East End Road just past Haulover Bay on the right.

Haulover Bay North is another fantastic snorkeling site!

There’s plenty of parking.

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Hansen Bay beach parking

Thalia, the owner of the land in front of the beach, very kindly maintains the beach through donations.

She also provides chairs, portable bathrooms, kayaks, and paddleboards.

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Snorkeling Map

Map of where to snorkel at Hansen Bay in St. John US Virgin Islands

There are so many great snorkeling sites in St. John, so I would strongly recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear!

We snorkeled to the left (as you face the water) across the small bay to the larger patch reef around Pelican Rock.

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Entry

Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry.

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St. John Fish Sightings

We saw several turtles in the seagrass beds. When we snorkeled to the left of Hansen Bay, there were plenty of tropical fish, coral outcroppings, and some larger Jacks.

Turtle and a remora fish at Hansen Bay in St. John US Virgin Islands

Final Thoughts

Hansen Bay Beach is a wonderful spot to escape the crowds you’ll often find on the North Shore beaches. It’s peaceful, laid-back, and has a welcoming local vibe.

The beach is run by a kind and friendly woman named Thalia, who offers chairs, paddleboards, and kayaks for visitors to borrow in exchange for a donation.

There are a few palm trees providing natural shade, and the calm, clear water makes it an ideal place for beginner snorkelers to explore at their own pace.

It’s the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy a quieter side of St. John.

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!