Francis Bay

Francis Bay is one of the longest beaches on St John's north shore, inside the national park, with calm shallow water, sea grape along the back and a salt pond behind it reached by a short boardwalk trail. The pond draws herons, stilts and ducks and is the best birding on the island. Turtles feed on the grass beds in the bay and are seen often from the water.

What you actually see

• The long calm beach - shallow sheltered water along the north shore.
• The salt pond boardwalk - the short trail to the island's best birding.
• The turtles - green turtles feeding on the grass beds in the bay.
• The park setting - protected land with nothing built behind the sand.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and high season. The salt pond is fullest after summer rain. Mornings are quietest before the day boats arrive.

Honest expectations

Facilities are limited to toilets and there is no food or shade beyond the trees. Day charter boats anchor off and the bay gets busy by midday. Mosquitoes at the pond are severe.

Nearby

Maho Bay is west, and Annaberg is east.