Hawksnest Bay

Hawksnest is the nearest of the north shore beaches to Cruz Bay, a curve of white sand backed by sea grape and coconut palms with patches of reef starting close to shore at both ends, which makes it an easy snorkel without a boat. Because it is first on the road it fills earlier than the beaches beyond. Picnic shelters and toilets sit behind the sand under the trees.

What you actually see

• The near-shore reef - coral patches within an easy swim at both ends.
• The white sand - the beach curve backed by sea grape and palms.
• The shelters - the picnic pavilions under the trees behind the sand.
• The short drive - the closest north shore beach to Cruz Bay.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and high season. Mornings are quietest. Winter north swell can churn the water and cut visibility.

Honest expectations

Parking is very limited and fills early in season. The reef here has declined and is not what it once was. North swell in winter makes snorkelling poor on some days.

Nearby

Trunk Bay is east, and Cruz Bay is west.