Hull Bay

Hull Bay sits on the north shore of St Thomas with fishing boats pulled up at one end and a beach bar at the other, and it is the island's surf beach: when the winter groundswell runs down from the north Atlantic this is where it breaks. The sand is grey-brown rather than white and the shade comes from sea grape and almond. Cruise passengers do not come here, which is the point.

What you actually see

• The winter swell - the north Atlantic groundswell that makes this the surf beach.
• The fishing boats - working craft pulled up at the western end.
• The beach bar - the long-running local spot behind the sand.
• The local crowd - a beach used by residents rather than ships.

When to go

December to April brings the north swell for surfing. Summer is flat and calm for swimming. Weekends bring local families.

Honest expectations

The sand is coarse and grey rather than the postcard white of the south shore. When the swell is up the current is dangerous for swimming. The road over the ridge is steep and narrow.

Nearby

Magens Bay is east, and Charlotte Amalie is south.