Anchorage

Hawksnest Bay

3.6U.S. Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands

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Shelter: NW, NE, W, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Forbidden

Bay on the north shore of St. John between Caneel Bay and Trunk Bay, within Virgin Islands National Park.

Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Navily marks it as sheltered from every sector except due north, which leaves it open to the winter swell. Sand and rock bottom. Anchoring is prohibited: in Virgin Islands National Park it is only allowed in the two designated anchorages, offshore Francis Bay and off Lind Point.

Practical

13 NPS moorings, white with blue stripes, for boats up to 60 feet, about 18 metres. Overnight use from 5 pm to 7 am costs USD 26 a night, paid before the night at a fee station or through Recreation.gov, with no more than 7 consecutive nights in one bay and 30 nights a year. Keep out of the buoyed swim area off the beach.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 18.34894, -64.78083 (18°20.94'N 64°46.85'W)
Country: U.S. Virgin Islands
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north-east, west, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Forbidden
Maximum length: 59 ft
Fees: Paid
Services: Mooring buoys, Visitor buoys, Beach
Boaters' rating: 3.6/5
Updated: October 14, 2026