Hawksnest Bay Beach - Epic Day Snorkeling with Turtles, Stingrays, Starfish, and Conch/Crabs

Welcome to the Beach (0:22)
One Minute of Beach POV (2:25)
Conch Shell w/ Hermit Crab (3:44)
Turtle (4:15)
Stingray (6:04)
Star Fish (6:28)
Reef & Fish (6:39)
Oppenheimer Beach (9:15)
Hawksnest Bay Beach. WoW! What a beautiful day. Such a spectacular beach on the north side of St John in the US Virgin Islands. This trip was special as I was able to bring my mother her to witness the beauty of this Island. 90% of St John is a US National Park. I struggle sometimes putting the protection of public lands in the hands of the Federal Government but in this case I am grateful that these beaches will not be developed by private companies.
The shore break at Hawksnest Bay Beach is a strong so be aware of your surroundings. The reef has waves crashing right on top of it so be careful not to get dragged over the coral. I decided to take a swim over Oppenheimer beach named after the nuclear physicist J.Robert Oppenheimer. I lived here on St John in the US Virgin Islands. I really enjoyed the serenity and privacy of the area. You can rent private bungalows for $5k/week and relax in your own private abode with banana trees and tropical plants growing all around you.
The highlight of my snorkel session at Hawksnest Bay was my turtle encounter with a sea turtle I found sleeping under a ledge. He got a bit spooked and swam up for air and I followed him for a bit. I was surreal to swim with this beautiful sea creature. They glide so effortlessly through the water and seem so friendly.
#hawksnestbay #usvi #virginislands #usvirginislands #beach

[@thelava_co]

Who's been to Hawksnest Bay? Did you snorkel? Bodysurf? What did I miss?

[@sstosich]

Looks heavenly!

[@thelava_co]

It was unreal!

[@santa55monica]

my favorite beach in St John, along with Trunk Bay which is not free

[@thelava_co]

So beautiful - I think the beaches of Saint John are totally underrated. Every one goes to Hawaii but St John is amazing!