Denis Bay
Denis Bay beach’s off-the-beaten-path location means you’ll likely have the beach to yourself.
Getting there:
Head out of Cruz Bay on North Shore Road. Travel about 1.5 mi and you’ll see, to your left, a small parking area for the Peace Hill Trail ( a wonderful short hike with stunning views and ruins). Not far up the trail is a narrow path to your right – which leads down to the western end of Denis Bay Beach.
Denis Bay Beach
NOTE: Although you’re in the Virgin Islands National Park – there are some pockets of leased private property. The property behind Denis Bay Beach is private – above the high water line. Please respect the owners property and privacy.
The beach is wonderful white sand with easy access at the center of the beach and moderate surf. Certainly a great place to spend a day on St John if you’re looking for the peace and privacy that this location offers.
Peace Hill: A short hike ( perhaps 100 > 125 yards ) up the trail from the parking area is Peace Hill. At the top of the grassy knoll is a wonderful early plantation windmill ruin. Peace Hill looks over Hawksnest Bay to the West and Denis Bay and Trunk Bay to the East. The views are worth the walk … so don’t miss this one!
Snorkeling is good along the left and right side of the beach with rocky coral outcroppings to explore.
Depending on weather conditions – beware of the current if you swim/snorkel off this beach. Unlike many other beaches, Denis is unprotected and often subject to moderate to large northern swells!
