Hull Bay Beach

Everything You Need to Know About Hull Bay Beach Before You Go

In the first part of this article about Hull Bay Beach, we cover location, general beach vibe, trees and shade, shoreline, sand, swimming conditions and the view. The second part covers frequently asked questions about Hull Bay Beach including snorkeling, amenities, bars & restaurants, getting there, parking, admission, crowd factor, surfing, and more. Come on, let’s head to Hull Bay!

About Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas

Hull Bay is located on the northside of the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. It’s one of the few easily accessible beaches that is frequented more by residents than by visitors. If you ask an islander “What beach do locals go to in St. Thomas?”, Hull Bay Beach will be one of the answers. It is a locals’ beach, and many hold it dear to their hearts. For visitors that make their way to this off-the-beaten-tourist-path beach, they often rate it as a hidden gem.

Hull Bay is a fine choice for a laid back, crowd-free beach day. The beauty of the beach is in its tranquil, natural feel. For decades the only commercial activities nearby were those across the road from the beach. They included a bar & restaurant called Hull Bay Hideaway, a couple of rental cottages, a dive and snorkel shop, and Ed’s Barbershop. Hull Bay has never been a touristy area. Fishing traditions and family gatherings set the vibe of the beach. Games of horseshoes, darts, and dominos, plus good company, and occasional live music inspired the ambiance at the bar and restaurant. In recent years some things have changed, and some have stayed the same.

Across from Hull Bay Beach today, you’ll find the Hideaway at Hull Bay. It's a luxe vacation beachfront estate with two villas and eight cottages. The concept is modern amenities meets barefoot luxury. There is still a dive shop at Hull Bay. And there are currently two dining options, the Shack at The Hideaway, and Nomad Bar & Grille. The Hull Bay restaurants are discussed a bit later, let’s get back to describing the beach!

The tree line at Hull Bay Beach includes seaside mahoe, sea grape trees, Tabebuia rosea trees, genip trees, and coconut palm trees. They separate the beach from the road access, parking, the vacation rentals, and the restaurants. In addition to creating a natural separation, the trees also offer plenty of shade for beach goers.

Hull Bay is a small, white sand beach with water that is typically clear and calm. Near the waterline there are pebbles and small rocks mixed in with the sand. In the water, the seafloor is mostly sandstone, rocks and coral. The pebbles and rocks present obstacles for entering the water and for wading. There are however sandy spots that offer easier entry into the water, or you can bring beach shoes. Once in the water it is possible to swim and snorkel. Bring a mask or swim goggles to see your way around the rocks and coral.

Hull Bay Beach has a dozen or so small fishing boats, 14-24 feet long, moored in the bay. The boats add to the scenery, creating a picturesque quality that is photo worthy. There is also a boat ramp on the beach, and its normal to see fishers coming and going from the boat ramp and fishing boats.

The view at Hull Bay Beach includes the beautiful shoreline, boats, Tropaco Point to the right, a variety of residences on both sides of the bay, and on the horizon are two small islands called Inner Brass and Outer Brass. There are seabirds to look out for at Hull Bay, including pelicans. Finally, for a beautiful sunset view, Hull Bay Beach is a great choice!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas

How do I get to Hull Bay Beach on St. Thomas?

You can take a taxi to Hull Bay. You will however need to arrange a return taxi ahead of time or get the taxi’s phone number so you can call them when you are ready to be picked up. There is no taxi stand at Hull Bay Beach, and taxis are not readily available there. Read about St. Thomas Taxis Service & Rates

If you have a rental car, you can drive to Hull Bay Beach on your own. Hull Bay is on the northside of St. Thomas, which is largely residential. The northside of the island is mountainous. The roads are narrow and windy.

Tip: In Google Maps search for the terms "Hull Bay Beach", "The Hideaway at Hull Bay" or "Nomad at Hull Bay" to get directions. Do not search for "Hull Bay" by itself, as Google Map has that term pinned incorrectly. Read about Renting a Car in St. Thomas

Is there parking at Hull Bay Beach?

A dirt/sand lot on the left side of Hull Bay’s access road serves as the main parking area. Additional parking is available on the right side, behind the tree line of the beach, and along the road.

Is there good snorkeling at Hull Bay Beach?

Hull Bay Beach has good snorkeling. You can swim along the coastline on the right side and around the shallow nearshore rocky ledges and look for sea critters and small fish darting in and out. In deeper waters you might see squid, turtles, and bigger fish among the coral. The difficulty level of snorkeling at Hull Bay is moderate. Having some snorkeling experience is recommended and good swimming skills too. Novice snorkelers should be accompanied by a more experienced swimmer/snorkeler. Read about the Top Snorkeling Beaches on St. Thomas

Are there any water sports rentals at Hull Bay Beach?

There is a dive shop near the beach at Hull Bay, called St. Thomas Scuba and Snorkel Adventures. They rent snorkel gear, surfboards, and paddleboards. They offer various excursions including guided snorkeling tours at Hull Bay, and a night snorkeling trip. The dive shop is not easily visible from the beach, so look out for their signs or ask inside the Shack at the Hideaway restaurant for directions. Reservations for renting gear and for the snorkeling trips are recommended.

Are there chair rentals and umbrellas at Hull Bay Beach?

There are no beach chair rentals or umbrella rentals at Hull Bay Beach.

Are there restaurants at Hull Bay Beach? Can I get lunch at Hull Bay? Dinner?

There are two bars/restaurants at Hull Bay Beach. They are the Shack at the Hideaway, and Nomad Bar & Grille.

The Shack at the Hideaway offers lunch and dinner in a courtyard with palm trees and sand floor. Beach inspired décor, including swings at the bar provide a fresh, fun atmosphere. The Shack’s menu includes cocktails, a variety of tacos (which is what they are known for), sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30am until 8pm.

Nomad Bar & Grille is a beach bar at Hull Bay offering dining under the stars, plus throwbacks to former Hull Bay Hideaway traditions – games of dominos and occasional live music. The menu includes Mediterranean platter, wings, shrimp skewers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, hot dogs, and specials on Friday evenings. Open 7 days a week, 11am until 8pm.

Are there restrooms at Hull Bay Beach?

There are no public restrooms at Hull Bay Beach. Restrooms are however available at the two nearby restaurants when they are open (see hours above). The restrooms are for restaurant & bar customers.

Is Hull Bay on St. Thomas a good beach for young children?

Hull Bay Beach is not the ideal beach for young children due to the rocky seafloor, and the small rocks along the shore. There are beaches on St. Thomas with sandy shorelines and sandy seafloors, which are better for youngsters. Older children should be ok on Hull Bay, though they too might prefer a sandier beach. Read About St. Thomas Beaches

Is there surfing at Hull Bay, St. Thomas?

Hull Bay is one of the few surf beaches on St. Thomas. The waves pick up during the months of November to March. When the waves are up, the local St. Thomas surfers move in for the action. The waves/surfers are on the left side of the bay, in an area where Hull Bay meets another small cove. It is fun to sit on the shoreline of Hull Bay Beach and watch the surfers in the distance. Read about Surfing in the Virgin Islands

Are there crowds at Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas?

Hull Bay Beach is very rarely crowded. On most weekdays the beach is quiet with a hand full of people at the most. It tends to pick up a little in the afternoon when residents come by to relax after work, catch up with friends, play dominos, and have dinner or a cocktail while the sun sets. Hull Bay sees more beachgoers on weekends, but even then, it’s not a lot of people. There are a few annual events that are held at Hull Bay Beach which draw a crowd, and occasionally there are parties.

What is Hull Bay Beach known for?

Hull Bay Beach on the island of St. Thomas is known for being a local’s beach, quiet and laid-back, for its strong ties to the fishing traditions of the islands’ French community, for its beach bars, for surfing, for guided night snorkeling tours, and for viewing sunsets.

Is there a fee to get into Hull Bay Beach?

There is no admission fee to access Hull Bay Beach.

What is the story behind the small fishing boats at Hull Bay Beach? Where can I learn more about the French community on St. Thomas?

The Northside of St. Thomas, where Hull Bay is located, is home to a community of French people. They have ties to the French Caribbean Island of St. Barthelemy, and ancestral sea faring and fishing traditions. The original immigrants came to St. Thomas in the 1800s through the early 1900s. Hull Bay Beach became part of the community's fishing and recreational traditions. Fishing has passed down through generations as a way of life, and the connection to Hull Bay continues today. At Hull Bay Beach its common to see fishers during the early morning coming back from fishing and working on their boats. Read About St. Thomas’ French Community

Tip: Annually a fishing tournament is held at Hull Bay Beach, the Bastille Day Fishing Tournament. It celebrates French Caribbean heritage and fishing traditions. The all-day event includes fishing, food, music, dancing, entertainment, and an awards ceremony. It is open to the public. Read About the Bastille Day Fishing Tournament

Help Keep Hull Bay Beach Clean - Pack In, Pack Out

Trash cans are limited to non-existent at Hull Bay Beach on St. Thomas. The area is kept clean by beach goers packing out any items they bring with them. Neighborhood groups, primarily the Northside Sport Fishing Club, regularly host community beach cleanups at Hull Bay.