Welcome to your Mandatory Beach Break! For today’s mini-vacation, we’re going to Francis Bay, an immaculate beach in St. John, USVI. But Ssshhhhh… it’s a secret…
With so many other beaches to choose from, you may wonder, “Why would I choose Francis Bay?”
Picture it for a moment: The hot sun gently caressing your face. Warm, white sand surrounds you. All you hear is the soft waves of a calm ocean. You see, Francis Bay isn’t nearly as crowded as some of the other family-friendly beaches on St. John. If you want a more relaxed environment to enjoy yourself—or with your spouse, kids, and grandkids—Francis Bay is the place for you.
Even better: You won’t have to compete with others for space. When we speak with people about Francis Bay, one word typically comes to mind: Unspoiled. The water is crystal clear, and the lack of a crowded beach means you’re closer to nature than many other places on the island.
Low tide or high tide? It doesn’t matter. Francis Bay is one of the wider beaches on the island, leaving you and your loved ones with the opportunity to relax without feeling compressed like sardines in a tin! However, don’t confuse a wide beach with one unprotected from the sun, as Francis Bay offers plenty of trees and shade for those looking to avoid getting too much sun.
If you’re looking for the quintessential beach vacation, you’re in luck. Each side of Francis Bay offers excellent snorkeling. The bay’s east side is known for its diversity of fauna and fish, while the west side has an array of soft and hard corals. Either way, you’ll be in for a wonderful experience and a chance to enjoy something you can’t find anywhere else. Francis Bay visitors typically report seeing a vast ecosystem that includes fish, turtles, stingrays, urchins, and much more.
Want to see more wildlife? You’re in luck: Deer, iguanas, pelicans, donkeys, and other animals often walk the beach, but don’t worry. They’ll leave you alone if you do the same. The wildlife provides a nice reminder of how connected we all are and what you can witness in a natural environment.
It’s worth noting that the views on Francis Bay are absolutely stunning. In addition to the beautiful, crystal clear ocean, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the green, perfectly picturesque rolling hills. These views will set your mind at ease and truly enhance your vacation.
Plus, Francis Bay offers various ways to explore, relax, and enjoy. You can bring your beach chair and sit for hours. Alternatively, if you’re up for spending a few extra dollars and want a unique opportunity, you can rent a local yacht and sail around the bay, enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly appreciate St. John in luxury. Many of these yachts offer space for up to 12 people, meaning you, your friends, and your extended family can all enjoy this special moment.
Fortunately, you don’t have to bring everything. There are many restaurants and bars within a mile of the beach. This includes the Paddle-In Tiki Bar, Colombo’s Smoothies, and the Lime Out. Not only will these establishments give you a chance to grab a cool, refreshing drink, but they will also allow you to take in the local flavor.
Francis Bay offers a wonderful, relaxing, and deeply authentic US Virgin Island getaway. If you want beautiful beaches, calm water, and great snorkeling, this is the spot for you.
This sounds wonderful! We don’t rent a car. Do you think taxis are available, both coming and going from Cinnamon Bay Campground to Francis?
I agree with you concerning Francis Bay. We visit St. Johns every year for. 2 weeks. Francis Bay is the first beach we visit, never overly crowded.
We also visit 2 weeks annually (first half of Dec.) and Francis is always our first and last beach!!!! Great minds…..
It’s a pleasure to see these beautiful beaches that I just left after three weeks in July and August however I missed Hawksnest from last week If at all possible would you send it to me again sincerely Donna M Breck
Beautiful, yes. Uncrowded, yes. Lots of fish and fauna, yes.
Downside, we found it to be terribly buggy, more so than all of the other beaches put together. Just behind the beach on the right side lies a salt pond which is likely the source of the insects. They weren’t an issue while in the water, obviously, but sunbathing was not possible.
We go to St John every year in January and I totally agree with you, Jim. It’s a very pretty beach, but the bugs are terrible. And they will eat you alive!
Where is Francis Bay? How do you get there?
Francis is our family’s favorite beach. We love it for all the same reasons you have listed. It is even where my youngest son proposed to his wife.
Now please shhhhhh…… stop telling everyone, it is a secret place. 🙂
Chuck: Head out route 20 toward Annaberg and take a left instead of a right when you approach Mary Point.
“But Ssshhhhh… it’s a secret…”??????
Now everyone knows who not to trust with a secret!