Tell me about Haulover snorkeling

[Sumerwaters]

I have been to STJ over a dozen times but have never been to Haulover. Where do I park? Beach rocky or sandy? urchins? Thanks

[cindygad]

We love Haulover Bay and was just here yesterday.

To get there it is 3 miles past Coral Moravian Church going east on east end road rout 10. You can park on the right or left side of road.

We tried again to to to north side which is located an easy path l00 yards north. It was to rough and the waves were crashing. We still don't know where to enter here.

you can do a rock scramble to northeastern side. We did this last year and there is a sandy beach to enter. Snorkel out to point lots of coral and fans and gorgonians. There is a small fringe of mangroves along the coast.

Haulover south is where we snorkel the most. It is almost always calm. Entry from sandy area. This year we liked the area to right better but both sides are good.There is a patch reef in the center that is good and slopes down about 30 feet.

[Chet]

Find the trail. Look for an opening in the bush on the north side and pull in as far as possible. Where the trail ends on the beach, look right for some trees to hang your gear. The beach is rocky. Enter the water and snorkle/drift left. Better than the right side IMHO.

[Muhaha]

Also, to help you know when you are there - just past Vie's you will come across a small parking area on the right along the water. I have noticed previously that there is a trailer full of kayaks off on the side of the road, may or may not be a permanent fixture.

North side is very good snorkeling when the waves are down. I enjoyed snorkeling to the left from the beach, very good coral there.

[parafins]

I love both of these beaches.Haulover North blows me away with it's coral reef.South is interesting too,with many Sea Cucumbers,Conch,and a three flipper turtle!

[briankeene]

There were alot of urchins at haulover north as we entered the water. Once we got in it was fine and the snorkeling was great!

[BillVT]

These are instructions on where to enter the water for Haulover North as safe entry can be a bit tricky. The best spot is slightly to the right as you exit the trail onto the beach which is coral rubble. Any entry to the left will put you right on top of some coral heads or urchins. As you enter the water keep your eye out for urchins and if you spot any move to your right.

While snorkeling at Haulover North is beautiful, to really enjoy it, pick a fairly calm day. HN is well exposed to the Trades and on a windy day can be quite rough which can limit your enjoyment. The reef here is very healthy and goes on for quite a ways. Consequently, keep in mind that you will need to swim back so check on occasion how far you've gone and gauge how much energy it will take to get back. The current here is not that strong but a short swim in the opposite direction will help you figure out how much it will take to get you back.

Have a safe snorkel and enjoy.

[EagleRayLover]

When we were there on October, the parking spots were blocked off so justed to give
Folks the heads up in case they were looking for them!

[Sumerwaters]

OK Thanks, I am hoping to see some big fish!