Hawksnest gets the shade earlier than other beaches. Also if you walk out on Cinnamon and head towards little Cinnamon, almost at the end of the beach, you will see a little cement wall. That spot has shade all day long. We were lucky to get that spot everyday we were there last week.

Rod

That's the only one that offers ample shade? I've never seen any beach umberellas in any of the beach pics, is there a reason?

tterryj50-

Consider that most beachgoers are visitors to STJ. Most villas don't provide umbrellas and hotels don't either...and nobody rents umbrellas on the beach...hence, you won't see many/any umbrellas.
I've found share at every STJ beach I've visited. I think Rod's post was hightlighting examples of shade beyond the typical seagrape tree kind of stuff. If the spots aren't already taken, you'll find shade on most beaches.

As Bluwater mentioned, all beaches have some shade. If you go to Trunk early or late, you avoid the 'Cruise Crush'. Even if you have a spot picked out before they arrive, unfortunatly some tourists tend to ignore social space and plop down next to or on top of your sight. You do not tend to have that problem at other beaches.

To be honest, the beaches would not be as attractive if there were umbrellas sticking up all over the place. The lack of them sets STJ beaches apart.

Most of St John (and the beaches, too!) are in the national park. Umbrellas aren't really part of the park program. There is something for everyone in the VI. If you want umbrellas and lounge chairs, drink service on the beach, there are plenty of other spots! 🙂

My wife is not as big of a fan of the sun as I am. She always finds shade at Maho and the end of Trunk (head to the right as you get to the bed). You also can get plenty of shade at the end of Cinnamin.

Thanks guys