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Hurricane Hole, Great Camanoe Travel Guide

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Discover Hurricane Hole in St. John: a protected bay with calm waters, mangrove forests, and diverse marine life, perfect for kayaking and snorkeling.

Hurricane Hole, located within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is a protected bay known for its calm waters and dense mangrove forests. It offers a unique ecosystem with diverse marine life and serves as a natural harbor, providing shelter for boats during hurricanes.

A brief summary to Hurricane Hole

  • St John, VI
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hurricane Hole.

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs and marine life.
  • Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangrove tunnels and hidden waterways.
  • Snorkeling gear is a must to experience the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
  • Be mindful of the no-anchoring policy and utilize mooring buoys during your visit.

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Getting There

  • Ferry and Taxi

    To reach Hurricane Hole, start by taking a ferry from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John. Ferries depart from Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie, and Crown Bay. The Red Hook ferry is the most frequent, costing $8.15 per adult and taking approximately 20 minutes. From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available to transport you to the Coral Bay area, near Hurricane Hole. The taxi fare will vary depending on the number of passengers and your final destination, so confirm the price with the driver before departing. Alternatively, you can rent a car on St. Thomas and take a car barge from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. From Cruz Bay, follow Center Line Road (Route 10) east towards Coral Bay. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes. From Coral Bay, Hurricane Hole is accessible by boat. Ferry costs (one way): * Red Hook to Cruz Bay: $8.15 per adult * Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay: $13 per adult * Crown Bay to Cruz Bay: $20 per adult Taxi from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay: Approximately $15-$20 per person.

  • Car

    If you rent a car on St. John, follow Center Line Road (Route 10) east from Cruz Bay towards Coral Bay. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes. From Coral Bay, Hurricane Hole is accessible by boat. There is limited parking near the shore, so arrive early. Car rentals (typically SUVs or Jeeps) are available in Cruz Bay. Expect to pay around $75-$125 per day for a rental vehicle. Remember to drive on the left side of the road. Parking near Hurricane Hole is limited and free.

Discover more about Hurricane Hole

Hurricane Hole, nestled on the southeastern side of St. John, is a remarkable natural harbor within the Virgin Islands National Park. This protected area spans over 2,600 acres and is characterized by its intricate network of mangrove forests and calm waters. The bay's name derives from its historical use as a safe haven for ships seeking refuge from hurricanes and tropical storms.Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, Hurricane Hole boasts a unique geological landscape of underwater caves, reefs, and mangroves. The area is a haven for diverse marine life, including colorful fish, vibrant coral formations, and various other mesmerizing creatures. The Coral Reef National Monument, established in 2001, encompasses Hurricane Hole, further protecting its sensitive coral reefs.Today, Hurricane Hole is a popular destination for ecotourists and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore the tranquil waterways by kayak or paddleboard, gliding through mangrove tunnels and observing the abundant wildlife. Snorkeling offers a chance to witness the vibrant underwater world, with its schools of juvenile snappers, barracuda, starfish, and colorful sea anemones. While anchoring is generally forbidden to protect the ecosystem, mooring buoys are available for daytime use.
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