Mermaids chair is a beautifully private tiny bay. Calling it a beach would be an overstatement, but depending on swell and tide level there can be a tiny pocket of sand just big enough for a towel.

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In the middle of the bay there is a rock that looks like a chair for a mermaid. Aside from that, the water has an amazing color and the rocky backdrop looks spectacular.

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The views from there are spectacular and there also is good snorkeling to both sides of it. Since it can only be accessed by boat there is a good chance you might have this tiny little gem of a beach to yourself.

How to get to Mermaid’s chair

Mermaids chair is in the Eastern side of Hawksnest Bay, after Oppenheimer and before Dennis.

in order from expensive to cheap

  • by private charter. Book a half day trip or full day trip St. John with one of the powerboats like www.rockhoppin.com or ask the captain to stop there on the way back from Jost. Price starting at 400$ for half day trip
  • by dinghy. Rent a dinghy from Noah’s little archs and be your own captain to get out there (note there is not enough room on beach for dinghy but there are mooring balls not too far away. Price: starting at 150$
  • by paddleboard or kayak. Rent a paddleboard with sup-stjohn.com, take it to Hawksnest and from there paddle towards Gibney / Oppenheimer where you can also stop at the tire swing and then towards Mermaid’s chair. It will take about 15minutes to get there. Read all about it here. Price: starting at 65$ for one paddleboard for the day
  • swim. it is a few hundred yards from Oppenheimer Beach and a little more from Hawksnest but you can take a break at Oppenheimer or Gibney.

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Be safe!

Always check weather, wind and ocean conditions before paddling or swimming out there. Depending on your fitness and experience do not want to go there if there is over 20-25knots of wind and a big swell. In a big swell, waves crashing against the rocks can make it dangerous.

You can for example check the wind and waves here

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