Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate to Expert
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Hull Bay is a quite exposed reef break on St. Thomas’s north shore, known for picking up northern swells and producing surf over a shallow reef. Conditions are described as sensitive to wind, and the beach is exposed, so you should expect a more demanding, reef-focused session when the swell is on. For surfing, the spot is most associated with northern swell direction (with northwest also noted) and is reported as producing decent walls on good northern swells, typically ending in a channel. Wave shape is described as mixed/peeling, and the wave power can be moderate to powerful depending on swell and conditions. Ride length is generally medium, with typical sessions giving runs in the tens to ~100 meters range when conditions are favorable. Hazards are a key part of the Hull Bay experience: rocks, shallow reef, and numerous sea urchins (plus sharp coral) are specifically highlighted. Reef shoes/reef boots are strongly recommended, and water shoes are practical even on calm sessions. Strong currents (including rip-current behavior during larger winter swells) can occur, so plan your entry/exit carefully and don’t assume the beach is safe just because it’s shallow. Seasonally, northern swell relevance is emphasized around the winter period, and October is also highlighted as a best month in one source. Facilities are limited, and the beach is described as strongly local—fishers anchor small boats there and dogs are present. Expect minimal rescue/lifeguard support and plan to travel from Charlotte Amalie by car/taxi for access.

  • Exposed north-shore reef break that works with northern swells.
  • Very local beach scene with limited facilities.
  • Sea urchins everywhere on the reef—reef shoes are essential.
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Highly exposed north-shore reef break with consistent northern swell windows.
  • Can produce quality waves with both lefts and rights.
  • Limited but present on-beach food/drink option; strong local scene.
Heads up
  • Reef hazards: rocks and sea urchins (reef shoes strongly recommended).
  • Wind trades can make conditions sensitive and less clean for surfing.
  • No lifeguards reported; rescue described as not available.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds; sensitive to trades for keeping waves clean.
Reliability
Low for surfing when winds are on-trade; prefer light or off conditions for cleanliness.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Provider notes gustiness; monthly blown/clean distribution also indicates variability.
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Significant wind shadow from high hills to the east and south.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — One source describes sand; another describes mixed beach composition with rocks/coral debris.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Wave size is reported as small to medium depending on conditions and swell.
Launch
Small — Shore access at the base of a steep valley; narrow beach at the end of the road with rocks/coral debris.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Reported as moderate due to reef/rocks and narrow access.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
24–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 0.5-2mm
Crowds by Season

Quiet on weekdays; can be crowded on weekends and during good swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season runs from June to November.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Quite exposed reef break on St. Thomas’s north shore that picks up northern swells and can produce both lefts and rights over a shallow reef.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed north-shore reef break with limited protection from prevailing swell/wind.
Wind Effect
Trade winds can make the spot sensitive; lighter or more favorable wind helps keep conditions cleaner.
Bigger Swell
Can hold larger swells but becomes heavy and develops strong currents.
Wave Quality
Good — Quality depends on the northern swell and wind cleanliness; sometimes rated average.
Wave Power
Powerful — Can be powerful on northern swells; becomes heavy with strong winds/trades and larger conditions.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Often mixed; can peel with a decent wall on northern swells.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling, moderate release on good swell.
Ride Length
Medium — Decent wall that typically ends in a channel.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Typically provides a medium ride with a decent wall on good northern swells, often ending in a channel.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) in the full forecast view.

Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–16 ktsGusts 20 kts
Direction
ESE119°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2616 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.6 m9s period
Temperature
28–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.8–1.6 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Sharp coral
  • Shallow reef
  • Rip currents
  • Submerged rocks
Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmetBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Charlotte Amalie.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Locals are active at the beach; culture is described as laid-back/local.

Rules of the spot

Be mindful of anchored fishing boats and dogs; respect the local community and follow standard surfing etiquette.

Local Tips
  • Beware sea urchins—reef shoes are highly recommended.
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Wear water shoes/reef boots due to rocks and urchins.
  • Expect dogs and small boats around the beach area.
  • Plan for a local vibe and limited facilities.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Charlotte Amalie
Nearest Town
Charlotte Amalie
Nearest Airport
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) / Charles E. Miller Airport (STT)
Parking
Limited parking along the road and in a small dirt area near the beach; parking may also be informal roadside near the launch.
Public Transport
Public bus service exists (VITRAN), but access to coastal launches is limited; taxis/safari taxis and rental cars are primary.
Access
20–30 minute drive north of Charlotte Amalie; accessible via Hull Bay Road (Route 37) with the beach at the end of the road.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Restaurant
Bar
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Local villas and vacation rentals in the Hull Bay and Northside area; extensive accommodation in Charlotte Amalie.
Food & Drink
A well-known local beach bar/restaurant is located right at the beach; limited to one on-site option.
Equipment Rental:
No dedicated surf rental shops on the beach; gear should be brought from town.
Gear Storage
Gear storage is not commonly available as a standalone service; often restricted to guests of specific beachfront resorts.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie)?

The best overall months at Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie)?

Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) works with S, SW winds.

What skill level is Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) suitable for?

Hull Bay (Charlotte Amalie) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.