Central Caribbean Beaches: Maho Bay

Maho Bay

 
 
 

Travelers will discover Maho Bay on the northwestern coast of the Virgin Islands. A bit more secluded than the other two U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is almost entirely part of a U.S. National Park, and is great area for camping and other nature-oriented pursuits.

If you love the idea of getting away from it all at a secluded beach, you should check out Maho Bay.

Maho Bay Beach, off of Northshore Rd. on St. John, is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Popular with travelers, the view from here is stunning - filled with fantastic tropical foilage, panoramic island vistas, and the nearby Maho Bay Camps and their colorful hillside tents.

This isn't just another pretty beach, it is one of the most unique stretches of sand in the Virgin Islands. While Maho Bay might be a little farther away, it provides some unmatched relaxation opportunities

With so many beaches to choose from, Maho Bay is just one option in the Virgin Islands that appeals to many travelers, like social or active vacationers. The views and people make it a great middle ground that young and old alike appreciate.

For travelers who want to avoid renting a car or longer trips in general, it might be agreed that Maho Bay is a great spot in the Virgin Islands.

One of the most important parts of a beach can be location, and a sunny spot on the beach can be extremely important. There are many beaches in the Virgin Islands, and Maho Bay is just one of them. Therefore, whether you're looking for a secluded spot or a bustling beachfront you can find it, but you'll have to decide if this one is best for you.

When comparing beaches, location is key. The Caribbean is known for its many beaches, so you have other options, in addition to Maho Bay. Using the information that follows, you can easily determine if this one is the perfect fit.

Food

If you start feeling hungry while on the beach, not to worry, you'll have plenty of fine dining choices without having to go too far.

Some dining options are provided in the following table.

Restaurants Near Maho Bay
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
Le Chateau Bordeaux French lunch & dinner 0.9 mi. SE
Serafina Seaside Bistro International dinner 2.2 mi. E
Skinny Legs Bar and Restaurant American lunch & dinner 2.2 mi. E
Shipwreck Landing Seafood lunch & dinner 2.6 mi. N.A.
Paradiso American dinner 3.6 mi. SW
Global Village Cuisine at Lattitude 18 American breakfast, lunch, dinner 3.6 mi. SW
Sun Dog Cafe Eclectic lunch 3.6 mi. SW
Asolare French dinner 3.8 mi. SW
La Tapa International dinner 3.8 mi. SW
Fish Trap Seafood dinner 3.9 mi. SW
Cafe Roma Italian dinner 3.9 mi. SW
Lime Inn Seafood lunch & dinner 3.9 mi. SW
Stone Terrace Eclectic dinner 3.9 mi. SW
Luscious Licks Vegetarian lunch 4.0 mi. SW
Seagrape French breakfast, lunch, dinner 7.2 mi. SW
Texas Pit BBQ, Red Hook Barbecue dinner 7.5 mi. SW
Off the Hook Seafood dinner 7.5 mi. SW
Blue Moon Cafe American dinner 7.7 mi. SW
Romanos Italian dinner 8.1 mi. SW
Raffles International dinner 8.4 mi. SW
Old Stone Farmhouse Eclectic lunch & dinner 11.0 mi. SW
Texas Pit BBQ, Wheatley Barbecue dinner 11.6 mi. SW
Banana Tree Grille International dinner 12.0 mi. SW
Herve Restaurant American lunch & dinner 12.4 mi. SW
Greenhouse Bar and Restaurant American breakfast, lunch, dinner 12.6 mi. SW
Tavern on the Waterfront Eclectic dinner 12.6 mi. SW
Hard Rock Cafe American lunch & dinner 12.6 mi. SW
Cafe LuLu Mediterranean dinner 12.7 mi. SW
Texas Pit BBQ, Waterfront Barbecue dinner 12.9 mi. SW
Hook, Line and Sinker American lunch & dinner 13.1 mi. SW
The Chart House Seafood dinner 13.1 mi. SW
Texas Pit BBQ Barbecue dinner 14.0 mi. SW
Tickle's Dockside Pub American breakfast, lunch, dinner 14.1 mi. SW

There are many types of dining experiences to be had in the Virgin Islands, but a meal on the beach can be especially fun. Many hotels are happy to pack a picnic lunch for their guests, or you can obtain picnic supplies on your way to the beach.

A lot of beachgoers visit the snack bar at this beach.

Amenities and Ambience

Take a look at this area's scheduled activities before visiting: In the spring, jazz concerts take place in an outdoor pavilion, and owners host an array of informal nature talks and presentations year round. It is possible to rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, or windsurfing equipment for some fun on the water as well. Picnic areas, grills, and bathrooms complement a great day at Maho Bay.

The amount of people on the beach depends on the time of day, season, and other factors. Some of the Virgin Islands' beaches may rarely be crowded, while others are often crowded particularly when the season is at its peak. When planning a beach outing a key factor to consider may be the size of the crowd you'll encounter. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, other beach bums like a quieter oceanfront setting.

Like everything else about the Virgin Islands this beach has a distinctive personality which will attract certain visitors. The special qualities of this beach are somewhat different from what is offered at the other beaches in the Virgin Islands. Most of the people who travel to this beach also stay in the campground or on the hillside at the Maho Bay Camps, usually creating a crowd tourists, families, and couples. This beach has a tendency to get very crowded, especially in the high tourist season.

Attractions

You'll find other natural attractions can provide an interesting diversion or side trip after a day of fun in the sun. A great example is Reef Bay Trail, which is 1 mile to the southeast of Maho Bay.

If you want to learn more about the history of the Virgin Islands you'll find some opportunities close by. For example Catherinberg Ruins is located 1 mile to the south of Maho Bay.

Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there's more to visit in the Virgin Islands. The following table includes other attractions close to this beach.

Attractions Near Maho Bay
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Catherinberg Ruins 1.0 mi. S Historical Site
Reef Bay Trail 1.0 mi. SE Natural Attraction
Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins 1.3 mi. NE Historical Site
Virgin Islands National Park 1.7 mi. SE Natural Attraction
Bordeaux Mountain 1.7 mi. SE Natural Attraction
Peace Hill 2.2 mi. SW Natural Attraction
Plantation Ruins 2.4 mi. SE Historical Site
Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum 3.7 mi. SW Museum
Visitors Bureau 3.8 mi. SW Tourism Oriented Business
U.S. Customs 3.8 mi. SW Tourism Oriented Business

Location

Located 1 mile from Catherinberg Ruins, on the northwestern coast of the Virgin Islands. Maho Bay is close to Leinster Bay, so you can tour the town after your visit to the beach.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other visitors at the beach can vary widely, depending upon when you visit. There are no large hotels next to this beach but it can appeal to guests staying at smaller hotels in the general area. There are a small number of hotels located near this beach. Those looking to stay close to this beach won't have trouble finding a spot.

Other Beaches

Needless to say, Maho Bay isn't the only beach you'll find in the Virgin Islands. You might also enjoy a visit to Salt Pond Bay; it's situated 4.5 miles to the southeast. The secluded little beach at Salt Bay offers beachgoers privacy as well as excellent swimming conditions. So on your next trip to St. John, go off the beaten path and sample these sandy shores.

If you're on the lookout for more active and social, you might like Lindquist Beach. It is located 7.2 miles to the southwest.

Travelers may also want to consider Cinnamon Bay, which you'll find 0.6 miles from Maho Bay. Part of the Cinnamon Bay National Park and campground, this beach offers guests good snorkeling, watersports, general facilities, and beautiful scenery at its beautiful and casual sandy shores.

It's possible that Maho Bay won't be your top beach, but if this beach isn't for you, you may want to see what else the Virgin Islands has to offer.

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