Maho Bay Beach

Maho Bay is a beach on the north shore of Saint John with gentle shallow water and soft white sand. The shoreline is lined with coconut palms and mangrove thickets that provide natural shade, while small rocks dot certain areas of the sand.

The beach was once longer and wider before sand was removed for road and school construction. These changes gradually shaped the shoreline over time, though the beach retains its relaxed character and accessibility today.

The name Maho Bay comes from the maho tree that grows along the shoreline and provides shade for visitors. This tree shapes how people use the beach, as many park underneath it and spend their day relaxing beneath its branches.

You can drive right to the beach and park under maho trees without large parking lots or signs. Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes and sandflies may appear after rain, and remember that many sea creatures have stings or spikes, so observe without touching.

The water is so shallow and clear here that you can watch sea turtles grazing in seagrass beds, sometimes very close to shore. The beach was once a place where riders raced horses along the sand before the coastline shifted over time.

Location: Saint John

Elevation above the sea: 19 m

Address: Maho Bay Beach, St John 00830, USVI

GPS coordinates: 18.35702,-64.74439

Latest update: December 10, 2025 11:15