North Shore Road · St. John, USVI
Maho Bay Beach, St. John
Sea Turtles, Snorkeling and How to Visit
The best place on St. John to see sea turtles from the surface. Maho is flat, calm and shallow, with seagrass beds close in where the turtles feed. You park on the road and walk straight onto the sand, which makes it the easiest North Shore beach to reach.
Before you go
- Getting there
- About 5 miles east of Cruz Bay on North Shore Road
- Cost
- Free. No park entrance pass required
- Sea turtles
- They feed in the seagrass beds just off the beach
- Entry
- Flat beach, easily accessed straight from the road
- Facilities
- Restrooms, and accessible parking
- Parking
- Large parking area at the eastern end of the beach
- Food and drink
- Vendors across the street from the beach
- Rentals
- Snorkel gear, kayak and stand-up paddleboard
Facilities and fees are as published by the National Park Service. Fees can change, so check nps.gov/viis before you travel.
1. Swim with Sea Turtles
Maho Bay is famous for its sea turtle population, making it one of the best places in the Caribbean to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
- Turtles frequently graze on the seagrass beds just offshore, offering an up-close wildlife experience.
- The shallow, calm waters make it easy for snorkelers of all levels to spot turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish.
- Remember to respect the marine life by keeping a safe distance and not touching the turtles.
2. Snorkeling Along the Shoreline
Maho Bay is a snorkeling paradise, with its shallow, clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Explore coral formations, sea fans, and a variety of colorful fish just a few feet from shore.
- Snorkeling at both ends of the bay offers diverse marine ecosystems, from sandy seagrass beds to rocky outcrops filled with marine creatures.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent equipment from nearby vendors at the beach entrance.
3. Paddleboarding and Kayaking
With its calm and glassy waters, Maho Bay Beach is one of the best places on St. John for paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak from vendors near the beach.
- Glide across the bay while enjoying breathtaking views of the lush, green hills surrounding the beach.
- If you’re lucky, you might spot a sea turtle or stingray swimming beneath your board!
4. Relax Under the Shade of Palm Trees
Maho Bay Beach is lined with beautiful palm trees, providing plenty of natural shade, a rarity among St. John’s beaches.
- Set up your beach towel or hammock under a palm tree and unwind to the sound of gentle waves.
- The soft, white sand and clear blue waters create a picture-perfect setting for relaxation.
- Maho Bay’s laid-back atmosphere makes it one of the most peaceful beaches on the island.
5. Enjoy Beachside Food & Drinks
Maho Bay Beach is one of the few beaches in St. John with convenient access to food trucks and beachside vendors.
- Grab a fresh smoothie, sandwich, or cold drink from local food trucks near the parking area.
- Try local Caribbean flavors, such as fresh fish tacos.
- Enjoy a meal with your feet in the sand while soaking in the spectacular beach views.
6. Take a Scenic Hike to Viewpoints Nearby
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, there are nearby hiking trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Maho Bay.
- The Maria Hope Trail is a great option for those looking to explore the lush hills above the beach.
- The trail offers fantastic photo opportunities of Maho Bay from above.
- Keep an eye out for wild donkeys, deer, and tropical birds along the way.
7. Wildlife Spotting & Photography
Maho Bay Beach is an ideal location for nature photography and wildlife watching.
- In addition to sea turtles, you may spot pelicans, stingrays, and even iguanas wandering along the beach.
- Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for stunning beach photos.
- The contrast of lush greenery, turquoise waters, and white sand creates a picture-perfect scene.
Plan Your Visit to Maho Bay Beach
- Getting There: Maho Bay Beach is easily accessible by taxi or rental car from Cruz Bay. A parking area is available just across from the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning is great for calm, crowd-free snorkeling, while late afternoon offers beautiful sunset views.
- What to Bring: Bring your snorkel gear, sunscreen, a beach towel, and a waterproof camera to capture unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re looking for up-close encounters with sea turtles, an exciting paddleboarding adventure, or a relaxing beach day in the shade of palm trees, Maho Bay Beach has something for everyone. Make sure to add this must-visit beach to your St. John itinerary and experience one of the most magical spots in the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Where to stay
Stay in Cruz Bay, in the middle of it all
Maho is about twenty minutes out from Cruz Bay. Mornings are calmest, and the turtles are easiest to spot before the water gets busy. Marketplace Suites is a boutique hotel in the heart of Cruz Bay, with a kitchenette in every suite and a grocery store on the ground floor, so packing a cooler for the beach takes five minutes.
