Maho Bay

The snorkeling here is actually spectacular. Actually, the wildlife here is just spectacular, in and out of the water. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to spot the turtles that are apparently everywhere EXCEPT WHERE I AM, there’s rays, huge leopard fish, pelicans divebombing… swim out to the edges and you’ll see it all.
Unfortunately, there isn’t that much room between the edge of the water and the tree line, and vast swathes of the beach are overrun with ants and other crawly bugs that don’t fall under the category of wildlife I am trying to check out.
We eventually found a great, non-​insect-​infested area of the perfectly powdery Caribbean sand, but just keep an eye out.

This little beach is well known for snorkeling. It is a pretty beach and because it has no restaurant etc., quieter than others like Cinnamon Bay. I suggest going to the far (north east) end to try the snorkeling there. On our last visit there was a lot of swell and the water was murky but the day was still beautiful.

Calm, serene and gorgeously beautiful. We were here for a little bit as I drove our rental Jeep across the island like a badass: p
Anyways, this is a very family beach — not much in terms of amenities — Did not see any bathrooms, food/​snack bar or water gear rental places here. The crowd was mostly families that had driven here and had all brought everything they might need. I know this beach is next to a popular campground, so that would explain the sparsity of touristy amenities.
We only had enough time to take a quick dip into these pristine waters and did not get a chance to snorkel. Lots of trees around to grab a place to sit in the shade and the parking is right across the road. I spotted some beautiful exotic birds larking around, and the beach is perfect to just forget the world and maybe come read a book for a bit or take a snooze (if you can haul yourself out of the beautiful water that is)

Great place to spend the day. Great snorkeling. Not much close in terms of food so pack some drinks and food.

Dare I say best beach on St. John?
Come early, grab a spot under the trees by the road, and enjoy.
You can see all kinds of sea life out in the calm waters: sea turtles, fish, a reef shark or two, little (non-​stinging) jelly fish, and even a sting ray!
The walk from the parking lot to your chair is about a minute, while the walk from your chair to the aqua blue waters is about two seconds. It doesn’t get any better than that.

If you have a family with young kids (3 – 10 yrs.), Maho Bay is a wonderful beach on St. John’s. The water is shallow and calm (due to winds being blocked by the mountain to the north). It’s a great place for snorkeling newbies. Our 7 year old son repeatedly said it was his favorite beach, and our 9 year old son agreed.
On the south end closer to the pit toilets, the coral reef is pretty but limited. On the north end, the shallow rocky areas offer many colorful fish and sea cucumbers, but beware of the black sea urchins and a friendly barracuda. We missed the sea turtles in the late afternoon (4:30pm), but early afternoon (12pm-2:30pm) may improve your chances for viewing sea turtles based on the advice of other Unilocalers.
Parking can be difficult from late morning to early afternoon. We found plenty of parking in the north lot on a Wednesday at 4:30pm, but it was probably because the sea turtles had already disappeared. Facilities are limited (i.e., no washing station for sandy feet, no flushing toilets) so you need to bring your own stuff. Pit toilets were OK and less stinky than expected (they seem to use tons of chemicals), but the «Jackson Pollock”-like artistry inside the toilets is not for the faint-​hearted.
Overall, if you have young kids or snorkeling newbies in tow, Maho Bay is the one kid-​friendly beach that you absolutely must visit.

Simply spectacular! (The turtles made me go for the alliterate opener.)
We stayed at Chocolate Hole, which placed this magical bay on the polar opposite end of St. John, and the 25 minute drive was worth every second.
Amenities are camping sparse, and rightfully so – the bay neighbors a campground where tent sites cost a paltry $ 37 a night. BYOEverything, but a steal for steps from silky sugar sand, natural shade, minimal wind and more marine biology than you can shake a snorkel at.
Coral divers may not find what they’re looking for (although, there is a patch near the northeastern tip of the bay), but you better believe the patches of sea grass draw in scores of sea turtles. Even the impatient will hit pay dirt with a timed trip in the early afternoon hours — a flock/​school/​gaggle/​murder of the shelled critters swoop in to graze when the sun is high. Just look for the occasional surface-​dweller (turtles gotta breathe, yo) and lazily fin your way over for a view of sea life snacking. Skates and rays abound, too!
There’s a decent sized lot near the northernmost stretch of the small beachfront, and it gets a little full because of its tranquil beauty. Go early or arrive later to get a spot, and bring a waterproof camera!

Just returned today after 10 days in st.john. Maho bay was amazing, keep snorkeling and you will encounter magic. We swam with stingrays, turtles and lots of other fish. This is calm beach, away from tourist traps. Bring ur food and drinks and lounge for the day in paradise.

Magical, just magical! Great sand, perfect water, fantastic views, a quiet retreat for couples and a beautiful beach to enjoy walking on the shore, basking in the sun, or snorkeling. I loved Maho Bay — better than a dream!

A day spent at Maho Bay is a day spent in heaven.
We took a taxi-​bus up to the beach from the ferry.
A perilous scenic drive up and down on twisting turning roads sure to give you an anxiety attack but it’s sooooo worth it.
The beach is beautiful. As picturesque as they come, with sugary sand, clear sparkling water, shade trees growing just so, all encased within the mountains that enclose the bay. It’s past Trunk Bay and as not tourist-​y so not crowded.
Just enough people for just enough beach on our visit.
There are bathrooms, one shelter with four picnic tables, and another building that houses I don’t know what. I saw at least one other picnic table but it was under a shady tree.
Not sure if there are food and drinks sold at this beach. We took our own snacks and beverages.
The water is calm and clear. No debris, no seaweed, no rocks on the shoreline or in the water.
There are little fish here that like to nibble. My sisters and I got nipped throughout the day but only when we swam and played in the surf close to shore.
The only minuses were the bathroom and the shoreline. The bathroom is a bit dark and stinky. Not for the squeamish (me) but in an emergency, it’s a life-​saver.
From the road to the shoreline is a very short walk. There is a mile or so of beach stretching horizontally but not a lot of room vertically. So unless you’re putting your towel very close to the picnic shelter, you’ll be very close to the water.
At high tide it’s probably an issue but we left around 4:30 and didn’t have that problem.
A rain shower drenched us mid-​visit but it passed quickly. We ran for shelter because the rain was cool but we were back in the ocean 10 minutes later.

Rays and Turtles galore! You ever read something and expect to to be too good to be true? That is how I felt about the reviews of Maho… until we went there.
First of all, we drove by it because either we missed the sign or there wasn’t one. Chances are we missed it because it seems like there was a sign at every other bay. Keep an eye out for the parking lot directly across from it. Parking was free and literally, 30 yards from the water.
As soon as we got to the beach, we looked out to the water and there were two rays swimming directly across our sight line. We oohhhed and ahhhed and looked as the other people who were on the beach ignored them as the novelty had already wore off for them.
After wading in with snorkel gear, we swam over countless rays bureid in the sand on the way out to deeper water.
¾ of the way to the buoy which marks the line that boats can’t cross, you come upon some sea grass. Stick around here. The turtles will come by. When one does (and will), follow that one to other turtles. Amazing trip.
No reef here to really speak of. You are coming here for the turtles and rays. Beach in extremely narrow also. MAYBE 20′ deep.
Completely worth the trip, especially if you like underwater photography or video.

a pretty chill beach located right next to annaberg. this is a local hangout and there was a donkey nearby that was cool to look at.

I love Maho– It’s always SUPER calm there and you can park right next to the beach.
In the late afternoons you are almost guaranteed to see both turtles and rays feeding there. Off the beach, you’ll find a large bed of sea grass growing where these guys love to feed. You’ll also see the occasional starfish and conch chilling out.
There is a barracuda that skims in foot-​deep water. He’s totally friendly just don’t wear loads of sparkly stuff in the water– he may think you food.
Bring your supplies. You can’t buy anything here because there are no stores. If you find yourself reading this on the beach and wishing you’d read it BEFORE– you can swim or drive over to Little Maho– to the right if you’re looking at the water– and walk into Maho Bay Camps, up the stairs. they have a small store with provisions and also a potter and glass studio that’s pretty cool.
Late afternoon and early morning get pretty buggy and you’ll want to have bug-​spray with ya’-

My favorite of all the beaches I visited when in St. John. Not very croweded which is great when you’re trying to relax in paradise. You can also park about 10 feet away from the beach which is convenient when you are carrying a bunch of beach gear. Snorkeling was awesome. We saw tons of cool fish & even a large sea turtle. The water was really warm too.

Very beautiful beach! I agree, probably one of the best in the world!

Gorgeous, perfect beach! All the beaches on St. John have crystal clear water, sugary sand and spectacular views, but this one is more secluded and less crowded than its neighbors, since there’s nothing there but a road, a line of trees and then a long stretch of the best beach ever.

Maho Rocks. This beach is one of the best in the world.

THE GARDEN (OR BEACH) OF EDEN
Maybe the Bible got it wrong. Maybe the Garden of Eden was actually a beach. If so, I think Maho Bay could have been it. I’ve been to beaches all over the world and Maho Bay is one of the best. Long stretches of white sand, warm azure water, and best of all seclusion. When I was there, there were fewer than 10 people on the entire stretch of beach. Most visitors get pulled to Cruz Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and Trunk Bay which leaves Maho Bay blissfully quiet and peaceful.
There are no facilities here so bring your own drinks (there’s a store at the Cinnamon Bay campgrounds down the road) and just park your car in one of the clearings in the trees across the street.
I dream about this place.
P. S. A garden/​beach of Eden wouldn’t be complete without forbidden fruit. Like on many Caribbean beaches, there are these little apple-​like fruits on the beach which smell and taste sweet, but are extremely poisonous. Be sure to steer clear of the fruit, the trees, and any talking serpents.