Are you looking for a place where you can swim with sea turtles and relax under tall palm trees? Welcome to Maho Bay, St. John. Located on the famous North Shore of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Maho Bay is world-famous for its calm, shallow water and friendly wildlife. It is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean without any stress.
Maho Bay is special because it is one of the most accessible beaches on the island. While some beaches require a long hike, you can drive right up to Maho Bay. The road runs right alongside the sand!
The biggest draw at Maho Bay is the sea turtles. The middle of the bay is covered in seagrass, which is the favorite food for Green Sea Turtles. You don't even have to go deep! Even in waist-deep water, you can often see turtles popping their heads up for air.
Pro Tip: Remember to keep your distance. It is important to watch these beautiful creatures without touching or chasing them.
Living near Maho Bay means embracing a slower pace of life. The area is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, so the hills remain green and protected. There are no massive hotels here, which keeps the "island vibe" authentic.
Right across the street from the beach is Maho Crossroads. This is a "pop-up" village that has become a local favorite. It is entirely solar-powered and eco-friendly. Here you can find:
The Paddle-In Tiki Bar: Grab a famous "Painkiller" cocktail or a cold local beer.
Food Trucks: Enjoy gourmet tacos, burgers, and fresh seafood right by the beach.
The Love Maho Boutique: Shop for unique jewelry and beachwear made by local artists.
If you like to stay active, Maho Bay is the best home base on the North Shore.
Snorkeling: The rocky edges of the bay are home to bright coral, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish.
Water Sports: You can easily rent paddleboards and kayaks at the beach. Because the water is so calm, it is a great place for beginners to try standing up on a board for the first time.
Hiking to History: Just a short drive or hike away are the America Hill Ruins. This trail takes you up a hill to an old 19th-century estate. The view from the top looks down over the entire bay and is one of the best photo spots on St. John.
Finding a home in the Maho Bay area is a dream for many. Because so much of the land is protected by the National Park, homes here are rare and very valuable.
Incredible Views: Most homes are built into the hillsides, offering views of the turquoise water and the British Virgin Islands in the distance.
Privacy: The neighborhoods are quiet and surrounded by lush tropical forests.
Investment Potential: Many homes here are successful vacation rentals. Travelers love staying near Maho because they can beat the crowds to the beach every morning.
Maho Bay offers a mix of convenience and "unplugged" beauty. Whether you are snorkeling with a turtle, enjoying a burger at a food truck, or watching the sunset from a hillside villa, life here feels like a permanent vacation.
Maho Bay is the crown jewel of St. John’s North Shore. While it is famous for its sea turtles and calm waters, living in this part of the island means being part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Here are the most common questions about the lifestyle and logistics of this iconic bay.
1. Is Maho Bay Beach accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes. Maho Bay is widely considered the most accessible beach on St. John. Because the road runs directly along the shoreline, there is no steep hike required to reach the sand. There are designated accessible parking spots, and the terrain is flat, making it easier for wheelchairs and strollers compared to other North Shore beaches.
2. What is the best time to see the sea turtles?
While turtles feed on the seagrass all day, the best time to see them is early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM). During these times, the water is usually at its calmest, visibility is highest, and the beach is less crowded with daytime tourists arriving via taxi from Cruz Bay.
3. What are the rules for snorkeling with turtles?
The sea turtles at Maho are protected by federal law. You must maintain a distance of at least 6 to 10 feet. It is illegal to touch, chase, or feed them. Violations can result in heavy fines. Locals and National Park rangers strictly enforce "no-touch" rules to ensure the turtles stay healthy and keep returning to the bay.
4. Is there a "High" and "Low" season for Maho Crossroads?
Maho Crossroads (the tiki bar and food truck village) is open year-round, but its "vibe" changes. High Season (December–April) is bustling with live music and daily crowds. Low Season (September–October) is much quieter, and while some vendors may take "hurricane breaks," it remains the best time for residents to enjoy the bay in total peace.
5. Where do residents park if the roadside spots are full?
Parking at Maho can be tricky between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If the roadside spots are full, there is a National Park gravel lot located at the eastern end of the bay. Residents often avoid the midday rush entirely, choosing to visit during the "shoulder hours" when parking is plentiful.
6. Are there any homes located directly on the beach?
No. Because Maho Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, there is no private residential development directly on the sand. The homes in the "Maho Bay" area are located on the hillsides overlooking the water. This ensures the beach remains pristine and undeveloped for everyone to enjoy.
7. What happened to the Maho Bay Camps?
The famous Maho Bay Eco-Camps closed in 2013 after their long-term land lease expired. The land is now protected, and no new resorts have been built in their place. This closure is a major reason why the area feels so "untouched" and natural today compared to other Caribbean destinations.
8. Can you walk from Maho Bay to other beaches?
Yes! From the right side of the beach (facing the water), there is a short, flat path that leads to Little Maho. If you continue further, you can reach Francis Bay, which is another quiet, turtle-filled spot that is popular with birdwatchers and locals looking to escape the main Maho crowds.
9. What are the restroom and shower facilities like?
Facilities at Maho are "eco-friendly" and basic. There are typically porta-potties and a basic foot-wash station provided by the National Park. For more robust facilities, residents and visitors often use the restrooms at Maho Crossroads across the street while supporting the local vendors.
10. Do I need a 4x4 Jeep to live in the Maho Bay area?
While the main North Shore Road to Maho is paved and easy to drive, the residential driveways in the hills above the bay are often steep and can become slippery during tropical rain. Most residents consider a 4-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) a necessity for daily life on the island's terrain.
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