Maho Bay, St. John

UPSCALE December-April STT - Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas) US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $300-500 per person
Perfect For
Beach Family Romantic Outdoors Luxury
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
9.0/10
Romance
8.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May-June, November
Airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas)
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Maho Bay

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May-June, November
Off season
July-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Maho Bay quick facts

Main airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas)
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$300-500 per person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Maho Bay

St. John has limited public transportation, so most visitors rely on rental cars or taxis. The island is small but mountainous with winding roads, making a vehicle essential for exploring multiple beaches and attractions.

Rental car

Highly recommended for flexibility and convenience. Book in advance as availability is limited, especially during peak season.

Public transit

Very limited public bus service exists but is unreliable and doesn't serve most tourist areas including Maho Bay.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available. Traditional taxis are available but expensive for multiple trips, with rates set by the taxi association.

Local tips for Maho Bay

Insider tips

  • Arrive early morning to secure the best parking spots and beach space before day-trippers arrive.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the area is within a protected marine environment.
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks since there are no vendors or facilities on the beach.
  • Bring snorkeling gear to see the abundant marine life, including frequent sea turtle sightings.
  • Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid the heaviest crowds from cruise ship passengers.
  • Check ferry schedules in advance as they can be affected by weather and may have limited evening departures.
  • Respect the national park rules - no collecting shells, coral, or disturbing wildlife.
  • Consider staying for sunset as Maho Bay faces west and offers spectacular evening views.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Beach umbrella or pop-up shade
  • Insulated cooler bag
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
  • Lightweight beach chair
  • Underwater camera
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Quick-dry beach towels

Sample itinerary: 3 days in Maho Bay

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Maho Bay Introduction
Morning: Arrive via ferry from St. Thomas and get settled in Cruz Bay. Pick up rental car and drive to Maho Bay for your first taste of this pristine beach.
Afternoon: Spend time swimming and snorkeling at Maho Bay, looking for sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters. Relax on the white sand beach.
Evening: Return to Cruz Bay for dinner at a local restaurant and explore the small town's shops and bars.
Day 2 — North Shore Beach Hopping
Morning: Start early at Maho Bay for the best parking and fewer crowds. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the calm morning waters.
Afternoon: Drive to nearby Cinnamon Bay for a different beach experience with hiking trail options. Explore the ruins and nature trail.
Evening: Watch the sunset from Maho Bay, which faces west for spectacular evening views. Pack a picnic dinner to enjoy on the beach.
Day 3 — Virgin Islands National Park Exploration
Morning: Visit the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay to learn about the area's history and ecology.
Afternoon: Return to Maho Bay for more snorkeling and beach time, or explore the nearby hiking trails within the national park.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Cruz Bay and prepare for departure the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Maho Bay

The best time to visit Maho Bay is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May-June, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Maho Bay is $300-500 per person per person. Maho Bay is generally considered a upscale destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Maho Bay, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Maho Bay is STT - Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas). The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Maho Bay include: Reef-safe sunscreen, Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), Waterproof phone case, Beach umbrella or pop-up shade, Insulated cooler bag, Water shoes for rocky areas, Lightweight beach chair, Underwater camera. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Maho Bay: Arrive early morning to secure the best parking spots and beach space before day-trippers arrive.. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the area is within a protected marine environment.. Pack plenty of water and snacks since there are no vendors or facilities on the beach.. Bring snorkeling gear to see the abundant marine life, including frequent sea turtle sightings.. Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid the heaviest crowds from cruise ship passengers..