Maho Bay
Maho Bay St. John · Maho Bay anchorage
18°21.72'N 64°45.42'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Northern exposure — northerly swell can enter; check forecasts before overnight. NPS rules — anchor only in sand. Snorkellers in water throughout the day — slow speed always. Sea turtle habitat — no swimming near nesting areas on beach.
About This Anchorage
Maho Bay on St. John's north coast is renowned as one of the best places in the USVI to see sea turtles — green sea turtles feed in the seagrass beds that surround the bay, and hawksbill turtles have nested on the beach. The bay was formerly home to the beloved Maho Bay Camps eco-resort (1976–2013), pioneering sustainable tourism in the Caribbean; the hillside has now returned to national park forest. The sand bottom provides good holding and the bay is quieter than the famous park beaches to the west. The water clarity is excellent, and snorkelling around the rocky headlands reveals healthy reef ecosystems. Maho Bay and Francis Bay together form a peaceful north coast exploration requiring only a 0.5nm sail between them.
Protected From
S · SE · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NPS national park — anchor only in sand; no anchoring in seagrass; sea turtle nesting area — no approaching nesting sea turtles; no collecting or disturbing wildlife.
Hazards
- !Northern exposure — north Atlantic swell can enter without warning; check PredictWind swell forecasts
- !Seagrass beds throughout the bay — anchor ONLY in clearly visible sand patches; use snorkel to confirm anchor placement if needed
- !Sea turtle habitat — slow speed throughout; no approaching turtles closer than 50 feet; no flash photography at night during nesting season
- !No facilities — carry all provisions and water; remote from services
Skipper's Tips
- →Maho Bay is the best place in the USVI to see sea turtles — green turtles feed in the bay almost every day; watch quietly from the dinghy or while snorkelling
- →Anchor in clearly visible sand patches — the seagrass is clearly distinguishable from white sand; use a snorkel to confirm anchor position
- →Combine with Francis Bay (0.5nm west) for a two-bay north coast exploration — an excellent dinghy ride between the two
- →Evening at Maho Bay with no other boats is one of the most peaceful experiences in USVI sailing — arrive mid-week for solitude
- →The seagrass meadows visible through the clear water are habitat for juvenile reef fish, rays, and conch — remarkable wildlife even without going in the water
Facilities
No facilities at Maho Bay (former eco-resort is closed). Fully self-sufficient. Cruz Bay (4nm W) has all services.
Nearest provisions: Cruz Bay (4nm W) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. One of the most serene anchorages on St. John. Sea turtle activity peaks during nesting season (June–October) but turtles present year-round. Northern exposure requires forecast monitoring.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Virgin Islands National Park, anchor drag toward coral reef carries environmental and legal consequences. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy St. John's stunning beaches with confidence.
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