Comments on: St. John Virgin Islands: Maho Bay

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:36:10 +0000

Maho is my favorite beach on St John. My husband Fred and I started coming to St John 28 years ago. We always hoped to live there. Now Fred has made it ahead of me – I scattered his ashes in Maho Bay in 2007. On this year’s visit, my first snorkel was at Maho. Over the years, I have seen octopus there several times. This time I saw a large one swimming towards me. I followed it to it’s rocky home. I was amazed to watch it change color as it moved over the floor of the bay. In my mind, this sighting was Fred’s way of welcoming me back to our island paradise. As always, I look forward to my next visit.

By: chuckr

chuckr — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:05:15 +0000

This is a family favorite of ours. We have been there many times and even on holidays it doesn’t seem to be a busy as the other north shore beaches. I have seen many turtles, stingrays (and even a spotted ray), tarpon, but no eels. I agree with everyone, this is a great beginner snorkle beach with quite a bit of good things too see. I really like the coral bay end of the island, which also makes access to Maho very easy. Can’t wait to get back there…..

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:52:34 +0000

I ALWAYS take my guests to snorkle the first time at Maho. It is a safe place to evaluate the comfort level of “experienced” swimmers and the best place to teach “newbies” how to snorkle. Best to start out in a large shallow area like Maho for first snorkle lessons. We regularly see turtles in the sea grass area which never fails to excite everyone!

By: gerald

gerald — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:37:32 +0000

Thanks for the great info. I’ve often seen a nurse shark along the north coast of the bay, but no other sharks, nor have I come into contact with the eel (just as well)
One time when I was practicing for a beach to beach swim with Chelsea O’Brien, I found $350 in tens and twenties just north of the dingy channel in about five feet of water.
And the Maho Camp dinner idea sounds like an excellent idea. Thanks again.
G

By: Daddy

Daddy — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:42:30 +0000

. . . . and the Full Moon Parties are off the hook!! On a serious note I have seen 3 – 4 ft sharks on the bottom just off the rocks between Little and Big Maho in the fall. Of course they just cruised on by . . . Spend the day at Maho and then hike the Goat Trail or drive up and have an awesome dinner at the Maho Camps Resturant!!

By: Capt RD

Capt RD — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:13:11 +0000

There are very often large Tarpon on the outer edge of the rocks between Maho and Little Maho – more likely to be there when the bait schools are heaviest – — – also Moray eels along the rocky shoreline and sadly, since some of the visiting campers feed the fish while snorkeling, these Morays can be quite aggressive – my 1st Mate was bitten while simply pointing out a coral formation because a Moray thought she was offering food – it happened so quickly she didn’t know what it was at first until she saw the eel and all the blood – a very serious cut requiring stitches and some finger reconstruction. Overall it has excellent snorkeling especially for the beginner.