Sunday July 06, 2008
Magens Bay

Often called one of the world's most beautiful beaches, Magens Bay is St. Thomas' family beach. A half-mile of crescent-shaped sand and clear blue waters that are ideal for swimming and hanging out make it a great escape. The entrance fee is around three dollars per person, and the beach can get very crowded.

Although the Virgin Islands has some more secluded beaches that Magens Bay the combination of natural setting, atmosphere and personality offered at this location could be just right for you.

Although there are many choices to make during your vacation, in Caribbean travel choosing a beach can be quite important and Magens Bay is one of the Virgin Islands' many great beaches to consider.

Even though you'll find other beaches further from metropolitan hubs, you'll find this beach is more secluded than other of the Virgin Islands' beaches. Therefore, although it may not be right for a romantic stroll, it has plenty to offer travelers looking for a taste of both seclusion and activity.

Peace and quiet is just one offering you'll find at many of the Virgin Islands' beaches, and you'll find a bit of that style of travel at Magens Bay without taking you too far away. With cities nearby but not too close you'll have everything you need.

Travelers may want to keep in mind that, despite Magens Bay's lack of seclusion, you'll find it's further from the crowds in the Virgin Islands than others. It's the perfect choice for travelers that would prefer a bit of activity at the beach but choose to avoid the crowds.

For some visitors the level of activity at a beach and its amenities can be the most important attributes. For others, it is the seclusion and the chance to waste away the day on the sand that is the best part of the beach. You have many beach choices in the Virgin Islands, and you may decide that Magens Bay is exactly what you're looking for.

Location

You'll find this sandy spot on the northern coast of the Virgin Islands; it is located near the Three Palms Villa, 0.2 miles away. Magens Bay is close to Mafolie, so a trip into town is a convenient option.

Nearby Hotels

Whether or not you have the beach pretty much to yourself will depend on when you visit. You can typically expect to share the beach with visitors from nearby hotels. There are a fair number of hotels near this beach. Those hoping to stay in this vicinity can certainly find a spot.

Additional hotels are listed in the following table.

Nearest Hotels to Magens Bay
Hotel NameDistanceNo. of
Rooms
Three Palms Villa 0.2 mi. 3
Mafolie Hotel 1.2 mi. 11
Bunker Hill Hotel 1.5 mi. 23
Galleon House Bed & Breakfast 1.5 mi. 12
Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas 1.8 mi. 215
Holiday Inn St. Thomas 1.8 mi. 151
Cantamar IV Charter Yacht 1.8 mi. 3

Amenities and Ambience

Magens Bay has almost everything you could need at the beach along its shores. Bathrooms, showers, picnic areas, and boutiques are available for guests, while snacks and drinks are served at a full service bar and a pizzeria. Visitors can also rent all types of watersport equipment like sailboats, kayaks, and snorkeling gear.

The number of people at the beach is affected by several things, like the time of day and the season. Some of the Virgin Islands' beaches may rarely be crowded, while others are often crowded particularly when the season is at its peak. One of the key things one should keep in mind when considering a day at the beach can be the probability of crowds. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, many would prefer to just relax in a quiet area.

Like many places in the Virgin Islands this beach has its own personality which will be more appealing to some than to others. The atmosphere of this beach is somewhat different from many of the other beaches in the Virgin Islands. As one of the more popular beaches on the island, Magens Bay, is usually very crowded during the day with tourists. It is often a little less crowded in the afternoon hours.

Attractions

If you're like many vacationers, you want to experience plenty of incredible sights during your trip-- and also relax a little bit. A day at the beach can be a relaxing part of your vacation, but natural attractions, like Fairchild Park (located 1 mile to the southwest of Magens Bay) can give your vacation a little something extra.

Historical attractions such as Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins offer a nice complement to the shores of Magens Bay giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Virgin Islands without venturing too far from the beach.

Plenty of nearby activities will ensure that you never run low on things to do. The attractions closest to this beach are found in the following table.

Attractions Near Magens Bay
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Fairchild Park 1.0 mi. SW Natural Attraction
Emanicipation Garden 1.6 mi. S Historical Site
Estate St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Gardens 1.6 mi. SW Natural Attraction
Fort Christian 1.6 mi. S Historical Site
Hospital 1.7 mi. SE
Mountain Top 1.7 mi. SW Historical Site
Ferry Dock 2.0 mi. S Watersport
Paradise Point Tramway 2.1 mi. SE Tourism Oriented Business
Marina 2.9 mi. SW Watersport
Tillett Garden Art Center 2.9 mi. SE Museum

Food

If you're feeling hungry for a midday meal, this beach has you covered without sending you far away.

The table below provides a list of nearby restaurants.

Restaurants Near Magens Bay
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
Old Stone Farmhouse Eclectic lunch & dinner 0.9 mi. E
Cafe LuLu Mediterranean dinner 1.1 mi. SW
Herve Restaurant American lunch & dinner 1.5 mi. S
Banana Tree Grille International dinner 1.6 mi. SE
Greenhouse Bar and Restaurant American breakfast, lunch, dinner 1.7 mi. S
Tavern on the Waterfront Eclectic dinner 1.7 mi. S
Hard Rock Cafe American lunch & dinner 1.7 mi. S
Texas Pit BBQ, Waterfront Barbecue dinner 1.9 mi. S

There are many wonderful dining experiences to be had in the Virgin Islands, but dining on the beach can be especially enjoyable. Many hotels are happy to pack a picnic lunch for their guests, or you can obtain picnic supplies on your way to the beach.

There is also a restaurant at this beach. While visiting this beach, vacationers may enjoy the snack bar.

Other Beaches

You'll find multiple beaches in the Virgin Islands and Magens Bay is just one option. Another location you might enjoy is Little Magens Bay, which is a particularly centralized beach. It is located 0.6 miles to the southwest. Little Magens Bay on St. Thomas is a beautiful beach and the only one on the island that is clothing optional.

If your search is for something further from the beaten path, you might enjoy Salt Pond Bay. The secluded little beach at Salt Bay offers beachgoers privacy as well as excellent swimming conditions. So on your next trip to St. John, go off the beaten path and sample these sandy shores. It's found 15.0 miles to the east.

You may also want to consider Morning Star Beach, located 3.1 miles from Magens Bay. Morningstar Beach in the Virgin Islands is a very attractive Caribbean beach with fantastic amenities and facilities near the shore for guests, while snorkeling in the coral reefs should not be missed.

You might not find Magens Bay to be the best choice for you, but the Virgin Islands has plenty of other options for travelers who don't wish to visit this beach.