Magen's Bay Beach, St Thomas US-Virgin-Islands; One of the Most Beautiful in the World!
Written: Mar 14 '05 (Updated Mar 14 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very relaxed and laid back atmosphere.
Cons: Not sure what happens when cruise ship excursions come in.
The Bottom Line: Magen's Bay gives a feel of local life in addition to a very relaxed and carefree atmosphere.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Magen's Bay Beach |
In the last ten years or so my wife and I have been traveling to assorted countries and Islands in the Caribbean. We read as much as we can find and make decisions from there. One place we consistently find as a top rated beach is Magen's Bay on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Our Ride There
My wife and I were fortunate to be in the US VI two times and were able to spend some time at Magen's Bay. Our first glimpse of the Bay was from well above it at perhaps 1,000feet. We took a drive through the mountains to the St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens, a drop dead gorgeous estate high in the hills with a walking path through botanic gardens. Driving in St Thomas and St John is a little challenging and a lot of fun if you are sure-handed behind the wheel. There are many winding roads, steep inclines and blind curves. I love it. At a few places were turn-offs for scenic views. I must say that looking at Magen's Bay from above is glorious. It's known as being heart shaped. I think that's said for the benefit of romantics. The fact is it's more shaped like a true human heart than the Valentine card shape we all think of.
After our stay at the estate, which I feel is a must stop because of its seclusion, heavenly grounds and incredible views, we made our way down to Magen's Bay.
By following the maps and road signs, that are a little tricky at times, we took our last turn into a road with a sign noting we had arrived. There is a small charge for using this government run beach. It's $1.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per person. There was ample parking and plenty of parking for cars too. Just what are amples?
The Beach
A very short walk gets one to the beach that stretches to the left and right about half a mile in each direction.
Facing straight out toward the west is the access to the open waters. This is a protected area hidden between mountains and its beauty will make anyone who takes a picture seem like they have an excellent eye for photography. It's a stretch of softly curved beach with deep shade of trees directly behind it and hills and mountains in the background.
Winds come out of the north-east most of the year making this a well protected bay that is as calm as a hidden lake in the deep woods of a mountain valley. There are no waves, sorry surfers, and no currents. It's like one huge warm and soothing bath. The water is warm and inviting and at the same time is actually refreshing after the heat of the midday sun.
Many people can be seen standing in the water talking with plastic contained tropical drinks in hand. We were some of those people. In fact at one point when we were leaving, we spent an extra hour or so sipping on our frozen libations and exchanging St. Thomas experiences with another couple. The sun was beginning to get lower in the sky and it was a perfect start to the end of our day. We could not have been more relaxed and care free.
Now we did arrive at the beach in mid afternoon. Though there were people there it was not crowded. I don't know if it is like that when cruise ship excursions come in. Magen's Bay is on the itinerary of many of their trips. I suggest checking out when the ships are coming into Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas as steer away if they are docked.
Public Beach
Like all the beaches in St Thomas, this is a public beach. That includes beaches at resorts. Even so, we saw few locals at most places. Magen's Bay had a mix of local people and tourists. It's my thought that though this is a beautiful spot many of the people who live on the island know other hidden places that are also lovely and they would not have to pay a fee or ha, put up with tourists.
We enjoyed watching the children interacting in the water. They were at home and doing what kids do best, having uninhibited fun laughing and playing.
What's nice about the beach is the fact that a short walk to either end of the beach can bring more solitude. We happened to like it where we were because that is where the bar is. They also have a food stand with quiet music playing. The drinks were reasonably priced and they were good as I recall. I do want to go back and just hang around that bar next time we go. It was pretty cool.
There is plenty of shade area under the trees for everybody. There's no having to share a tree or follow the shade around a palm as the sun moved across the sky.
The sand is white and soft under foot and makes its way very gradually to and into the water. It's a bit of a walk to get into deeper waters.
In the Water
We did bring our snorkel gear and followed the outcrop of rocks on the north side of the bay where we were told good underwater formations and fish would be found. After our wonderful experiences on other parts of the islands we were not overly impressed. Beginners might find it interesting but its a bit of a swim for those who like to be close to the beach shore.
For anyone wanting to take a swim it's like being in a huge bath tub, perfectly flat and warm. If you are looking for a lifeguard for protection, though I feel this is the safest area I have ever seen, you'll find them at 6AM and they'll be around till 6PM. Now that's a full days work from them while we just hang out, catch some rays, sip on drinks and dream of what the night sky might bring.
Magen's Bay is noted as one of the 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. This is a wonderful book to use as source of destinations to visit or to just day dream with.
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Recommended:
Yes
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