Word on the street was that the beach at Magens Bay on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands was one of the top beaches in the world. In fact, the claim was that Magens Bay was among the top ten according to National Geographic.
When we arrived at this unique Caribbean location, there was no doubt it was a very nice beach. However, it was highly doubtful that it was top ten in the world. Unless, the world didn’t include the South Pacific, Australia and, say, Thailand.
Since returning home, I have yet to find a listing from any top travel source that includes Magens Bay. I’ve checked National Georgraphic, Conde Nast, CNN and Travel & Leisure. The beach was not located on any world lists. In fact, it wasn’t even top ten in the Caribbean region.
That aside, the beach is very nice and worthy of a visit. We went on a ‘cruise day’ when there were several large cruise ships parked in Charlotte Amalie – the largest town on St. Thomas. Therefore, what might be a serene beach on any other day was rather crowded when we were there.
Looking down at the unique shape of Magens Bay from Mountain Top. Mountain Top is an observation deck and, of course, gift shop, high above.
A closer look at Magens Bay beach from Mountain Top.
I took many pictures looking out on Magens Bay from the beach. This one stands out because of the sail boat. It’s not a special sail boat but I will never forget the ‘sausage fest’ that was happening on the deck of this vessel.
We first noticed a naked man flaunting his junk for all on the beach to see. No big deal. As the boat drifted closer to the beach, it became clear that all aboard were naked. Upon further review, it was determined that if there were females on board, they were staying well clear of the open deck.
Perhaps the most entertaining feature of Magens Bay was the Brown Booby’s. No, I’m not talking about tanned breasts that were lacking from the above sail boat. The Brown Booby is a large sea bird that has a diet consisting of fish.
These birds would cruise across the water, barely above the heads of bathers on scouting missions. They would then climb sharply in altitude before nose-diving into the water after their prey (there are two segments in the video below of these birds diving). Often, they would hit the water within inches of unsuspecting bathers. This is not surprising after you notice the schools of small fish that follow very closely to human feet.
Pelicans are not rarity in the Caribbean and they’re just so damn photogenic. What’s interesting but out of focus in this photo is the wall of cactii lining the hillside behind the Pelican.
A look across the beach at Magens Bay. It should be noted for potential visitors that, although the water is quite clear, there is little to no coral in the bay. Therefore, this is not a destination for those into snorkeling. This is not to say that you will not see fish – just that it will be limited.
The area around Magens Bay beach is protected and similar to a State or Provincial Park. There is a fee of $4 USD per person to gain access for the day. Of course, there is a beach bar and restaurant.
The drive from Charlotte Amalie, and the cruise port, takes about 20 minutes and costs around $10 per person. The views along the route, that takes you up and down the mountain, are breath-taking. It should also be noted for first time visitors to the U.S.V.I. that vehicles drive on the left had side of the road.
Pelicans on a boat. Certainly this will necessitate some cleaning. The rock in the back is the uninhabited Outer Brass Island.
A Brown Booby milliseconds from hitting the water.
Lands end at a place called Peterborg.
The following HD Video features views from Mountain Top and along the beach at Magens Bay. There are two segments featuring the diving Brown Booby. Each of the two are in regular speed and slow motion.
