Megan’s Bay Overnight

Headed down with my wife and kids for an 8-day charter with CYOA in two weeks. Our first USVI-only trip and we’re really looking forward to it. I’ve long been curious to try Megan’s Bay for an overnight and would be grateful for input from those of you with experience there...both as an overnight anchorage and as a place to enjoy the beach, snorkeling and any other on-shore diversions.

Shifty

It's a very nice anchorage, but not when there's a north swell (so I'm told - never tried it then). Sometimes a little noisy by day, but very quiet after sunset. Avoid the shoal area in the middle - most boats come in along the 'left' side of the bay (NE) to be sure. Anchor just off the no-boats buoy line. Shore access by dinghy is on the left side of the beach. The restaurant serves great pizza. Snorkeling has been cloudy when we've been there. Great place for a walk on the beach.

We have just returned from a USVI-only trip that included an overnight in Magens Bay. There was a slight northeastern swell, but the depth of the bay helped to calm the water before it reached the anchorage. The day we were there (a Friday) was fairly crowded and managing anchoring was a little tricky for some that arrived later in the day. We were able to get a spot close enough to swim in and enjoy the beach. There is a nice little beach bar at Magens, but it does close at 5:00PM. Best of luck and enjoy!

There is plenty of room no matter how many vessels are there - it is a very peaceful anchorage- nice snorkeling on the west shoreline - great beach bar, totally sandy bottom, set your anchor with plenty of scope and snorkel it.
It is MAGENS bay - named for the Danish family who owned it as a plantation long before Arthur Fairchild gave it to the People of The USVI.
Be aware of 'Orken Rock' off Picara Point if approaching from the east.

The small shallow spot that FlJim mentions is about 6-7' deep. Just favor the north side of the bay as you're entering then turn south as you approach the swim buoys and find an open area to anchor. There is so much room in the bay that I'm always surprised to see folks anchored unnecessarily close to each other. If you want some privacy, just drop the hook in 8-10' (near the shallow spot) about 0.4 miles off the beach.

There always seems to be at least one boat waterskiing back and forth near the swim buoys, weaving between the anchored boats.

The dinghy lane is on the far left (north) side of the beach. You can drop off your crew then you have to anchor your dinghy near the small fishing boats moored about 30 yards from shore.

You can bring a cooler ashore, but no bottles - only cans.

With the latest Covid restrictions, I believe the beach closes at 4 pm on Sat and Sun.

Thanks, Gang. Solid Counsel. I think we will add it to our itinerary next week.

Unless it changes all USVI Beaches including Magens only close at 4 pm on Sat - Sun and Holidays -- basically to prevent large gatherings late in the day on weekends.

Just left STT land based had great time. Never spent any time at Magens before but spent whole day on beach there - the beach was beautiful and not overly crowded or noisy. The restaurant serves good pizza, drinks and we had a great time. All beaches in USVI do close at 4 o’clock on Saturday Sunday and public holidays and face masks required to enter any restaurant Or bar but everything was open, busy and Close to “normal”

Woke up early and now reporting from Magens Bay. Very little boat traffic during our visit. Anchored in the southwest corner. A little roll tonight, even in a cat, but lovely. The beach is not particularly tender-friendly, although a lifeguard did direct us to a spot at the far south end of the beach.

We loved Magen's Bay and almost didn't go because of some negative reports we had read about Jet Skis and noise. It was very peaceful when we were there but just enough activity on the beach and at the bar/restaurant to not make you feel totally secluded. We were there on a Sunday. The bar/restaurant did close at 4:00 but by then we were ready to go back to the boat. If you anchor just off the swim buoys you can swim ashore. Do not try to paddle board right into the beach. They are very strict about any type of crafts accessing the beach besides from the far end (north side) of the beach and then you can unload but have to anchor your dinghy out. We suggest swimming ashore...much easier.