Just curious, years ago Maho and Francis bays used to be so busy and full of boats. Thinking most recently 2013-2015 (and probably earlier) time frame. I remember you could barely get a mooring ball. Then maybe 2016-2017 it just seemed to taper off and since then it’s always empty. All times of the year.

Wondering if any local sailors have any input. Did something change? It went from always full to basically always empty.

We still love maho, and sure it is great not worrying about getting a mooring.

It was at capacity in the Spring with the COVID refugees. Multiple Salty Dawg rallies cleared it out a bit. It's seasonally busy. The big holidays there are many Puerto Rican boats. We have a mooring ball in Coral Bay, but Maho is our favorite anchorage.

Cheers, RickG

We sailed the USVI late July. Maho/Francis was extremely busy - more boats than our recent January trips. The anchored mega yacht, partying until 3am with loud house music and searchlights, was a nice touch. Sarcasm intended.

Late July the Puerto Ricans celebrate their Christmas in July. With the BVI closed they could not do their mega raft-up in Savannah Bay Virgin Gorda. There are new protocols requiring a quarantine for PR boats that will impact how busy the anchorages are.

Cheers, RickG