Maho Bay

Maho is the shallowest and calmest of St John's north shore beaches, with the road running right along the back of it so you can park and be in the water in seconds. The bay is floored with seagrass, and green turtles come in to graze on it constantly, often within twenty or thirty metres of the shore, along with spotted eagle rays and the occasional nurse shark. Because it is so easy and so reliable, it has become the busiest turtle spot on the island, which brings its own problem: people crowd the animals, and park staff have had to be increasingly firm about keeping distance.

The landscape

• Green turtles - grazing on the seagrass close to shore.
• Spotted eagle rays - moving across the sandy patches.
• The shallow calm water - the easiest snorkelling on the island.
• Donkeys and deer - both roam the roadside here.

When to go

December to April is the dry season. Early morning is calmest and least crowded, and turtles are active through the day. Winter ground swell affects the north shore, though Maho is more sheltered than most.

What to expect

Turtles are protected and must not be touched, chased or blocked from surfacing; the crowding here has become a genuine problem and fines are possible. Parking along the road is very limited and fills by mid-morning. There are no facilities and no lifeguard. The seagrass makes the bottom murky when stirred up.

Nearby

Cinnamon Bay is five minutes west; Leinster Bay is further east.

Key facts