Magens Bay
Magens Bay
4.5
About
This horseshoe-shaped tropical beach is perfect for all manner of activities, from kayaking and water sports to sunbathing and picnicking. Besides working on a tan, locals also recommend hiking along the nature trails for spectacular ocean views from the scenic hillsides—especially from the Mountain Top lookout. As Magens Bay is a popular port of call for cruises and a frequent stop on island tours, it does get busy. If you're looking for some peace and privacy, target the fringe areas and visit on weekdays. There's also an entry fee to the beach. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Magens Bay
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
128 within 3 miles
Attractions
82 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- lisakc72Binghamton, New York4 contributionsStunning beach worth a visit!Beautiful beach, decent parking, bathroom facilities, food & bar. Loved being able to sit in our beach chairs ($20 to rent per person) and have a waitress bring us drinks. We went twice during the week, first time the water & waves were very mild. Water was a bit choppier toward end of week even though there were no storms. Still was better than Morningstar beach and Sapphire beach was covered in seaweed in the water and on beach! Magens is a bit busier when cruise ships are in port as well. Beware of gnats tho, got bit up pretty good the 2nd time we went.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 18, 2023
- Stanley YAnnandale, Virginia242 contributionsCruise excursion self directedWe have been here many times pre-Covid. From the cruise terminal the taxi/pick up truck ride was $8 per person each way. They modify pick up trucks by adding a couple rows of seats to the bed. It looks like a safari vehicle. I did see some more typical shuttle buses/vans in the parking lot there but not sure where they came from. Two chairs and umbrella was $20, credit card only. The water was calm. The shore has been more organized with well defined smoking area. There was a life guard who was hell bent on keeping people out of his pathway to the water. It was not clearly marked and he could have been nicer. Looks like the area is now completely under the control of the US Park Dept. Not very crowded even with 2 cruise ships in port.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 26, 2023
- Sydney SloneColumbus, Ohio22 contributionsPretty beach but not good for snorkelingBeautiful beach that wasn’t too packed. Had a strip for those with a wheelchair to go on the beach. Pretty blue water but was too cloudy to see much snorkeling unless you go fairly far off the beach. $7 entry fee and $2 to park if you have a car.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 19, 2023
- DCBrit40London, United Kingdom147 contributionsLovely beach with all facilities, but not cheap and could be crowded if multiple cruise ships in dock.Lovely bay, long beautiful beach and calm sea. All facilities provided - restrooms, food & drink. Some reviews say beach is crowded but we went on a Sunday with only one cruise ship in dock. We got to the beach at 9.30 and had plenty of choice for beds, which were $20 each so not cheap on top of $7 entry and $12 each way by taxi.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 14, 2024
- Joelle S13 contributionsBeautiful beach, average experienceDefinitely nothing short of a really beautiful beach. But it is a VERY touristy spot for sure making it a little crammed and busy. There was an entrance fee of about $7 and chair rentals were $20 each. Although it is definitely a solid spot to go to the beach, I think there are other better, less expensive, and less crowded places you can use your time to visit.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 28, 2024
- Kristie B3 contributionsBeautiful beach with tasty foodBeautiful beach, LOVE the fish tacos. Probably the best I’ve ever had. Things are pricey as this is a tourist beach, check cruise ships schedule before going!! You pay $2 to park and then $7 per adult to get admission to the beach. Nothing is included with this fee aside from the public bathroom which was stinky. There are some picnic tables on the beach and trees provide shade. You can rent 2 chairs & an umbrella for $40/day or bring your own!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 15, 2024
- Bunk347115 contributionsBeautiful Beach and ViewsBeautiful, long beach. Swimming is great. Snorkeling is not very good. Has beach bar, food, bathrooms and changing areas. Can get quite crowded when several cruise ships are in port. Well worth a visit.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2024
- Melanie S7 contributionsGorgeous beachThis is an amazingly gorgeous white sands blue waters beach. A must see. Make sure to go when not a lot of cruise ships are in port as it does get very busy unless you are from a cruise ship.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 6, 2024
- Shana NHuntington, New York49 contributionsBeautiful beach with chairs and lunch!Though there were quite a few people, I was able to rent a chair 💺 and umbrella right near the restaurant. The beach was stunning, clean, and the water was crystal clear. The view was incredible. Had fish tacos 🌮 for lunch that were pricey but delicious. Everyone around me was so friendly - had great conversations but was also able to read and relax. The sunset was beautiful. The view of the bay from the lookout is spectacular. Great afternoon!Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 16, 2024
- West B10 contributionsScenically Astonishing!!We got lucky and the two times we went the cruise ships people were leaving so it was later in the day. We also rented an AirbnB that sits right over the Bay so the view of it is beautiful to wake up to every morning. The beach is clean, they have one concession stand for food and one bar, bathrooms, showers, and gift shop. My partner got to see a Sea Turtle as he was snorkeling, I myself got to see a huge Sting Ray swim by me which was terrifying and cool. It’s a more family friendly beach, quiet no music unless you bring your own. My only issue despite me rating it a 5 (its just visually so beautiful) were the chair and umbrella rentals were priced high (like $20 for 1 chair).Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,171 reviews
Excellent
3,800
Very good
1,515
Average
577
Poor
153
Terrible
126
Hayleigh Peters
Myrtle Beach, SC8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Magans Bay is supposed to be one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. While it is a beautiful beach, in my opinion it's not as beautiful as many of the other beaches I've been to on the Southern Caribbean cruise I'm currently on. So far my experience at this beach has been nothing but negative.
First of all, we asked for a taxi at the port. The taxi that we were directed to was a pickup truck that appeared to be shoddily maintained and had been outfitted with several rows of seats in the bed which had no seatbelts. In addition, the ride was legitimately frightening as the driver drove much too fast for our comfort up and down the curvy roads, and we could smell the burning oil of the truck as it struggled up the hills. There was absolutely no regard for passenger safety.
Then, when we arrived at Magens Beach, we stopped at the entrance to pay the entrance fee of $5 per person. The woman taking payment shorted our group one ticket even though everyone had paid their $5. When she was made aware of this, she accused someone of not paying and became very confrontational and snotty. She finally handed over the ticket, but not until she has left a very negative impression on all in our group.
Next we got out of the truck and went down to the beach, which was quite crowded and had a chaotic feel. We were told to go inside to the shop to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Upon doing so we realized that in addition to the $8 per lounge chair rental fee, they also require a $5 per chair deposit which will be refunded after the chairs are returned to the stacks near the shop. The cost to rent an umbrella was astronomical, as they wanted $20 for one umbrella including the deposit.
After paying for our lounge chair rentals we went back out to the beach where there were stacks of chairs, and although there were several men standing around, they would only help the guests carry and place their chairs for a $5 tip. This is in stark contrast to all of the other Caribbean beaches I've been to on this cruise, where the beach workers are eager to assist their guests with their chairs and where no deposit is required. As a result, at Magans Beach, there were many people dragging their own beach chairs around to try to find a spot for them. Even older couples were having to carry and drag their own chairs, and when a member of my group went over to help an older gentleman lift and carry his chairs, they were told by one of the lazy workers standing nearby to move because they were blocking a busy business area.
Based on my experience I would not recommend Magans Beach, nor would I go there again myself. The staff were rude, lazy, and not accomodating. It seemed that making money was the only thing any of them cared about, and they didn't care to display kindness or helpfulness. And the beach itself wasn't that impressive in my opinion. Carlisle Beach in Barbados, or Long Bay Beach in Tortola were so much more beautiful than Magans Bay, and with much more helpful staff. I'd recommend going elsewhere.
First of all, we asked for a taxi at the port. The taxi that we were directed to was a pickup truck that appeared to be shoddily maintained and had been outfitted with several rows of seats in the bed which had no seatbelts. In addition, the ride was legitimately frightening as the driver drove much too fast for our comfort up and down the curvy roads, and we could smell the burning oil of the truck as it struggled up the hills. There was absolutely no regard for passenger safety.
Then, when we arrived at Magens Beach, we stopped at the entrance to pay the entrance fee of $5 per person. The woman taking payment shorted our group one ticket even though everyone had paid their $5. When she was made aware of this, she accused someone of not paying and became very confrontational and snotty. She finally handed over the ticket, but not until she has left a very negative impression on all in our group.
Next we got out of the truck and went down to the beach, which was quite crowded and had a chaotic feel. We were told to go inside to the shop to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Upon doing so we realized that in addition to the $8 per lounge chair rental fee, they also require a $5 per chair deposit which will be refunded after the chairs are returned to the stacks near the shop. The cost to rent an umbrella was astronomical, as they wanted $20 for one umbrella including the deposit.
After paying for our lounge chair rentals we went back out to the beach where there were stacks of chairs, and although there were several men standing around, they would only help the guests carry and place their chairs for a $5 tip. This is in stark contrast to all of the other Caribbean beaches I've been to on this cruise, where the beach workers are eager to assist their guests with their chairs and where no deposit is required. As a result, at Magans Beach, there were many people dragging their own beach chairs around to try to find a spot for them. Even older couples were having to carry and drag their own chairs, and when a member of my group went over to help an older gentleman lift and carry his chairs, they were told by one of the lazy workers standing nearby to move because they were blocking a busy business area.
Based on my experience I would not recommend Magans Beach, nor would I go there again myself. The staff were rude, lazy, and not accomodating. It seemed that making money was the only thing any of them cared about, and they didn't care to display kindness or helpfulness. And the beach itself wasn't that impressive in my opinion. Carlisle Beach in Barbados, or Long Bay Beach in Tortola were so much more beautiful than Magans Bay, and with much more helpful staff. I'd recommend going elsewhere.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa T
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This was our last cruise topped at 8 other islands. This Beach was the worst! We had a taxi that was built in the back of a F150. When you pull in he starts taking money from everyone for the $5 admit fee to the beach. Not in order, disorganized, after all in my row had paid one didn't get an admit ticket and the girl said she gave all the tickets that were paid. When I listed the currency each of us gave her, she still was adamant that she gave out the correct tickets that were paid. I said this is a joke (because of the disorganized method of paying). She proceeded to yell at me and say it's not a joke and continued to yell at me while we were pulling away. That's just the tip of the problems with this place. To rent chairs and umbrellas you go in there boutique where they charge you for the chairs etc and deposits on every item that you get when you bring them back. You go out to get your Beach items and the guys are just unstacking them on the beach and making you drag your chairs wherever you can find a space but not in their area. If you want them to do it for you it's an extra $5. I saw older people dragging chairs and digging holes for their umbrellas so I went over to offer help to one man and because we didn't move fast enough out of his area he yelled to get out of his work area it's too busy. His picture is on here. You will see the Hodge podge of chairs everywhere in the pics. This is the top ten WORST beaches. I expected more with it being a US island. All other islands we visited, people were so nice and organized. Just stay on the ship it's not worth it! PS all other Beach goers felt the same way!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sylvia G
Cedar Hill, TX945 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
The beach is pretty and in this beach. You can see fishes all over. This sand sinks in more as you walk into the water but once you get in the water. You do not sink in. We came on a Sunday and was not packed at all. They have a covered area with tables, benches and grills to cook out in. The drinks were so so and the chicken strips and fries had no flavor. The shop has all sorts of stuff that could be useful when we forget things. Overall it was a good place. Just need to work on the food. The entrance is $5 per person and they open form 8am-5pm. After that, you can stay but the rental place closes at 4:30pm and lifeguards are no longer present.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike s
Richboro, PA21 contributions
Feb 2020
We hired a taxi with a group right off the cruise ship Stopped at an overlook to take pictures and then down the mountain to the beach. We went first thing in the morning as it started to get crowded a little later. Just a beautiful setting tiny waves. Took cold drinks and a snack off the ship. There are bathrooms/showers and a bar/pub type facility. We only stayed a couple of hours so as not get to much sun/burnt.
We have never seen/experienced such beautiful sand and water
We have never seen/experienced such beautiful sand and water
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjsfun
Austin, TX5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This beach was beautiful and safe. They charge $5 (cash) per person to enter, well worth the fee. They have a snack bar with hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, veggie burger, salads, etc...
Fully stocked bar.
We took in our own bottled water and adult beverages (no glass!!!)
Be sure and take beach towels to sit on and something for shade, very little natural shade. If you get to the beach near 10am your beach options for shade are much better.
Fully stocked bar.
We took in our own bottled water and adult beverages (no glass!!!)
Be sure and take beach towels to sit on and something for shade, very little natural shade. If you get to the beach near 10am your beach options for shade are much better.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G3760GOrichardm
Marlton, NJ381 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Yes it is a beautiful beach it is short from the water to the shoreline it’s a narrow beach but long. We found no problem finding a good spot. The problem is when the cruise ship people arrive they want to plant themselves right in front of your beautiful view. Couple times my wife asked people to please move over. Like a herd of wild animals free from the ship finally stand your ground ladies it’s a beautiful beach the depth of the water is shallow there is a little drop just when you hit the water. Which was beautiful. Lots of parking for people with cars the lawn furniture which looks like it hasn’t been replaced in 20 years but they worked. You have to pay in advance and get money back when you return the chairs. We rented an umbrella and two lounge chairs $65 when we return everything they give us 30 back. We tipped the guy 10 bucks to find us a good spot and plant our umbrella in the sand well worth the 10 bucks. The snack bar they do their best but don’t expect it to look like luxury. It’s adequate let’s leave it at that my wife said the bathroom is clean that’s all that was important. We had a great time but as I said get there early by 1 o’clock the cruise ship people were trying to plop themselves in front of us if we stepped away from our chairs we would have lost everything we had set up people would just park in front of you. I forgot one more thing they have a cocktail waitress or beach waitress getting drinks for people doing a lot of hard work but doing a great job looking good in her bathing suit she was very friendly and professional
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GRZ
Chicago, IL11,708 contributions
Jun 2020
There are many great beaches around the world, around Caribbean and within USVI territory but what makes Magens Bay unique is its scale! This place is astounding whom the distance (I recommend stopping by on the way here or out at the Drake's Seat or better Mountain Top to fully experience Magens Bay) but it's not until you get on the beach is where you realize how big the beach stretch and the surrounding "rock walls" nestling the water are!
Beautiful, tranquil, peaceful and with plenty of room. I usually don't fall for super popular places, especially beaches but this place deserves its praise! It's definitely something and while at it it provides plenty of room for fun in the sun! :)
Small fee ($5 per person + $2 per car) to enter prevents crowds from flooding it (at least a bit I bet); plenty of parking spots and clean restrooms/wash rooms come included. There is also a bar and a fast food place (first pretty decent, latter pretty mediocre but does the trick for the day on the beach).
Beautiful, tranquil, peaceful and with plenty of room. I usually don't fall for super popular places, especially beaches but this place deserves its praise! It's definitely something and while at it it provides plenty of room for fun in the sun! :)
Small fee ($5 per person + $2 per car) to enter prevents crowds from flooding it (at least a bit I bet); plenty of parking spots and clean restrooms/wash rooms come included. There is also a bar and a fast food place (first pretty decent, latter pretty mediocre but does the trick for the day on the beach).
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventix
Boston, MA1,974 contributions
Dec 2019
It is a beautiful beach about 30-minute drive from where the cruise ship docks. Entrance cost only for adults. There is a lifeguard, but I would not bet on him to save you as the there are hundreds of people and the lifeguard station is not raised above ground, so his view is limited. Restrooms with running water next to the entrance. You can buy bar food and drinks on spot or from one of the service people running around. Beach chairs and sun umbrellas can be rented on spot.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lev740
Sacramento, CA105 contributions
Sep 2021
St .Thomas Magen’s beach
Our Celebrity Equinox was diverted on September 9, 2021 from stop at St. John’s, Antigua due to the COVID 19.
Purchased city sightseeing and Magen’s beach stop from the ship for $69/person. Twelve passengers loaded the open (safari type) taxi for about 30 minutes ride to the beach. Our driver (taxi number 032) presented us with a short history of the island and after dropping us for 2.5 hrs at the beach brought us back to the ship with more historical facts and stops for photos. By the way, umbrellas at the beach could be rented for $12 and chairs for $6 or bigger one for $8. Park fee is $5 and parking fee is $2. As a part on the tour we were not required to pay park fees.
Not sure what cost could be if we would arrange this trip at the shore without the cruise line. Unfortunately due to the last minute changes in the cruise itinerary I did not have any chances to check things out for the better options.
Good travels.
Our Celebrity Equinox was diverted on September 9, 2021 from stop at St. John’s, Antigua due to the COVID 19.
Purchased city sightseeing and Magen’s beach stop from the ship for $69/person. Twelve passengers loaded the open (safari type) taxi for about 30 minutes ride to the beach. Our driver (taxi number 032) presented us with a short history of the island and after dropping us for 2.5 hrs at the beach brought us back to the ship with more historical facts and stops for photos. By the way, umbrellas at the beach could be rented for $12 and chairs for $6 or bigger one for $8. Park fee is $5 and parking fee is $2. As a part on the tour we were not required to pay park fees.
Not sure what cost could be if we would arrange this trip at the shore without the cruise line. Unfortunately due to the last minute changes in the cruise itinerary I did not have any chances to check things out for the better options.
Good travels.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramadama
New Providence, NJ2,917 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
This is one of the best beaches in the Carribean and maybe in the top 15 of the world. It is a long beach with beige sand, no rocks or seaweed in the water. It is a relatively calm beach...no big waves. It's easy to walk on the beach. They have 2 bathrooms, showers with semi salty water to rinse off the salty water and sand. There is a casual food and drink hut. The food is pricey...$14.50 for a cheeseburger with fries and $9 for a mediocre margarita where the bar tenders are on the rude side. The food was tasty and the staff was very nice. The beach has beach chairs and other things for rent. They charge $5/ adult to swim there and $2/ car to park your car. A must visit when in St Thomas.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it easy to get taxis to and from the Havensight Port for cruise passengers? Or would you recommend pre-arranging with Ship?
Written November 5, 2022
Get a taxi and when your being driven to the beach make arrangements with that driver to come back at a prearranged time to drive to back to the ship. If you leave early no harm.. You will never see them again..
Written December 13, 2022
Is it easy to take a taxi from the cruise port to the beach and back to your cruise ship or do you recommend a tour
Written October 4, 2022
There are drivers (vans) at the port lined up to take you there. They usually carry 10-12 travellers. They will also arrange a return time to take you all back to port so no worries about finding a return drive. It’s a beautiful beach- we enjoyed our time off ship there. if you want to see more of the island you should book a tour.
Written October 5, 2022
A Tripadvisor member
Denver, Colorado
I believe it does not. They have no wifi either, and they encourage conversation and laughter, not computer stuff. I loved it. I personally don't have a cell phone and for computer I go to my local library. It so amazing any way why would you need TV. Kind regards, Friscoboy.
Written June 30, 2021
Michelle Elliott-Gray
Dallas, Georgia
Does anyone know if Magens Bay Beach is a beautiful beach to have a small wedding? Also is there an Entrance/Site Fee?
Written February 12, 2020
It’s a beautiful beach and there was a couple on the beach next to us getting married. There was just the couple, the witnesses, the “justice of the peace”, the steel drum musician and the photographer. We thought they were off the Princess cruise ship. There were also all the people walking the beach and our 4 sitting at the next picnic table.
There is a $5pp and $2 per car admission.
Written February 22, 2020
Hi! I've read that you can't use sunscreen if you want to go in the ocean at this beach, is this true???
Written February 8, 2020
In general, sunscreen is very dangerous for coral and marine life. Try to purchase a sunscreen that is reef safe!
Written March 3, 2020
Getting a ride there and back was easy - no fuss. There are a steady flow of large open air group "taxis" that leave to/from Magen's Bay once they're full. The fare for each way was $8US (I believe that's correct … but not 100% sure - in that price range). They accommodate approximately 20 people - four rows of five passengers. It appears well organized.
Written February 15, 2020
How far is Magens Bay from Charlotte Amalie ? Taxi ?
Written January 5, 2020
Yes, about 30 min. It’s not far via miles, but those roads are twisty turny! 😀. Carribbean!
Written January 26, 2020
What’s the best way to secure your personal belongings when you’re there? Are there lockers? Does anyone recommend a waterproof case to hold cell phone and money?
Written December 7, 2019
We put our beach bag on a picnic table in plain sightand felt safe. No lockers. Check online for a waterproof cell case. Waterpark goers usually have a plastic case on a string around their neck for essentials. We used no cash that day as our excursion was prepaid. We wore our suits under our clothes.
Written December 11, 2019
A quelle distance du port est cette plage et combien coûte la location de chaises et/ou parasols?
Written November 28, 2019
Le port est à 30 minutes en voiture de la plage. Les chaises coûtent moins de 10,00 $ chacune. Je ne me souviens pas du coût des parasols.
Written December 5, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 108
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing