Here Be Crowds
Written: Nov 03 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Topical sun, sea and sand. Beautiful idyllic scenary looking out the bay.
Cons: Birds and crowds. Also crowds and birds.
The Bottom Line: Visit MB once so you can say you have been there and impress your friends. Then go visit all the other less-crowded equally idyllic beaches.
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| jcare's Full Review: Magen's Bay Beach |
Every single tour guide and "10 Things To Do And See In The Virgin Islands" lists will tell you to visit Magens Bays Beach.
Should you?
Yes - but just once.
Location, Location, Location ..
Magens Bay is situated on the Northern side of St. Thomas, about three miles from the main town Charlotte St. Amalie. If you are a cruise ship passenger the boats all dock just outside the town and its not a long ride (see hint #4). The easiest way to get to the beach is by taxicab. As a general rule of thumb, most taxi rides in St. Thomas are "20 minutes and 10 dollar per person".
The sandy part of the bay is about ¾ mile long, looking like a flattened horseshoe. It is well protected by steep woody hills on three sides, and a small island in the mouth of the bay (not swimming distance - it is way out there!) shelters the beach from most tropical winds. The sandy beach itself is not more than 50-60 feet deep from tree-line to water-line.
Facilities
Magens Bay is run by the local government, so there is a $4 per person charge to gain access and use the facilities. You'll find a restaurant with a menu of burgers, pizza, jerk chicken and salads for about $8/entrée. Service operates at true Caribbean speed so don't expect to be in and out within 20 minutes. Adjacent to the restaurant is a well-stocked store for beach items, plus there are several large restrooms and a sizable shower facility. There is also what can best be described as a shack for renting loungers, beach chairs, water mats and snorkel gear. These items run from $5-7 with a $5 deposit.
The beach does have lifeguard stations and the swim-zone extends about 120 feet into the bay. My advice is to swim out to the markers, chill out, and bask in the scenery and sunshine.
Practical Hints
#1: Bring or make your own shade, as you cannot rent umbrellas. Place your chairs close to the trees as you will really appreciate the shade in the afternoon. Sun lovers can just move forward 20 feet.
#2: Most beachgoers congregate within 50-75 yards of the rental shack as you have to carry/drag your own chairs. So if you have the energy, your own chairs or just towels you should head up to the less populated far end of the beach.
#3: You won't see much with a mask/snorkel unless you are at the extreme rocky ends of the beach. There are better places in the USVA to snorkel, so save your money on renting any equipment today.
#4: For the cruise ship crowd, check out how much the cruise line wants to charge you for a Megans Bay excursion. If it is more than $20 than take a taxicab from the wharf. There are always plenty of cabs and minivans to get you back.
#5: If not on a cruise ship, pick up any local paper or guide and see when the ships dock. Visit the beach on a cruise-ship-free day to avoid the crowds. Because it does get crowded!
#6: If you bring food - cover it. Otherwise about 100 birds will become your immediate best friends.
Overall you should visit MB so you can cross it off the Top 10 list. It is a very pleasant beach and surroundings if it weren't for all the people. I'm not sure I would ever go back there except to accompany some friends who had never visited. There are many other beaches in the USVI with equally pleasant beaches, the same sun and water, and far fewer people.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
jcare
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Southeast Pennsylvania
Reviews written: 269
Trusted by: 219 members
About Me:
Bullets can hurt people. Both in guns and PowerPoint.
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