Magens Bay Beach

Water Sports & Snorkeling in Magens Bay

Sheltered by the Tropaco and Peterborg peninsulas, Magens Bay’s exceptionally calm, turquoise waters make it the premier spot for water sports. The absence of motorized personal watercraft (like jet skis) helps create a quieter setting that is typically well-suited for paddlers, swimmers and snorkelers of varying skill levels.

Start your snorkeling day early to avoid the crowds. You can rent snorkel gear ahead of time online through Magens Bay Beach Club. Green sea turtles can be found cruising through the clear, sandy center of the bay, while the rocky edges are home to colorful swimmers like angelfish and the master of disguise, the trumpetfish. 

Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from Magens Bay Yak Shak Watersports at the north end of the beach. Paddling out to sea provides a new vantage point of the surrounding preserve. Keep an eye out for brown pelicans dive bombing for their next meal just beyond the tip of your board. 

Hiking & Wildlife 

For hikers, the 2.4-mile Discovery Nature Trail offers an intimate look at the diverse ecosystems that make this part of the U.S. Virgin Islands so special. The trail can be accessed from two trailheads: One at the top of Magens Bay Rd. (ideal for drop-off) and another south of Magens Bay Rd., on the eastern edge of the beach. From the upper trailhead, pause at the scenic overlook before heading down the path. Portions of the descent follow a wooden boardwalk, guiding you through tropical forest and mangrove habitats before reconnecting with the shoreline.

Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, the watershed preserve is a birder’s paradise. Keep an eye out for brown boobies searching for a meal offshore. Deep within the canopy, watch for the vibrant yellow throat or tiny but mighty northern parula. Nature lovers should visit the 5-acre Magens Bay Arboretum just east of the south side of the beach, featuring hundreds of bird species and 160 rare tree species like the genip, otherwise known as Spanish lime. 

Beach Rentals & Dining 

If your primary goal is relaxation, Magens Bay is built for effortless lounging — the kind where you kick off your sandals and bury your toes deep into the cool, smooth sand. Visitors can reserve shaded beach chairs and cabanas through Magens Bay Beach Club on Magens Bay Rd. to secure a prime spot for rays, sandcastle building and swimming.  

When hunger strikes, head to the north side of the bay where the popular Magens Point Bar and Grill offers classic Caribbean and pub fare like crispy fish and chips or coconut shrimp. Next door, Fairchild’s Beach Bar & Grill has fresh tuna bowls, fried sweet plantains and frosty piña coladas.