Sargassum at Maho Bay (St John): the morning's verdict
Clear
Chill, a few traces
Maho Bay is St John's turtle beach: a shallow, roadside cove on the north shore where seagrass meadows draw grazing turtles within a few strokes of the sand. The water often sits lagoon-flat, a favourite with families.
Before you come to watch for shells breaking the surface, look up the morning's verdict: the bay collects its rating between 0 and 5 at the start of each day, built on the latest satellite pass, with the north St John sector map alongside.
Maho Bay on the sargassum map
What to know about this beach
Tucked at the back of an indentation opening north-west, Maho Bay stacks up protections: the island shields it from the sargassum-bearing easterlies, and its recessed position softens whatever is drifting offshore. Of the trio it forms with Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay, it has the reputation for the gentlest water.
The trade-off lies in its shallowness: any clump of weed that makes it past the entrance tends to strand on the flats rather than ride back out with the current. Episodes are rare here, but they can linger a few days longer than elsewhere on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the turtles when sargassum is in?
The seagrass they graze lies close to shore, so a surface mat quickly spoils both the viewing and the swimming. On a low rating conditions are ideal again; trust the morning reading.
Is the bay still family-friendly on a mid-range day?
The water stays shallow and calm, but incoming weed tends to sit near the shoreline, which makes wading less pleasant. Check the map and head for a neighbouring cove if needed.
Why do deposits sometimes linger longer here?
Blame the shallows: whatever crosses the mouth of the bay strands on the flats instead of riding back out with the current. An episode can outlast the arrival itself by a few days.
Maho Bay or Cinnamon Bay for today's swim?
They share the same sheltered coast. Maho has the name for stiller water, Cinnamon for space: compare their morning ratings and pick by the mood you are after.
When are arrivals most likely?
During the regional season, spring through late summer. Even then this recessed cove remains one of the least affected on St John, short episodes aside.