How to Get to Maho Bay, St. John (2026 Season Guide)

Maho Bay is about 5 miles (roughly 15 minutes) from Cruz Bay along the North Shore Road (Route 20). Take the ferry to Cruz Bay, then a taxi, or drive yourself and park along the roadside. There is no amenity fee, unlike Trunk Bay.

Quick Answer

• Distance: ~5 miles / ~15 min drive from Cruz Bay on Route 20
• Taxi Cruz Bay → Maho Bay: $12 per person (2+ riders) or $17 solo, per the VI Taxicab Commission schedule
• Ferry to St. John: Red Hook → Cruz Bay ~20 min, $8.15 (VI DPW)
• Fee: none. Maho is part of Virgin Islands National Park, but the amenity fee applies only at Trunk Bay (NPS)
• Amenities: Maho Crossroads across the road, with food, drinks and gear rentals

Getting There Step by Step

1. Ferry to Cruz Bay from Red Hook ($8.15, ~20 min) or Charlotte Amalie ($13, ~45 min). See the passenger ferry guide.
2. Taxi or drive along the North Shore Road past Hawksnest, Trunk and Cinnamon bays.
3. Arrive at Maho. The road runs right beside the beach.

Cost Comparison

Check the full St. John taxi rate sheet.

Parking Rules (Read This)

Parking is along the North Shore Road. All tires and mirrors must be off the roadway behind the white line, and you can't park where it's posted. Tickets start around $125 (Explore STJ). Arrive before 10 AM on busy days.

What Makes Maho Special

• Calm, shallow water. It's one of the best beaches on St. John for kids and new snorkelers
• Sea turtles often graze the seagrass beds. Keep your distance and never touch
• Shade trees right on the sand

Explore more on our St. John beaches page and in the St. John snorkeling guide.

Local Tips

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, since the USVI bans harmful sunscreen ingredients
• Pick up lunch or rent a paddleboard at Maho Crossroads
• Pair it with Francis Bay next door for a quieter afternoon

Our Recommendation: Book Your Boat With QuestVI.com

The easiest, most reliable way to get there is to book your boat on QuestVI.com. We are a local team on St. Thomas and St. John, and we compare 180+ vetted charters, so you do not have to juggle ferry timetables, customs lines and taxi rides.

• Every option in one place: private, shared and BVI day trips side by side, with real prices and live availability
• Vetted local captains who know the moorings, the swell and the customs process
• Secure online booking with instant confirmation
• Any day of the week, with no waiting for limited ferry schedules
• Local help from people who live here, if you are not sure which boat fits your group

Find your boat on QuestVI.com → or get matched with Find My Charter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for Maho Bay?

No. The NPS amenity fee applies at Trunk Bay, not Maho.

How much is a taxi from Cruz Bay to Maho Bay?

$12 per person with two or more riders, or $17 for a single rider.

Can you see turtles at Maho Bay?

Often, yes, especially over the seagrass in the morning.

Is there parking at Maho Bay?

Roadside only, along the North Shore Road, and tickets are strictly enforced.

How far is Maho Bay from Cruz Bay?

About 5 miles, roughly a 15-minute drive.

Make a Day of It

Want turtles and reefs without the parking hunt? Browse St. John charters that snorkel the North Shore.