How to Get to Magens Bay Without a Ship Excursion

Magens Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Even more, it is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (along with Trunk Bay)! The beach is located on the Atlantic side of the island and features a 3/4 mile white sand beach and gorgeous, calm turquoise water.

Magens Bay is paradise! It is exactly what you picture when you close your eyes and imagine the Caribbean- complete with tropical drinks and turquoise waters. Getting to the beach is relatively easy, even without booking an excursion. Cabs and shuttles are cheap and easy to acquire.

Magens Bay- For the History Buffs

Early maps of St. Thomas refer to the bay as “Great Northside Bay”. Pretty boring, right? It wasn’t until the vice governor Jacob Jorgenson Magens and his decedents took ownership of the land that surrounded the bay took on a new name.

During the 20th century, the land changed hands from the Magens to Arthur Fairchild, a Wall Street financier. Fairchild donated 56 acres of the beach and surrounding area to St. Thomas and St. John under the stipulation that the land be used as a public park.

Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake used Magens Bay as an anchorage while waiting for ships to plunder.

How Do I Get to Magens Bay?

Every single cruise line offers excursions to Magens Bay. They typically give you about 2 hours at this beach, although some may offer a little bit more time on the sand. If you are booking an excursion, try to book the earliest one possible. The beach can be crowded, especially when there are multiple ships in port.

Pro Tip: If you arrive to the beach on a busy day, walk to the far left of the semi-circle. You’ll find that this part of the beach is a lot less crowded!

How Do I Get to Magens Bay on My Own?

There are plenty of taxis and shuttles waiting at the port, whether you pull into Havensight or Crown Bay. Follow signs for the taxi stand and link up with a driver.

The taxi fare from Havensight to the beach is about $8 per person. If you are traveling in a larger group, you can ask if they can offer you a discount. Magens Bay is about 15-20 minutes from Havensight. The cost and travel time is about the same from Crown Bay.

Beach Fees

$5 per person for visitors, $2 per person for locals
Kids under 12 are free

If you are going to the beach on your own, make sure you have cash on you. They will gladly accept your USD. If you are going with an excursion, the cost should be rolled into your excursion fee.

Learn more about the Best Beaches in St. Thomas.

Once You’re There

One of the best parts of Magens Bay is all of the amenities that are available here. There’s a snack cart, bar, and souvenir shop.

There is also a rental shop where you can rent:

• • Beach chairs

• • Lounge chairs

• • Floats

• • Snorkel gear

• • Paddleboards

• • Kayaks

The rental of this equipment does require a deposit however, it will be refunded when you return the equipment.

One of the perks is having waitstaff walking along the beach to take drink orders.

There is also a 1 1/2 mile trail, a coconut grove, mangrove, and an arboretum.

When You’re Ready to Head Back to the Ship

When you’re ready to head back to the ship, simply go back to the entrance. There will be taxis and shuttles waiting to take you back. The cost will be about $8 (the same you paid to get there).

It is important to leave some cushion time when you’re heading into town on your own. If you do not book an excursion through your cruise line, they do not have to wait for you to board the ship if you’re running behind.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!