Magens Bay facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Magens Bay Beach
View of Magens Bay
Location	Saint Thomas
Nearest city	Charlotte Amalie
Operated by	Magens Bay Authority
Status	Open all year
Designation	Public park

Magens Bay is a beautiful bay located on Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. This stunning spot in the Caribbean is famous for its calm, clear waters and a long, sandy beach. It's a favorite place for both tourists and local residents to relax and have fun.

Discover Magens Bay: A Caribbean Gem

Magens Bay is found on the northern side of Saint Thomas, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Its white sand beach stretches for almost three-quarters of a mile. The bay is shaped like a deep curve, protected by Peterborg peninsula on one side and Tropaco Point on the other. This special shape means the water inside the bay is usually very calm. Even though storms in the North Atlantic can sometimes bring bigger waves in winter, it's generally a peaceful place to swim.

What to See and Do at the Bay

While snorkeling might not be the main activity here because of the sandy bottom, you can often spot amazing sea creatures. Look out for turtles, conch shells, and different kinds of fish like tarpon. You might also see local fishing boats anchored in the eastern part of the bay.

The beach and the surrounding park are managed by the Magens Bay Authority. This group makes sure the park runs smoothly. They provide important services like lifeguards to keep everyone safe, parking areas, and clean showers and bathrooms.

You can also find a snack counter, a bar, and a souvenir shop. If you want to enjoy the water or relax on the sand, you can rent beach chairs, floats, lounge chairs, and even equipment for water sports. This includes masks and snorkels, fins, towels, lockers, paddleboards, kayaks, and paddleboats.

The Magens Bay Authority supports itself through a small entrance fee. This fee helps them pay for all the services and maintain the park. The property also includes a lovely coconut grove, a mangrove area, and an arboretum, which is like a tree garden.

Nature and Wildlife at Magens Bay

Magens Bay is not just a pretty beach; it's also an important area for nature and wildlife.

Explore the Nature Trail

In 2004, a special nature trail was opened to Magens Bay. This trail was created by The Nature Conservancy and other local groups. It's part of a large 319-acre preserve. About 25 acres of this land were specifically given for the trail.

As you walk the 1.5-mile trail, you can see many different bird species. The trail takes you through various natural environments, from the top of the hill all the way down to Magens Bay. It's a great way to experience the island's natural beauty.

A Home for Birds

A large area of 572 hectares, which includes the bay, beach, mangroves, and nearby forests, is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means it's a very significant place for birds.

Many bird species live here, including colorful green-throated caribs, tiny Antillean crested hummingbirds, Caribbean elaenias, and pearly-eyed thrashers. Protecting this area helps these birds thrive.

History of Magens Bay

Magens Bay has a rich history, with some interesting stories and important events.

A Pirate's Hideout?

Legend says that the famous English explorer and privateer, Sir Francis Drake, used Magens Bay as a safe place to anchor his ships. He supposedly waited there for other ships to pass by so he could capture them.

From Private Land to Public Park

Early maps of Saint Thomas called this area "Great Northside Bay." The name "Magens Bay" became popular because a man named Jacob Jorgenson Magens owned the land from the late 1700s through the 1800s.

Later, in the 20th century, a wealthy financier from Wall Street named Arthur S. Fairchild bought the property. In 1946, Arthur Fairchild generously donated 56 acres of the beach and surrounding areas to the local government. He wanted it to be used as a public park for everyone to enjoy. Much later, in 2002, an additional part of the western side of the bay was donated by Christine Wheaton, who was Arthur Fairchild's nephew's widow.

Magens Bay in Movies

Magens Bay's stunning scenery has made it a popular spot for filming. Several commercials and movie scenes have been shot here. For example, a scene from the movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 was filmed at Magens Bay.

Gallery

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  View of Magens Bay from overlook.

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  View from Magens Bay, facing Outer Brass.

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  View from Magens Bay, facing Tropaco Point.

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  View from Magens Bay, facing Peterborg Point.

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  Magens Bay

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  Magens Bay

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  Picnic table at Magens

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  Palm trees at Magens

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  Sunset at Magens

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  Green sea turtle at Magens