Maho Bay Camps

We stayed at this eco-lodge, which was founded in the 1970s on a piece of private land surrounded by the national park.  Around 100 tent cabins sprinkled around the hill are connected by a network of boardwalks, to prevent soil compression and leave natural vegetation in place.  The tent cabins offer simple accommodations and camping-style cooking facilities (propane stove, cooler, dishes & utensils).  Water conservation is easy when you have to haul a 5-gallon jug from the spigot and hike to the bathhouse!  The cabin was cleverly designed with screens on all sides to admit a tropical breeze any time one was blowing, and equipped with ceiling fans when one wasn't.  Geckos kept the insect population down.  One night I was awakened when a gecko lost its grip and fell on my head.


The central lodge area offered a restaurant, camp store, activities desk, and a shop that sold art made from recycled materials, especially glass.  The "swap shelf" was a lively spot where departing guests left things for others to re-use.  Magazines, books, groceries, leftover pizza, and boogie boards disappeared quickly.  Boardwalks led to a nice beach with some snorkeling spots and water sports rentals.

Our tent cabin was high on the hill, which meant we had a breathtaking hike (literally) but also a breathtaking view (figuratively).   These morning and evening photos were taken from the yoga pavilion on the way to our tent cabin.  Many boats anchor in Maho Bay overnight because it is protected from the prevailing winds.  The brightly lit island in the distance is St. Thomas, which is more developed.

We traveled in and out of camp to hikes, beaches, or dinner in town in taxis that were converted pickup truck--most often in Frett's shuttle, which ran to and from Cruz Bay on a schedule matching the ferry arrivals.  Shuttle trips were a good chance to meet fellow guests and swap notes about the day's activities or sea life sighted on snorkel trips.  We enjoyed talking with the interesting people who had chosen to stay here when we met them at the dining pavilion or the beach

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