Mahogany Bay

Mahogany Bay is the southern part of Paynes Bay in St James, on the sheltered west coast. The water is usually calm and clear, which makes it easy for swimming and floating, and pools edged by coral reef are good for snorkelling among tropical fish. Hotels line the sand, and there is a public walkway down to the beach with picnic benches looking out at passing sailboats and catamarans.

Paynes Bay is one of the west coast's best places to see sea turtles, and catamaran trips stop here to snorkel with them, usually in the morning. Watch quietly and don't touch or chase them. The Paynes Bay fish market by the public access is handy for fresh fish if you're cooking, and The Cliff, one of the island's best-known restaurants, sits at the south end of the bay.