blue_water

That is an early start and an active day! Thanks for your great feedback to everyone - very helpful indeed! ❤️

Aah, so you do NOT have time for STJ…I thought you had time from your other post…

Gorgeous beach, so much nicer than Magens IMHO. Also much more there today (restaurant, pizza place, car rental delivery). And anyone could rent lounges and use the facilities. Not sure why Sebas was putting Sapphire down, I’m wondering if he/she was confusing Sapphire with Coki?🤷🏼 We’ve not stayed there in a few years so cannot give you current feedback on how crowded it is today. Taxi fare from Havensight is now $15/pp. But if no new replies here pose your question on CC’s sister site TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g147404-i172-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

I would also look for recs on the STT/STJ Facebook forums. Just bound to be more reports from frequent based divers who use the dive outfits. Came across a “favorite” dive list on one of the Facebook STJ forums - My favorite Dive Sites on St John. French Cap Pinnacle Congo Cay Atlantic Side Tectite Outside Lameshur Bay Ledges of Little St James Stragglers Rocks

If you have 10 hrs in port, for example, you could work with a taxi driver on VG and visit Savannah Bay for beach time, Mad Dog’s for the view and a drink, or another spot while the biggest crowd from the ship is at the Baths. It can be too congested when there are many there…If you have a shorter port time you’re going to be in that crowd… So just mentioning that in case you can make a nicer day out if it…

Heights aren’t really a concern, I’m also not good with ladders or steps, and there you will have others helping if needed… A swim-in from the boat is also not part of the experience unless you book an excursion that takes you directly to the Baths. The cruise ship excursions typically include a ferry to the Virgin Gorda marina, then a shared taxi to the Top of the Baths, where you walk the path down to the beach and the boulders… The water shoes are a great idea, as is the back pack! If you have time after the Baths, stop by the Baths & Turtle in Spanishtown near the ferry terminal for a bite. Or if you have more time have a driver take you to gorgeous Savannah Bay. Fares are cheap, and drivers will work with you on pick-ups. Or if you want to get back to Road Town first, ferry back to Tortola and stop by Pusser’s Road Town Pub for a bite and check out their clothing shop! Close to the cruise dock… Enjoy!

Pose this question on the STT and STJ forums on TripAdvisor, you’ll get more responses there…

We learned that the posted fares mean little to the drivers, even with the taxi “coordinator” at the airport. So don’t be afraid to ask another driver if the fare seems high. Can’t help with the fares, sorry!

No, you’d want either CGB or Long Bay, Beef Island for those amenities and for your larger group.

Checking quickly I do see excursion options from Nassau to Exuma for cruise ship passengers. One includes a 30 min flight each way and 4 hours in a boat. The excursions to Pearl Island are just 4 and 5 hour excursions so those are definitely doable for day visitors in port for 8 hours just wanting the experience.

Yes there are several excursions departing from Nassau to Exuma, I haven’t checked to see if any cater to day visitors…

You can swim with the pigs on either Pearl Island or Rose Island. Pigs are pigs, IMHO, no need to meet the pigs on Exuma…lol For Atlantis, 5 or 6 years ago we enjoyed a tour of the Dig and enjoyed the casino and lunch through the cruise line excursion.. We were also able to walk around the property, not sure if that is still an option… some excursions and reviews (some are not geared for day visitors) - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147416-Activities-c42-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html

Also try Joe at Patouche for a private option

Ok…Not sure of your port times on the other islands but we enjoyed the Golden Eagle cat sail on SXM. Just a 4-hour sail after time to see the island. Great sail with a stop on Tintamarre and a snorkel stop. For St Thomas when we stay there we stay in Sapphire Beach, good snorkeling there. But on abuse port day there are also some nice daysails with moorings off the cays of STJ for snorkeling. Again depends on your port time…check the VINow site for charter and daysail options if interested…

https://sunshinepowerboats.com/

How much time in Tortola? That will be the best dive destination if time allows… What are your port times in the other ports (and dates since the number of ships can change recommendations)

c-leg5’s feedback is right on, nothing more to say really…

Yes I can give you more info because Tortola is my favorite place. But as mentioned you should pose questions about Tortola and the BVI on that forum…

He is a great guy, and the view is truly amazing!

Mafolie is also a great option, overlooking the bay - https://www.mafolie.com/ Two Sandals is a more expensive option on the East End - http://twosandals.com

😄 Not much help I’m afraid! You could also post that question on the TTOL BVI forum. That is primarily a sailing forum but it is a great source for questions like yours. Someone there can certainly help - http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/7/1/british-virgin-islands.html

Thanks for your detailed review, that will be useful to others who look here for feedback. Glad the AA chair rentals worked out. That is a great option to have for busier post days and also for later-arriving cruise ship passengers. Still a bit crowded perhaps, but you had a spot! And the Sunset Grill is a very good restaurant to have available! 😄

Bobby’s Supermarket is a 10 minute walk from the pier. If you don’t mind a 30 min walk or 5 min taxi, the French Deli also sells beer & wine, plus they make THE BEST French baguette subs/sandwiches!

I missed that you were looking to rent. I shared a link for AC but he provides private transfers and tours. Not sure that you will find a large vehicle for rent for one day, but try googling the various agencies and asking…

AC http://www.info-res.com/actaxibvi/ https://www.bvitourism.com/acs-taxi-service