Getting to Orient Beach

[cruisin414]

DH and I will be on Celebrity Solstice in March. Would like to go to Orient Beach for the day but don't want to do the ships excursion and leave very early AM or later in the afternoon.

 

Has anyone taken a taxi there on their own? Do you know the approx. cost?

Also, is it easy to get a taxi on the return trip? How about the charge for chairs and umbrella?

 

Thanks to everyone on these boards who have provided invaluable information.

[tinybabynurse]

Getting to Orient Beach on your own is very easy. Taxis are numerous and the fares are fixed depending on the number in the Taxi/Van. There is a sign at the taxi stop listing the fares. About $24 for two if you are in a hurry and about $6 each (plus a tip) if you wait for a full van. There is a taxi stand and folks loading the taxis just to the right near the end of the pier as you walk toward the town from the ship.

 

They will drop you off at Pedro's on Orient beach if you don't ask for another destination. The famous clothing optional resort, Club Orient, is to the right facing the water while the remainder of the beach is not as likely to have fully nude folks. Top free is common everywhere. When ships are in port there are many cabs waiting at Pedro's parking area to take you back to the ship and normlly those will be filled so you would pay $6 each for the return trip. We allow an hour just in case there is traffic but the trip normally is quicker than that. You can arrange for a taxi to return for you but we usually do not.

 

Beach chairs and umbrellas are numerous and the prices vary from approximately $20 to a few dollars less. Club O is in the $20 dollar OR Euro range for two chairs and an umbrella while the remainder of the beach is a bit less. Most locations will have a chalk board sign out front stating the price and what is included. Some include a free drink and most include bathroom priveleges. We just pick out the chairs we like and sit down. The "chair guy" then comes around and collects your money.

 

Baywatch, The Pirate, and Pedros are decent places to eat with reasonable (for Orient Beach) prices. Most of the bars/resturants have good to very good food but some are quite high. There are menues out front.

 

Take cash because many establishments accept dollars 1-for-1 with the Euro if you pay cash. Usually says so on the signs out front or on the menu, but if you ask they will let you know. That saves a bunch of money over using a credit card.

 

If you do a search for orient beach taxi there will be lots of information and there are some pictures of the cab stand and the sign with the prices to various locations.

 

Hope this helps.

[cruisin414]

tinybabynurse - thanks for the great reply. All of that info is very helpful.

we're getting very excited!

[gtaylor]

Taxi fare to Orient has been $18 total for a party of two, and down to $6 per person for a group of 6 or more, possibly assembled on the spot.

 

(click)

 

I believe that two chairs, an umbrella and two drinks are still $14 at Pedro's, in front of the famous Pedro's shack and down towards Club Orient. Even comes with bathroom pass if you request. Ask for George.

 

Club Orient is $18 or Euro 18 for two chairs and an umbrella - no drink included.

 

gary

[gtaylor]

Taxi fare to Orient has been $18 total for a party of two, and down to $6 per person for a group of 6 or more, possibly assembled on the spot.

 

(click)

 

I believe that two chairs, an umbrella and two drinks are still $14 at Pedro's, in front of the famous Pedro's shack and down towards Club Orient. Even comes with bathroom pass if you request. Ask for George.

 

Club Orient is $18 or Euro 18 for two chairs and an umbrella - no drink included.

 

gary

[tinybabynurse]

Gary is absolutely correct (and he was the one that I referenced for the picture of the cab prices). We usually give a little extra if they don't scare the Heck out of us and if the driver is friendly -- most are.

 

My last taxi trip was from the airport and that is a bit more. Guess that was still in my mind. Brain cramp!

[cruisin414]

Just wanted to thank everyone for all of the great information. We will definately head to Orient Beach on our own. Can't wait!