Emerald Beach or Water Island?

[micdee]

We are sailing on the Caribbean Princess this February and are trying to decide between these two beaches. We have been to St.Thomas numerous times and have visited all the major beaches including Trunk Bay on St.John's. We're looking for somewhere close to the Crown Bay pier and Water Island and Emerald Beach fit the bill. Has anyone been to both, and which do you prefer and why?

Thanks

[snowcat]

Haven't been to Emerald, but was at Water Island a couple weeks ago and LOVED it. Very quiet beach....I think there were 6 of us there for most of the morning. Later in the afternoon an excursion boat moored out from shore and brought about 16 people ashore, but it never felt at all crowded. Nice beach (some mosquitoes in the shade!) and easy to get to. Ferry was $10 pp/rt.

[The Islander]

What are you looking for at the beach? That might help with opinions on both places.

 

You can watch a video about both places to help with deciding. Emerald Beach Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhAUCpZ930. And Water Island/Honeymoon Beach Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCDVMWuFWJw.

 

--Islander

[micdee]

Snowcat and Islander, we're looking for chair and umbrella rental, and a beach bar. I know these are available at Emerald, but not sure about Water Island. We will be there on a Saturday if that makes any difference. Oh, snorkeling would be a plus but it's not a deal breaker.

[The Islander]

Emerald has chair and umbrella rentals. Honeymoon does not have either, but there are some palapas umbrellas in fixed spots for shade and there is natural shade under the coconut trees.

 

There are a couple beach bars at Emerald. And there is a little beach bar booth at Honeymoon that opens around 11am.

 

Emerald isn't known for snorkeling, you might see some fish along the rocks but not a whole lot. Honeymoon has some snorkeling, but you have to swim out along the rocks.

 

--Islander

[micdee]

Thanks for the info Islander.

[Ms411]

One of the bartenders at the Island Beachcomber beach bar on Emerald Beach, E.J., makes very good bushwhackers for, I think, $6. Maybe that will help you make your decision.:D