Beach suggestions needed

[travelgirl913]

The cruise ship offers a barhopping tour that visits three beaches in three hours. It sounds rushed to me.

 

Can anyone tell me what these beaches may be it visits and maybe I can hire a taxi to do the same and take my time?

 

Just looking for nice, fun beaches with at least one having some water sports.

 

Thanks!!

[Sunniebgi]

Can you tell me which ship you are on and I might be able to find out which beaches the tour goes to.

[travelgirl913]

Celebrity's Constellation.

 

 

Thank you very much!!

[sammynobrains]

Travelgirl, I was interested in this tour, too, but in the Celebrity documents, it sounds more like a pub crawl than a beach tour. It says something to the effect that swimming is not allowed... Be sure to ask questions so that you're not disappointed.

[travelgirl913]

Thanks for the info. Celebrity's seemed too rushed anyway. We were thinking about just doing it on our own if we knew what beaches they hit :-)

 

 

If not we will probably just hit the boatyard. Seems like they have it all. Incase you haven't seen the site http://www.theboatyard.com/ click enter on the main page.

 

Judith

[sammynobrains]

Judith, yes, the Boatyard is definitely where the party is! A pair of my tablemates and most of the casino staff were there (Connie 2/12), and we heard a LOT of funny stories.

[OCruisers]

We spent our day at Boatyard Beach and had a GREAT time!!! :)

 

Our review is posted somewhere on this board SCROLL ...

 

(or just Click Here) Review: The Boatyard (Beach) ~OnOurOwn~

 

Hope this helps! Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[travelgirl913]

Hi,

 

 

I just read your review. Thanks.

 

We were wondering was the ocean water light blue and very clear there?? I just have this image that being so close to the cruise ship dock the water wouldn't be that nice but hopefully not in barbados where it is less traveled.

 

Thanks!!

 

Judith

[Jen_MN]

Hello,

 

I'm considering a RCCL cruise that stops in Barbados. Are there any beaches within walking distance from the pier?

[Sunniebgi]

You can walk to a place called Weisers on the Bay which is at Brighton Beach, just off Spring Garden Highway (4 lane road)

 

nice flat sandy beach and the water is calm, usually , unless storms are in the area.. then even with the sun shining there can be some waves.

[silvercruiser]

The cruise ship offers a barhopping tour that visits three beaches in three hours. It sounds rushed to me.

 

Can anyone tell me what these beaches may be it visits and maybe I can hire a taxi to do the same and take my time?

 

Just looking for nice, fun beaches with at least one having some water sports.

 

Thanks!!

We always took a cab to the Hilton until it was torn down. It's been rebuilt, wasn't open yet when we were there in March, but hope it will be by Dec. when we're there again. It's really nice, much better than the crowded party beaches with restaurants nearby.

[momtorres]

We just returned from our Barbados stop on the Carnival Destiny and chose to go to the Boatyard. We had strong rain in the morning and decided to wait until early afternoon to make our way to the beach.

 

Taxi drivers gave us a bit of a hard sell wanting instead to take us to Blue Monkey - "much nicer", but we followed our original plan and had a great day - lots of action - cruise crew members taking part in tug of war (casino vs spa) and beer relay games.

 

Taxis were waiting outside to take us back to the ship.

 

Anyway - has anyone visited Blue Monkey beach?

[barbados]

We just returned from our Barbados stop on the Carnival Destiny and chose to go to the Boatyard. We had strong rain in the morning and decided to wait until early afternoon to make our way to the beach.

 

Taxi drivers gave us a bit of a hard sell wanting instead to take us to Blue Monkey - "much nicer", but we followed our original plan and had a great day - lots of action - cruise crew members taking part in tug of war (casino vs spa) and beer relay games.

 

Taxis were waiting outside to take us back to the ship.

 

Anyway - has anyone visited Blue Monkey beach?

--------------------------------------------------

 

There is no Blue Monkey Beach on Barbados. What the taxi drivers were referring to was The Blue Monkey Beach bar on Paynes Bay. The Blue Monkey was formally Bombas Beach Bar, but Wayne and Gay sold it from what I understand.

 

Is Paynes beach nicer than The Boatyard beach? Many would say yes if you're looking for quiet, peaceful, relaxing. For fun-in-the-sun, The Boatyard gets the prize.

 

Paynes is only a 15 minute taxi ride from the dock (traffic permitting).

[barbados]

Oops! Forgot a picture of Paynes for you!

 

[momtorres]

Thanks for the info on Paynes Bay - we were happy with our choice of Boatyard.

[EmJakeBubbie]

Oops! Forgot a picture of Paynes for you!

Arriving Barbados on the Serenade 12/8/05 - looks like Paynes will be a good choice with 8 and 6 year children who just want to play in the sand and get their feet a little wet. Is there a per person entry fee? Can you say how much per person (or car) the taxi will charge? Also, is it trustworthy to request the taxi driver to return to pick you up? Thank you.Arriving Barbados on the Serenade 12/8/05 - looks like Paynes will be a good choice with an 8 and 6 year children who just want to play in the sand and get their feet a little wet. Is there an per person entry fee? Can you say how much per person (or car) the taxi will charge? Also, is it trustworthy to request the taxi driver to return to pick you up? Thank you.

[barbados]

Arriving Barbados on the Serenade 12/8/05 - looks like Paynes will be a good choice with 8 and 6 year children who just want to play in the sand and get their feet a little wet. Is there a per person entry fee? Can you say how much per person (or car) the taxi will charge? Also' date=' is it trustworthy to request the taxi driver to return to pick you up? Thank you.Arriving Barbados on the Serenade 12/8/05 - looks like Paynes will be a good choice with an 8 and 6 year children who just want to play in the sand and get their feet a little wet. Is there an per person entry fee? Can you say how much per person (or car) the taxi will charge? Also, is it trustworthy to request the taxi driver to return to pick you up? Thank you.[/color']

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No, there is no entry fee to Payne's. All of the beaches on Barbados are free.

 

I would estimate that a cab with four people from the dock to Payne's would cost about US$10-12 each way.

 

Yes, you can ask your taxi driver to pick you up at a certain time and 99% of the time, they will. However, there are tons of taxis here and you wouldn't have any trouble finding one quickly. Also, the city bus runs this route and they'll take you back much cheaper. They run every 30 minutes, or less.

 

Remember, cross to the opposite side of the street (East) from the beach to catch a cab or bus to return to the dock as we drive on the left.

 

Not to worry about getting stranded, it's almost impossible!

 

I think you made a great choice, have a wonderful time on the island! :)

[EmJakeBubbie]

there is a bar/restaurant at Payne's ??

[barbados]

there is a bar/restaurant at Payne's ??

-------------------

 

Yes, there is. It’s now called The Blue Monkey, formally Bombas Beach Bar.

[EmJakeBubbie]

Payne's looks like the perfect thing to do in Barbados - we walk through the dock shopping building and get the taxi? and no problems, mon, right? Any idea why a taxi driver would suggest (hard sell) for Blue Monkey rather than Boatyard? The chairs I see in your picture - are they for rent? How far is the bar/restaurant (we'll be able to get a beverage, even early in the a.m.?) from the waterfront? Since we have never done this and have little people in tow, we are concerned to not do something that would be a problem - the unknown is just that, "unknown". You are very patient and kind, barbados, to answer these questions:)

[barbados]

Payne's looks like the perfect thing to do in Barbados - we walk through the dock shopping building and get the taxi? and no problems' date=' mon, right? Any idea why a taxi driver would suggest (hard sell) for Blue Monkey rather than Boatyard? The chairs I see in your picture - are they for rent? How far is the bar/restaurant (we'll be able to get a beverage, even early in the a.m.?) from the waterfront? Since we have never done this and have little people in tow, we are concerned to not do something that would be a problem - the unknown is just that, "unknown". You are very patient and kind, [b']barbados[/b], to answer these questions:)

Correct. Walk through the shopping building out the end to the taxi stand. There will be a taxi Captain there (official looking) and tell him where you want to go. When he assigns you a driver, ask the driver what the fare is to Payne’s. If it sounds too high, haggle or find another driver. Although it all looks like the Captain is the head of the taxi company, he isn’t. All the drivers are independent and have a government license, but they are free to charge what they choose (within the government ceiling). The Captain just runs interference so the drivers don’t create chaos as they do on some of the other islands.

 

The drivers ALWAYS want the furthest fare. Always. As Payne’s is further away than The Boatyard, that’s what they’ll suggest. That is why sometimes they’ll quote a high fare hoping that you’ll decline and they will hook-up a tourist that wants an all-day tour.

 

Yes, the chairs are for rent, however I can’t tell you today’s tariff for them. Perhaps US$5.00?

 

The bar is right there on the beach. You’ll probably get dropped off by it. Just a short walk in the sand from your spot to the bar. And, yes, you can get refreshments early. Usually, when the sun is up, they’re up!

 

I completely understand your trepidation, especially with young-ones. But I can assure you that once you’ve finished your day on the island, you’ll understand that your anxiety was unfounded. Barbados, especially the West Coast where you’ll be, is quite safe. The people are extremely friendly and kind. That’s why we chose Barbados to be our home-away-from-home for the last 14 years. Never had a problem and we go to places that most haven’t seen.

 

Please feel free to ask if you have any more questions. That’s what I’m here for. :) :)

[EmJakeBubbie]

you said to ask:D How'd you get from Oregon to Barbados, you lucky you:cool: oh, and muchas gracias for your last detailed posting. We are going on your recommendations, but you'll have to wait till December for us to share with you how great it was;)

[barbados]

you said to ask:D How'd you get from Oregon to Barbados' date=' [i']you lucky you[/i]:cool: oh, and muchas gracias for your last detailed posting. We are going on your recommendations, but you'll have to wait till December for us to share with you how great it was;)

First, you’re quite welcome! And yes, I expect a detailed account of your day on the island! LOL

 

Seriously, feedback is the only way I can judge if my suggestions helped you. We don’t do the touristy-stuff anymore unless we have guests, so sometime I’m a little behind the particulars and current costs.

 

Barbados is home base for us while we’re working in the Caribbean during the North American winters. Our schedule takes us to as many as 14 different islands each winter, but lately we are limiting this to 6-8.

 

Among other things, we negotiate and acquire real property for clients in the UK. As this takes us to many interesting spots, we also photograph for magazines and resorts.

 

It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work, too. We’re getting to the age that some beach time or scuba time would be welcome. I really envy you lucky folks that can take a cruise and RELAX! What a reward!

 

Best wishes for a wonderful vacation and a great time on Barbados! :)

[EmJakeBubbie]

interesting life you have! do you ever get to G.Cayman?

[barbados]

interesting life you have! do you ever get to G.Cayman?

Yes, that’s where we bank. However we spend most of our time when in the area at Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, about 85 miles away. Unspoiled and breathtaking with few visitors. :)