Beach - Excursion or on our Own

[mscruise64]

We are travelling with another couple and are thinking of going to Magen's Bay ... We are wondering if it really is cheaper to do it on your own or should we book the excursion through the ship (RCCL)

 

Also, read somewhere that someone was saying the water is cold in February ... is this true?

[islandmandan]

The water should be about 80 degrees in February. I would definitely do Magen's Bay on my own.

[blue_water]

Definitely go on your own, just grab a taxi at the dock. I would highly recommend Sapphire Beach however, much less crowded, no entry fee, and gorgeous views of Tortola and St John. Also excellent snorkeling if you're interested in that as well as a nice swimming area. Read other posts here about Sapphire and the East End of St Thomas...

[O2B@Cagain]

blue: Do you get paid by Sapphire?:D

[blue_water]

blue: Do you get paid by Sapphire?:D

 

No, why do you ask because I recommend it over Magens and Emerald? I am guilty of recommending Sapphire alot, we've stayed at Sapphire and been to the rest and in our opinion Sapphire is the best STT beach destination for a cruise stop (unless you want to take a day sail). STT's beaches aren't like those of the BVI and some of the southern Caribbean islands but they are very nice and we're sharing our experiences with others here. That is what these boards are all about, right? ;)

[islandmandan]

+1 ...;)

[O2B@Cagain]

blue: No problem, really, that's why I put the smiley. I am glad to see Sapphire get the press! I just notice that someone can ask about Magens like the OP and you want to send them to Sapphire. Just funny, that's all. :D

 

You are right, though the beaches in the BVI are a mess. I would much prefer my favorite beach on St Thomas (and I am NOT promoting it!) to most of the BVI beaches.

[blue_water]

no worries mate, just wanting to share with the OP since most folks only hear about Magens ;)

 

Actually I was saying the beaches of STT are nice but not nearly as nice as many in the BVI (in our opinion of course!), sorry if I wasn't clear. Guess I thought that was widely known! :eek:

The BVI also have the benefit of fewer cruise ships and that helps to keep the crowds down in the more secluded spots as well. But it's gettin' busier over there...

 

Take care!:D

[coachnip13]

I'll chime in with blue here. As regular visitors to St. Thomas for long-term stays, we've been to them all. In all of our trips, we have been to Magens Bay exactly once. Yeah, it's beautiful, but it's not worth the hassle, in our opinion. We hit Sapphire, Coki, Secret Harbour.

[mscruise64]

I have been looking online at a number of sites that say Magen's Bay is beautiful but crowded (the day i am in port there are 7 ships ... yikes). I am now leaning towards Emerald Bay (Lindquist I think) ... anyone? I heard coki is ok, i hear Sapphire is nice but heard they dont rent umbrellas there. What is anyone's take on Emerald?

[blue_water]

Sapphire has several spots with shade so umbrellas aren't really needed. Coki and Sapphire are both very nice. Coki will just be very crowded becauseit is a small bay, while Sapphire is very roomy and a little less visited by cruisers for some reason. We saw a few couples with the Carnival towels while staying at Sapphire but i know that Coki was full of striped towels snd heard the same for Magens and Lindquist.