Cockleshell or South Friars

[kimmyg726]

Hi All:

 

Trying to finalize a few things for our upcoming cruise.

 

I can't decide between South Friars or Cockleshell beach. We want a decent beach for snorkeling and monkeys are a plus.

 

Thoughts, suggestions??

 

Thanks all!

Kim

[ibcnusoon]

I believe South Friars has better snorkeling than Cockleshell, from what I've read. We are heading to South Friars after our morning tour of the island, since most tour companies will drop you off for free after the tour (or take you back to the ship).

 

South Friars is also closer to the ship than Cockleshell so you can spend more time there. Shipwreck Beach Bar rents out loungers, shade and snorkel equipment and has ALOT of monkeys milling around. Here's their website:

 

http://www.shipwreckbeachbarandgrill.webs.com/

[kimmyg726]

I believe South Friars has better snorkeling than Cockleshell, from what I've read. We are heading to South Friars after our morning tour of the island, since most tour companies will drop you off for free after the tour (or take you back to the ship).

 

South Friars is also closer to the ship than Cockleshell so you can spend more time there. Shipwreck Beach Bar rents out loungers, shade and snorkel equipment and has ALOT of monkeys milling around. Here's their website:

 

http://www.shipwreckbeachbarandgrill.webs.com/

 

 

 

Ibcnusoon: Thanks for the info! I see we are taking the same cruise as you are just a bit before you. I will make sure to post some pictures (hopefully I can figure it out) when I return.

 

Kim

[Herfnerd]

The snorkeling at South Friars in front of the Shipwreck Bar and Grill was just OK. They do have a coral reef just off the beach which was interesting but didn't see much colorful sealife.

 

As for the monkeys - the only one we saw was from a vendor who let us hold her and took 3 pix with her on our heads/shoulders for $5. We did see a lot of mongoose in the hills right behind them.

 

Was there a couple of weeks ago.....

[Colorado Kat]

I think Cockleshell is better snorkeling. South Friars makes a nice beach day.

[ChristieNJ]

How long of a ride is it to South Friar's from the pier?

[Lafayette99]

We loved South Friars beach (Feb 2012)...very nice, decent crowd by mid day, but we got there early and got shade and a few chairs. Hubby snorkled, it was ok, nothing to write home about. Saw a few monkeys but not a ton. Can't remember for sure how long of a ride it was from port, I am guessing 30 minutes.

[Putterdude]

Cockleshell beach has some fairly decent snorkeling, go to the left as you enter the water. Monkeys are a per chance sighting, sometimes there will be lots and other times none....it's mother nature.:)