Charlotte Amalie/Magen's Bay Can I do both? Help me plan!!

[memecakes]

DH and I will be in St Thomas on Oct. 10th from 7 to 5. We want to go to Magens Bay and I want to go to Charlotte Amalie to shop a little bit. Do any of you know when the beach opens? I know we have to pay $4 to get in. When do the shops open in Charlotte Amalie? I don't know if we should shop first then go to the beach or other way around. How far apart are they, does anyone know? Thanks for the help!

[USVIcruizer]

It's a beach, so you can get in anytime, people go there to swim before heading to work and there are early morning yoga classes too! I believe the "official" hours - when the concession, rental kiosks, bar etc. open - are 8am-5pm. 340-777-6300 is the phone # for Magen's Bay Authority, they can answer any questions. I'd go to the beach first, try to get there early as it gets very, very crowded if there are lots of ships in port. Downtown shops will open between 8:30-9:00am. Have fun!

[Tiggertastic]

you can get off the ship and jump into one of the group taxi vans for a couple of dollars each into town and shop, they leave as soon as they are full so get off early with everyone else and you will be there in less than 5 minutes. To get one back, go to the car park at the market place and they fill them up back to the ship. Drop your things then take a cab to the beach - it can be done easily in a day.

[EviesCruisin]

Definitely can do both! We shopped at the market square and did Magen's Bay with plenty of time.