Taxi to Sapphire Beach

[PAcruiser19372]

Have searched for awhile but looking for the communities opinion. We have cruised a few times but have almost always used ships excursions. We have ventured out a couple of times on non ship excursions but looking to just use a taxi this time. We will be on Oasis in a couple of weeks and docked at Crown Bay. We arrive at 10:00 AM and depart at 7:00. We're looking to taxi to Sapphire Beach so figuring to arrive there around 11:30 or so. What would be the latest time we could comfortably stay and not have a problem getting a taxi back and do the taxi's go back to Crown Bay? Thanks for any and all help!

[beautifulbill]

Normally it takes about 3/4 of an hour, but when Oassis is in port everything is very crowded and you could hit rush hour traffic going back. I would plan on leaving Sapphire no later than 5 PM.

 

You should have no problem getting a taxi back to the ship, but often you share the taxi with other people who may be droped off at different places so that is also a reason to allow extra time.

 

Incidently, Sapphire will be crowded by 11:30 with other cruise ship visitors so you might want to consider some other beaches, such as Secret Harbor, Elysian, or Smith Bay Park that will be less crowded. At Smith Bay, which is a beautiful undeveloped beach ( no food or drinks) you will have to walk out to the road to get a taxi back.

[PAcruiser19372]

Thanks for the response. Was just concerned that Taxi's don't call it a day at 4:00 or so. Haven't been to Sapphire before and have our hearts set on going this time. When you say crowded, will it be uncomfortably crowded?

[O2B@Cagain]

Taxis are ubiquitous on St Thomas. Don't worry, you will be able to get back from Sapphire.

[PAcruiser19372]

Thank you, appreciate your reply!

[beautifulbill]

Sapphire is a good size beach but the dive shop guys put the rental chairs side by side on one section of the beach. That section can get very congested. However you can carry your chair to other parts of the beach and avoid most of the congestion.

[blue_water]

Bill is very knowledgeable on Sapphire and we would have no concerns going to Sapphire that day. There is room to spread out, and you can find a nice spot under a tree to enjoy the beautiful water and island views from. Definitely a great choice!

[Cool Breeze Cruiser]

We had a wonderful, relaxing, but fun-filled day at Sapphire Beach in February. We took a cab & it took about 30 minutes to get there from the pier & it is a scenic drive. A cab is $10pp each way & cabs are readily available when you get ready to leave.

 

There was only one ship in port when we went. It was a little crowded at first because some people had booked the Carnival excursion to Sapphire but they had to leave at noon so it really cleared out after that.

 

 

Chair rentals are $9 each at the Dive Shop. There are no umbrellas at Sapphire but there is plenty of natural shade on the beach. There are also decent restrooms.

 

For lunch we walked up the hill (a pretty steep hike) to the Off the Grid BBQ truck. A pound of meat (pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and chicken wings & thighs) was $12 & sides were $3 each. They also offer all you can eat for $15pp. The sides are Caribbean Caviar (Beans and corn salad), cole slaw, rice & beans, grilled sweet potatoes & grilled onion rings.

Juli

[sid_9169]

Off the Grid does have some awesome bbq... And a beautiful view from the top of the hill overlooking Sapphire beach...