Magens Bay or Sapphire Beach

[bucky0926]

We are coming in for the day by cruise ship. What the 3 of us are looking for is shade, chairs, and umbrellas if no natural shade. If the beach had great snorkeling that would be wonderful. Also would like a place where we can buy some food (sandwiches or finger food) and drinks (like water and such-we aren't liquor drinkers generally). Real bathrooms are important-no port a potties please.

 

Also how far are each of these beaches from the cruise ship terminal and how much should the cab fare be to each? Also is it easy enough to find a cab to get us back to the ship from either place? Any input is appreciated.

[blue_water]

Sapphire offers abundant natural shade along the shore and away from the shore as well as excellent snorkeling and a few food and drink options. Magens has some shade but no snorkeling. Magens is a very calm, wide bay that's great for parents with toddlers but lacks the character and island views offered by Sapphire. And the food at Magens is not that good in our opinion.

Sapphire has real restrooms, runners on the beach taking orders from the Banana Cabana beach grill and a restaurant behind the marina. So Sapphire checks off all your boxes and would be the better choice for you, the webcam and video drone give a good view -

 

http://www.sapphireinthesun.com

 

Taxi is $9 - $11 depending on your port and they are readily available at the beach or you can have the driver return.

Edited June 29, 2015 by blue_water

[Cruising Bonnie]

My DH and I will be visiting in December. He has some problems walking distances and since we have been to the island before, we were not interested in a tour. Thought having a nice seafood lunch would be a great option. Any suggestions where to go?

 

 

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[blue_water]

Since you're posting in this thread are you asking for ideas for a lunch on a nice beach? Or just in town? If lunch with a nice island and water view a taxi can drop you within a few yards of the Banana Cabana on Sapphire Beach where you can relax at a table and enjoy a great mahi mahi sandwich.

If in town you'll see recommendations for Gladys Cafe and other spots.

[Cruising Bonnie]

A nice lunch at either beach or town would be great. Thanks.

[blue_water]

Well I'm sure you could have a nicer lunch in town, but there is nothing like relaxing at Sapphire with a lunch there and enjoying the waves and views. If more interested in a livelier spot and a bit of walking and shopping taxi into town and try Cuzzins or another spot. But we love sharing the mahi at BC on Sapphire and relaxing there rather than dealing with the crowds...

Edited June 29, 2015 by blue_water

[Cruising Bonnie]

Where else would you recommend in town? We would take a taxi, not lively, just comfortable. Air conditioned with good seafood would be perfect.

 

 

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[O2B@Cagain]

It isn't artificially air-conditioned, but Cafe Amalia is a wonderful spot in town with great seafood. :)

[beautifulbill]

If you are docking at Havensight then you will be next to Yacht Haven Grande and there are a few restaurants there that are on the dock overlooking the mega yachts. Fat Turtle is one , but I forget the name of the other.

 

The food is good and the view impressive but the walk from Havensight could be to much even though they are next to each other. Yacht Haven Grande is home to million dollar condos on the harbor and has a number of very high end stores.

[O2B@Cagain]

The restaurants at Yacht Haven Grande are Fat Turtle (burgers and sandwiches type, nothing to write home about), Fresh (they tout fresh, local ingredients) and Grande Cru (usually open only for dinner). None are seafood oriented and only Grande Cru has a/c.

 

Bonnie: restaurants with a/c are not at all common. If you must have a/c, Bella Blu in Frenchtown is an idea. They will have some seafood. Cuzzin's will have conch, local pot fish.

[blue_water]

Where else would you recommend in town? We would take a taxi, not lively, just comfortable. Air conditioned with good seafood would be perfect.

 

We actually love the mahi mahi sandwich at the Greenhouse - great food and staff!

Edited July 2, 2015 by blue_water

[Formerly known as Seabee]

Can you take a cooler with beer and water to Saphire Beach? Thought we might have cab stop at a store where we could purchase said beverages.

[beautifulbill]

Yes you can take a cooler with food and drinks to Sapphire. Cans are preferred to bottles so there is no broken glass left by accident.

 

Also please pick up and put any trash you create in the barrels. It isn't like the ship and there isn't anyone paid to pick up after you. I have spent many an afternoon gathering trash that is left on the beach by cruise ship visitors.