Help us choose Magens vs. Sapphire vs Emerald Vs. WaterIsland - from Crown Bay taxis - seem far?

[anne13]

Hi Cruisecritic experts - 

I need your advice, please. 

 

Background info:

March 17 will be in port with Celebirty Equinox in St. Thomas.  8am-4pm 

Researched and found it's docking at CrownBay. 

Only cruiseship at this time scheduled to be in St. Thomas on that day.

Don't want to do a cruise excursion.

Been to Havensight many years ago and things were closer.  Now going to Crown Bay. 

 

Would like to take a cab or transportation to:

 

Nice beach with bathrooms, calmer water if possible but that's hard to know 

Want to rent chairs,

Little restaurant with snacks nearby a plus 

** most important don't want to miss the ship if there would be a problem getting a taxi back.

**  Trying to figure out how much time we need to get to a place via cab and back. 

 

 

Magen's Bay  vs.  Sapphire Beach vs.  Emerald Beach  vs.  WaterIsland/Honeymoon Beach or  Secret Harbor? 

 

 

Called the USVI tourist office and they said: 

Magen's Bay -- 45 min one way by taxi (?!)  - $12 rd trip but that's waiting to  fill up a cab 

Sapphire -  35 min one way - $10 pp each one way 

Emerald - few minutes by cab   

Secret Harbor - 35 min one way - $12 each way 

WaterIsland - ferry and then walking over a hill to H.Beach- $8 for the ferry one way, 

 

1.  Which beach would you choose or someplace different? 

 2.  Anyone know if 2 people are taxing  straight to Magens, how much would that be if only with 2 people and not with a larger open van?  Can it really be 45 min one way? 

 3.  Do these times seem accurate to get to these beaches?  Seems pretty long? 

4.  Re:  WaterIsland/Honeymoon Beach - how long to wait for the ferry over?  How long is trip?  Would you worry about returning? 

5.  Does Emerald have lots of jets flying overhead or jet fuel smell?  Picturesque? 

6.  Posts are saying that Secret Harbor might be hard to get a cab for the return?? 

 

Many thanks for your help!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[blue_water]

Lots of work for selecting a beach!

You are closer to Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach), so if closer is important there you go.

Otherwise we'd choose Sapphire for all of the things you listed + the gorgeous water and island views. 25 - 30 minutes, $11/pp each way, return taxis are readily available...

 

Relax and look forward to your cruise!!!

[anne13]

Dear blue_water,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  We see that you are so kind to answer so many questions for so many people on the boards.  

 

Originally didn't want to go with ship excursion, but ship recently posted an excursion to Sapphire Beach for about $30pp

It says there's a drive through Red Hook to Sapphire Beach.  Then, a complimentary lounger, snorkel gear and beverage. Beach time - but they don't say how long.   They take the "Skyline Drive"  back to port.  We are only ship in port that day.  Total time 3 hours and 30 min for entire excursion.  

 

If it's $22 per person rd trip for the cab as you mentioned,  plus we would add the cost of a lounger, and the excursion gives the snorkel gear and beverage, this seems like an okay deal instead of going independently.

  What do you think, blue_water, and others? 

 

  You know the island well enough to know -- do you think the route they use is about 30 min drive each way? Or does it seem like they are driving more like an hour each way, and then it only leaves an hour on the beach? 

 

Figure 2 hours total beach time?? 

 

What's the advantage if any, in this particular case to go independently vs. ship?

 

Virtual punch drink with little umbrella to say thank you! 

 

 

 

[O2B@Cagain]

Magens is much closer to Crown Bay than Secret Harbour is. It is difficult to get a taxi for two- you would be charged extra. Most of the transportation is in vans or open safari vehicles. When you charge per person, you want to maximize your trip. Believe me, there will be no problem getting back from any of the beaches. There are more taxis than people on St Thomas. You can see Water Island from Crown Bay, very close. There can be a problem with return as the ferry is very small. If you want close, restaurant, chairs, Lindbergh Bay (Emerald Beach Resort) would be top of the list.

[anne13]

Thank you 02B@Cagain for your response.  

 

Funny line about more taxis than people in St. Thomas:) 

[Love2CruiseTampa]

1 hour ago, blue_water said:

Lots of work for selecting a beach!

You are closer to Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach), so if closer is important there you go.

Otherwise we'd choose Sapphire for all of the things you listed + the gorgeous water and island views. 25 - 30 minutes, $11/pp each way, return taxis are readily available...

 

Relax and look forward to your cruise!!!

 

 

My sentiments as well, regarding Sapphire. Even though the ships excursion doesn't sound like a bad price, it still doesn't leave much time at the beach. With a port day from 8-4, as you indicated, I'd take a taxi and spend as long as you want there. Taxi's return from Sapphire are easy to catch and take about 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic. The roads are winding and hilly so distances are deceiving. 

[anne13]

Thank you Love2CruiseTamp for your response. 

[pacruise804]

5 hours ago, anne13 said:

Dear blue_water,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  We see that you are so kind to answer so many questions for so many people on the boards.  

 

Originally didn't want to go with ship excursion, but ship recently posted an excursion to Sapphire Beach for about $30pp

It says there's a drive through Red Hook to Sapphire Beach.  Then, a complimentary lounger, snorkel gear and beverage. Beach time - but they don't say how long.   They take the "Skyline Drive"  back to port.  We are only ship in port that day.  Total time 3 hours and 30 min for entire excursion.  

 

If it's $22 per person rd trip for the cab as you mentioned,  plus we would add the cost of a lounger, and the excursion gives the snorkel gear and beverage, this seems like an okay deal instead of going independently.

  What do you think, blue_water, and others? 

 

  You know the island well enough to know -- do you think the route they use is about 30 min drive each way? Or does it seem like they are driving more like an hour each way, and then it only leaves an hour on the beach? 

 

Figure 2 hours total beach time?? 

 

What's the advantage if any, in this particular case to go independently vs. ship?

 

Virtual punch drink with little umbrella to say thank you! 

 

 

 

We are doing the ship excursion (our price was closer to $50pp though) and the biggest drawback I see vs. going independently is being on the ship's schedule vs. my schedule.  The departure time allows us to have a reasonable breakfast and still get to the beach early, so it works for us. 

Ours specifically states 2.5 hours on the beach.

[anne13]

Thank you pacruise804 for your reply. 

[blue_water]

21 hours ago, anne13 said:

Dear blue_water,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.  We see that you are so kind to answer so many questions for so many people on the boards.  

 

Originally didn't want to go with ship excursion, but ship recently posted an excursion to Sapphire Beach for about $30pp

It says there's a drive through Red Hook to Sapphire Beach.  Then, a complimentary lounger, snorkel gear and beverage. Beach time - but they don't say how long.   They take the "Skyline Drive"  back to port.  We are only ship in port that day.  Total time 3 hours and 30 min for entire excursion.  

 

If it's $22 per person rd trip for the cab as you mentioned,  plus we would add the cost of a lounger, and the excursion gives the snorkel gear and beverage, this seems like an okay deal instead of going independently.

  What do you think, blue_water, and others? 

 

  You know the island well enough to know -- do you think the route they use is about 30 min drive each way? Or does it seem like they are driving more like an hour each way, and then it only leaves an hour on the beach? 

 

Figure 2 hours total beach time?? 

 

What's the advantage if any, in this particular case to go independently vs. ship?

 

Virtual punch drink with little umbrella to say thank you! 

 

 

 

Anne, sometimes the ship excursion is less $, usually more. The advantage of going on your own is flexibility and not being tied to a group as soon as you disembark.

 

With just 8 hours in port - and if you want to leave time for shopping - you may want less time at the beach anyway. Those looking to maximize their beach time will goo on their own. Lindbergh Bay and Brewer's Bay are both much closer and very nice!

 

[anne13]

Thank you blue_water for helping us and everyone on the forum.  Your experience and knowledge are so helpful as well as from the other readers.  

 

We are leaning toward Sapphire for the ship excursion -- hopefully it isn't windy when we get there with rough water. 

 

Just wondering, blue_water, do you know about Tortola, if I ask a question over on that forum?  Would you be able to answer something there about Cane Bay Beach via taxi?   There are mixed reveiws about the switchback driving by cabs from cruiseport going to Cane Bay.  Do you think it's worth it to CBB for a beach day?  Or  is Tortola not your specialty?   Thanks again. 

[blue_water]

Sure - We love staying on Tortola and can share our experiences on that forum...

 

 

 

[blue_water]

I bumped the thread "The Gorgeous Beaches of the BVI" on the Tortola forum which will give you a description of the beaches, etc...

 

 

 

[anne13]

Thank you again, blue_water.  I just posted a question on the Tortola board re:  getting from the cruiseport via the mountain road to Cane Bay Beach.   You are a great ambassador for the Caribbean region and we appreciate your help. 

 

 

[MrSchwump]

The easiest of all and least expensive would be Water Island. 
It leaves from the marina at Crown Bay. The water taxi is $10 pp round trip. There’s a free shuttle to Dinghy’s Beach Bar. Chairs and umbrellas are free. Drinks and food are reasonable. Water is super calm. It’s got a funky, laid back vibe.  
We’ve been to Megan’s and Sapphire. I would go back to Water Island before the other 2. Much less crowded and it had a local flavor. 

[blue_water]

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island gets a busier vibe today with the huge ships in port, especially with a ship in Crown Bay and the tour operators dropping their loads for lunch. If you swim in the nicest section by Dinghy’s be sure to watch out for the “anchored” powerboats drifting into the swimming area. But a nice spot with no ships in port...Heidi’s also has good food, just so congested in the small areas...But you’d have to check it out yourself...

 

If you want to stay closer to Crown, you can  also look at Brewers, or for more of a hotel experience the Emerald Beach Resort in nearby Lindbergh Bay.

so many choices...

[Ms411]

Brewers doesn't rent chairs and only has food trucks. Taxis may discourage you from going there because it's mostly a local beach and they can't get passengers from Brewers so they drive back empty.

 

[anne13]

My thanks to all who responded with their advice. :) 

[blue_water]

5 hours ago, Ms411 said:

Brewers doesn't rent chairs and only has food trucks. Taxis may discourage you from going there because it's mostly a local beach and they can't get passengers from Brewers so they drive back empty.

 

Yes, depends on what one is looking for...

[Ms411]

And visitors relying on taxis may not be able to get a taxi to Brewers.

 

[blue_water]

Ms411 I read your post, thanks, I wouldn't have a problem. Others may want to stick with Lindbergh Bay if staying close to Crown...

[ylojerseygirl]

4 hours ago, blue_water said:

Ms411 I read your post, thanks, I wouldn't have a problem. Others may want to stick with Lindbergh Bay if staying close to Crown...

 

@Blue_water, what are your thoughts on Morning Star beach vs Emerald? we have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and don't want to go to far from Havensight, but still want a safe beach with bathrooms and restaurant.  The airport sounds like it would be fun for the 3 year old, how often do flights come in?

Edited February 25, 2020 by ylojerseygirl

[Ms411]

Morningstar is closed until the resort reopens. Access blocked. Water calmer at Emerald. Most of the flights come and go in the afternoon. You can't really see the airport or runway from Emerald beach because of the hotel and the trees that line the road. You would have to stand on the side of the road to see the planes take off. You may see some planes flying high overhead, though.