My review Sapphire Beach St Thomas June 2017

Our cruise stop in St. Thomas was on June 7, 2017 and we were on the beautiful Allure of the Seas. Our St. Thomas stop was from 10am – 7pm. I was one of five girls traveling on a girlfriends get-away. We are all in our mid 40s. We had determined, prior to the cruise, that St. Thomas would be a beach day. I’m not someone who books excursions through the cruise line, and after researching online we determined that Sapphire Beach sounded like a good fit for us. As a side note, along with our ship there was a Disney ship in port this day so my review of the beach is based off of what we experienced with two ships of passengers. We wanted a beach with gorgeous views, beautiful water, food and restrooms available, some shade and not overly crowded or built up. Sapphire Beach did not disappoint! Our ship docked right on time and we were off the ship immediately. We were cruising in a suite and were provided an early escort off the ship by the concierge … which meant getting off the ship even before the ship had their “Welcome to St. Thomas” photographers set up on the pier (that sadly meant no group photo of us… oh well, we still managed many photos). We made our way down the pier and past the many gift shops at the foot of the pier and then on out to the exit at the street. There were rows of taxis awaiting the cruise debarkation and a sign hanging that listed the beaches and the taxi fares. I found the sign helpful because it eased my mind that I wouldn’t have to try to haggle a taxi fare. We were one of the very first to the taxi area, due to our early escort off of the ship, and we found it to be easy and simple. We stated to an attendant that we had five people and needed a taxi to Sapphire Beach; we were then directed to a driver with a van and we were on our way. Our driver introduced himself as Moses and he was very nice and informative. As we drove along he pointed out things, talked about the island and ensured us that we made a good selection by picking Sapphire Beach. After about a 30 minute drive (that’s guessing the time because we were so enjoying the drive and scenery that none of us payed attention to the length of time) we arrived Sapphire Beach. We were dropped off just on the backside of a building so the walk to the beach was very minimal. We asked our driver about catching a taxi back and he gave us his business card and said to just call when we were ready or we could give him a specific time… we opted to just call when we were ready. Since we had to make it back to ship, we had already planned that we’d allow plenty of time just in case there were any issues. We had carried a fold up beach cabana since one of the girls in our group is going through chemo treatments and needs to stay in the shade as much as possible and we had snorkeling gear we had brought from home as well as our beach bags. We were thankful we did not have a far walk. As a side note, this beach did not charge any fee to get in like some others do. We made our way to the beach and were blown away by the amazing views out across the water at St. John and the other islands. This was truly what paradise looks like! We pretty much had the beach to ourselves for the first couple of hours; as the day progressed more people arrived but it never got busy or crowded. It felt like we had the place to ourselves and it really felt so tranquil. We walked a little bit down the left side of the beach and found a nice tree to set our towels under. It turned out that we didn’t really need our cabana since this beach had many areas that shade could be found. One end of the beach has a quaint condo unit but the beach area is still public. This beach was truly perfect! We did some snorkeling and the snorkeling seemed pretty good… we saw some puffer fish and flounder along with the typical brightly colored tropical fish expected. We didn’t snorkel as much as I normally would’ve just because we were really enjoying the beach time. There were many people snorkeling and it was nice being able to snorkel right from the beach. The restrooms were nice and clean and there is a water sport / activity desk where you could rent kayaks, paddleboards, parasail, etc… I took a photo of this sign so you can see rates and what they offered. A friend and I did the tandem parasail and loved it; and it only took about 45 minutes out of our beach time and they took us from an area just down the beach so it involved no effort. The beach grill / bar area had a steel drum band playing and the hamburgers were excellent! We loved having the beach grill and ability to have a pina-colada on the beach. There was also a lady selling some really cute sundresses that she had hanging in a tree at the beach; I’m kicking myself for not buying one that I saw and liked. After about 4-5 hours of beach time we called our taxi driver for our return toward to the ship. This would get us back to the ship with a few hours to spare to shop and give us some buffer time just in the event something were to happen like a taxi break down or our driver not show up to get us. Our driver, Moses, showed up to pick us back up within about 10-15 minutes of calling him… he was so good and I kept him business card to use him again someday hopefully. On our way back our driver stopped at the Skyline Overlook to give us an opportunity to take in the gorgeous view and some photos. After the overlook stop we were taken directly back to the cruise port and had time to do some shopping and were back on the ship with plenty of time left before sail away. I found a great little shop at the cruise port area that sold items actually made in St. Thomas by local artist. I purchased two sea-glass necklaces which were made by a local lady who collects sea glass on the northshore of St. Thomas, and also purchased some homemade soaps. If you want the typical tee-shirt and souvenirs you will find plenty right at the ship port. I’d definitely recommend Sapphire Beach to anyone who wants a piece of paradise, gorgeous views, beautiful beach with conveniences of food, drink and restrooms nearby and an uncrowded setting.

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Such a through review and much appreciated as we will be there in a few weeks, also docking in Crown Bay. Thanks for the info on taxi rates. Glad you enjoyed your day with friends

Great review. Sapphire will be our next stop when we return.

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We loved spending the day at Sapphire beach on our last visit . :)

Thank you madimorg for you great report and your photos! Sapphire affected you as it did us - the views are breathtaking, and the beach and water are gorgeous. We're stunned when we read negative reviews on Sapphire, thanks for taking the time to share your experience. And the taxi and Dive In signs are a great help to others considering Sapphire.

As long as the majority of folks head to Magens and Coki, Sapphire offers a nice, quiet spot to relax and enjoy the beauty.

[EDIT] Consider returning and staying in one of the nice condos right there on the beach, that's Paradise!

Thank you madimorg for you great report and your photos! Sapphire affected you as it did us - the views are breathtaking, and the beach and water are gorgeous. We're stunned when we read negative reviews on Sapphire, thanks for taking the time to share your experience. And the taxi and Dive In signs are a great help to others considering Sapphire.

As long as the majority of folks head to Magens and Coki, Sapphire offers a nice, quiet spot to relax and enjoy the beauty.

 

[EDIT] Consider returning and staying in one of the nice condos right there on the beach, that's Paradise!

Oh yes, I definitely plan to return and stay there. Heaven on earth.

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If you or anyone else does be sure to rent through an owner so you can choose the condo you want rather than through the resort. You can get owner recommendations on the STT forum on trip advisor, and I can share contact info via email for two owners who have beautiful units.

If you or anyone else does be sure to rent through an owner so you can choose the condo you want rather than through the resort. You can get owner recommendations on the STT forum on trip advisor, and I can share contact info via email for two owners who have beautiful units.

Thank you

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We ended up there that day too, but as a result of a bad taxi driver. We told them multiple times we wanted to go to Coki Beach. The driver even announced a stop for Coki, but never stopped. When he stopped at Sapphire we ended up going to the beach there b/c I didn't feel comfortable with possibly get stuck at Coki with DD (6) after the taxi didn't stop there.

We found the scenery to be beautiful as well, but were disappointed with how rocky the shore was and how far out you had to go for decent snorkeling. Sandy beaches and shallow water snorkeling were my reasons for choosing Coki initially.

The staff at Sapphire was nice and the changing areas were clean.

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We ended up there that day too, but as a result of a bad taxi driver. We told them multiple times we wanted to go to Coki Beach. The driver even announced a stop for Coki, but never stopped. When he stopped at Sapphire we ended up going to the beach there b/c I didn't feel comfortable with possibly get stuck at Coki with DD (6) after the taxi didn't stop there.

 

We found the scenery to be beautiful as well, but were disappointed with how rocky the shore was and how far out you had to go for decent snorkeling. Sandy beaches and shallow water snorkeling were my reasons for choosing Coki initially.

 

The staff at Sapphire was nice and the changing areas were clean.

 

 

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I didn't notice the rocky shore in the area we were in. We were to the left (as you look out toward the water). We did swim out to get to the coral to see the most fish but we didn't have a child with us so I can see how that'd be hard. We had snorkeling life vest with us too.

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Yes there is a rocky area where the "Don't walk on the Coral" sign is, and a sandier swimming area and a sea grass area to the left. With the shifting sand from storms you can occasionally see rocks in the swimming area but typically it's nice.

Coki s beautiful too, just two very different experiences. It's funny, many drivers will recommend Coki because they have family or friends working there so this was the opposite!

The beach at Sapphire is not static it changes all the time sometimes a few times in the same day. The stones along the shore come and go but for the most part there is an area in in front of the restaurant building that has very few stones.

There is more than one reef at Sapphire and there is the main one that is maybe 5 feet deep. It may look far out but its not a deep spot. There is a seagrass area that is out further, but that is where the turtles, rays, and squid hang out.

Please respect the beach and do not litter or throw cigarette or cigar butts on the beach, and please do not stand on or touch the coral

Thanks for your review!! I was reading another one that was posted back in 2014, and there were no restrooms, so I was glad to see there are facilities there now. Also, I see they have chairs to rent now as well. Is food/drink A La Carte, or do they have a package you can buy for unlimited or discount drinks/food? Someone also mention a Gourmet Gallery at they port, where you could buy sandwiches and drinks, then take it to Sapphire, as they don;t mind if you bring your own food and drink. Did you have any experience with that or see the Gourmet Gallery?

Thanks for your review!! I was reading another one that was posted back in 2014, and there were no restrooms, so I was glad to see there are facilities there now. Also, I see they have chairs to rent now as well. Is food/drink A La Carte, or do they have a package you can buy for unlimited or discount drinks/food? Someone also mention a Gourmet Gallery at they port, where you could buy sandwiches and drinks, then take it to Sapphire, as they don;t mind if you bring your own food and drink. Did you have any experience with that or see the Gourmet Gallery?

The food grill was priced like a regular menu. Very good hamburger I might add. Yes, it's just like any other public beach in that you could easily bring a picnic in. The bathrooms and facilities were all nice.

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ReeRun, Beautiful Bill can give you the most accurate info on Sapphire and it's history, but the Dive In rental center had closed for a period of time and the restrooms were also closed if I remember. You'll now find everything available mentioned.

Gourmet Gallery is right in Havensight where you dock (also at Crown Bay for those docking there) and has delicious subs and sandwiches if you want that. It is a great option if going to a beach with no restaurant like Lindqvist.

ReeRun, Beautiful Bill can give you the most accurate info on Sapphire and it's history, but the Dive In rental center had closed for a period of time and the restrooms were also closed if I remember. You'll now find everything available mentioned.

 

Gourmet Gallery is right in Havensight where you dock (also at Crown Bay for those docking there) and has delicious subs and sandwiches if you want that. It is a great option if going to a beach with no restaurant like Lindqvist.

Excellent, thanks for the info!

The food grill was priced like a regular menu. Very good hamburger I might add. Yes, it's just like any other public beach in that you could easily bring a picnic in. The bathrooms and facilities were all nice.

Thank you!

Was that taxi rate one way per person? Pretty pricey for 2 ppl to go to the beach! $60 US dollars round trip?

Was that taxi rate one way per person? Pretty pricey for 2 ppl to go to the beach! $60 US dollars round trip?

Here's the sign from the taxi stand at the cruise port. Not that bad. $11 each way per person.

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Thank you so much for your review and pictures. It's exactly what I'm looking for in my planning for my cruise in a couple of weeks! I also would love to stop at the store that has the sea glass jewelry. Do you remember the name? Thank you

Thank you so much for your review and pictures. It's exactly what I'm looking for in my planning for my cruise in a couple of weeks! I also would love to stop at the store that has the sea glass jewelry. Do you remember the name? Thank you

Oh I wish I remembered the name. It was at the port and just a little shop that specializes in local items.

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Were there van taxis, or just cars? We have a group of 11, and wondering if we could all fit in one vehicle.

Were there van taxis, or just cars? We have a group of 11, and wondering if we could all fit in one vehicle.

We had a van taxi for us five. Not sure if they had larger vans or not.

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There are converted pick up trucks with benches and many of them can carry 20+ people.

Thanks for the wonderful review of Sapphire Beach. We plan on going there while on our upcoming cruise.

Do you know if you can rent chairs/loungers?

Thanks!

Nancy:)