Car hire in Caribbean and Azores

Dear All,

I would be very grateful for any advice regarding the hire of cars when arriving in port at The Azores, Antigua, Tortola, St Maarten, Dominica and Barbados.

We are on the Arcadia leaving Southampton on 3rd November and intend the hire cars in a number of our ports, although at the moment do not wish to commit to booking in advance.

Having joined the Forum upon booking our cruise it has become evident there are a number of people here with huge experience who may be able to provide some valuable advice.

Thank you in advance for any information available.

Ian

Unfortunately the company that used to be based in the terminal at Barbados is not longer there. We tried hard last year to find a company who would deliver for our one day visit without success, though that was in February when the high season. You may have better luck in November. We booked a jeep in Tortola and broke down so I would suggest you avoid Courtesy Car Rental. We used taxis in St Martin and did a ship's tour in Dominica. I would suggest a private tour would be a better bet than car hire in Dominica, a big island and not good signage.

We have hired cars in several Caribbean islands, Antigua, Tortola, Barbados and St. Maarten from your list but always in advance (about a month before) and never had any problems at all. I'm sorry I can't remember where from, I know the Barbados one (3 times) was the one at the port, I did not realise they had gone, shame. I would not hire in Dominica either, island is quite large. We always travel as a party of 4 with another couple and car hire is a cheap option for us. I don't know if you are visiting Curacao or Bonaire, car/jeep hire is a good option on those 2 islands, just the right size to see all you want in a day and some good beaches away from the port.

I just wanted to thank both of you for the detailed replies, it has certainly provided me with further information to consider, it seems Dominica is problematic and that is the island I am most excited about visiting.

Ian

I just wanted to thank both of you for the detailed replies, it has certainly provided me with further information to consider, it seems Dominica is problematic and that is the island I am most excited about visiting.

 

Ian

There is little to do in the town where you dock so you should try and get out and about in Dominica, either a ship's tour or even better a private one. We have done both and the last time we visited did not know what to do. In the end we went on a ship's whale watch and it was brilliant, better than Hawaii. Afterwards we explored the botanical gardens, good if you like walking. We had good weather on this last visit but every other time we have been it has rained so pack a brolly or waterproof.

Hope you enjoy your cruise.

If you manage to get a car in Barbados I would recommend visiting the East Coast - Bathsheba, Crane Bay, Bottom Bay etc, scenery is wonderful and Bottom Bay is the prettiest beach, only possible to visit with a car really. The island is small enough to see the fabled West Coast as well in a day but the East is our favourite.

If you don't manage a car in Tortola, try a visit to either Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda, these are separate islands but both are very good. Jost Van Dyke is the better boat journey, lots to see.

I've posted some photos, they may be helpful to you making decisions

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Carib10Photos#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Carib11Photos#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Caribbean2013#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Caribbean2014#

Unfortunately the company that used to be based in the terminal at Barbados is not longer there.

Is that Stoutes ?

Is that Stoutes ?

Yes it is, such a shame, they closed the office Decenber 2013.

We would like a car when we visit next as we want to look at come rental properties. If anyone knows of a reliable company that will deliver to the port please post the details.

If you manage to get a car in Barbados I would recommend visiting the East Coast - Bathsheba, Crane Bay, Bottom Bay etc, scenery is wonderful and Bottom Bay is the prettiest beach, only possible to visit with a car really. The island is small enough to see the fabled West Coast as well in a day but the East is our favourite.

If you don't manage a car in Tortola, try a visit to either Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda, these are separate islands but both are very good. Jost Van Dyke is the better boat journey, lots to see.

 

I've posted some photos, they may be helpful to you making decisions

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Carib10Photos#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Carib11Photos#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Caribbean2013#

https://picasaweb.google.com/107693552597250328299/Caribbean2014#

Dear Bee-Ess

Thank you so much, the photos are beautiful and as we are now only nine days away from departing very exciting!

Ian