Beckertime

Wondering if anybody knows if these same rules apply regarding the first night being free for those on the UDP? According to the terms and conditions of the program, there is a discounted chargeof $10-$15 (depending on the seat location and instead of the $30-$35). Is this a recent change to the terms? Or has this always been the case? If these have always been the rules, I would assume the first night is still free.

Anybody have a recent experience?

Sage advice as always Blue.

We are debating between the two beaches you've mentioned. Could we rent snorkel gear at both? Is the snorkeling decent at Cane? Lastly, does Nicole's have chairs. Thanks in advance!

We've been to Clearwater, South Beach, Fort Myers, the east coast and Key West beaches and I have to say I have not see a beach in FL that compares to the Caribbean, including St Thomas. Sapphire has a lot of character compared to the typical US beach (along with the beautiful colors and island views).

Unfortunately there is some coral damage closer to shore due to misuse by novice snorkelers, and as a result the owners are constantly urging ignorant day visitors not to stand on the coral. But the reef is vibrant and the sea grass area can be a great spot to find sea turtles and rays.

Thanks royal girl for your thoughts on Sapphire Beach, it’s always interesting to hear from someone new and how much they loved or hated it there! I must say though this is the very first time I have ever read a negative review on Sapphire Beach like yours – what a surprise!:confused: I was initially wondering if you were at Coki with the small beach description, and then I thought smaller Secret Harbor when you mentioned the condo…But it sounds like you were at Sapphire and I have just a few comments on your report –

 

Sapphire is a nice, larger bay with lots of beach to spread out on and not a small beach at all. To the right of the dive center (Dive In) is where the best snorkeling is and it is rockier there of course, and you would have known that from your extensive research you did. But that beach area offers abundant natural shade (I didn’t even know Dive In rented umbrellas because of the abundant natural shade there!). In front of Dive In is a nice, sandy swimming area, and to the left of that is a sea grass area where you may spot sea turtles and rays. So although Sapphire is home to 3 condo properties, there is a lot of room for day visitors, and there are no restrictions on where you can go as with other beaches like SH. Again, you would have known all of this after doing your research.

 

The owners at the Sapphire Beach Resort are typically very friendly toward day visitors and will often direct you to the best snorkeling spots or where the Banana Cabana is if you don’t want to wait for a runner taking multiple food and drink orders. We often rent at Sapphire Resort and have never seen day visitors scorned or looked down upon by owners or guests. Many of us were actually introduced to the beautiful islands by cruising before taking land vacations. So I'm really very surprised to read your comments on that and I'm thinking perhaps you weren't being that friendly yourselves? We try our best to be friendly toward locals and owners when visiting their backyards.

 

Regarding food, the Banana Cabana and Sapphire Village Restaurant have runners taking orders on the beach, and Dive In sells beer and rum punches cheaper than BC. There's also a food truck with great food at the entrance to the property. This is easily found by reviewing other threads here.

 

The ride to Sapphire is not that bad, certainly nothing to be concerned with. Magens Bay is a nice beach too but is where most of the day visitors will go and so it’s a crowded, busy beach. If you prefer being with everyone else on your ship Magens is your beach! You can walk to one end that is quieter but there are no amenities there of course. And I'm sure you knew that based on your research. Sapphire just exudes more character in our humble opinion and so we will go there and recommend that to others.

 

But thanks for your report, and sorry to pick on you about your research. Just want to assure others your opinion is quite different from most, but that's what this forum is all about :)

Great response Blue Water. You've sold me. Since you seem like the expert, I'm wondering if you can clear something up. It seems that some report that the Dive In is closed. Others say it is open. Do you know for sure? We need snorkel rental gear and will get it near the port. But obviously, renting on Sapphire would be easiest. Also, since we will be renting a car, is there public parking?

Thanks in advance!

Great stuff, thanks everybody.

Yes, I enjoy sipping the rums straight, not mixing. I was hoping to discover a few local varieties. So this really helps.

Hi-

First time in PR and interested in rum tastings. I know in Mexico, there are many shops that allow for tequila tastings. Does PR, specifically old town, offer a similar experience?

I know Bacardi is down the road, but our ship arrives around 3:00 pm and Bacardi closes at 4:00. I don't think we will make it in time and really don't want to rush.

Thanks!