TravelGirl73-RCCL

I am going there in a few weeks and we (2 adults) have decided to do it on our own. From my research of the treads, I understand that the Taxi fare from Havensight dock to Magens is $8 per person each way if you are 2 or more (or $10 if you are by yourself). The price could be different if you dock at Crown Bay. There is an entrance fee at Magen's of $5 for adults and $2 for kids. Sometimes the excursion includes a drink so you should factored that in. For us, we also wanted the flexibility of how much time to spend there. Taxi in St. Thomas are shared ride, which means that they will wait to be filled up before leaving the port and the may do multiple stops on their way back, so you need to make sure you have plenty of time to come back to the ship by the all-onboard time if you decide to do it on your own.

Also consider that excursion sometimes include other things. I did one in 2010, and the excursion included a photo stop at Drake's Seat (I think that what is called) - overseeing Magen's bay from up above, 2-hours at the beach, transport to downtown for shopping, and transport back to the ship (and we were docked at Crown Bay - downtown is much closer to Havensight). I can't remember how much it was but I think it was worth it for what we want to do at that time.

I'll post back after my trip.

I am glad you enjoyed it. For us it was a nice, uncrowded beach day.

 

When I was there I took photos of some of the huge yachts anchored in Simpson Bay. This afternoon I was browsing through my photos and looked up some of the ships online. I found all kinds of interesting information, a couple of the boats even have their own Wikipedia page.

Thank you for this and thank you to Lisa (Scagos5) for your input as well. We were debating between Mullet and Karakter as well, now we know where will go in a couple of weeks. Yeah! :D:D:D

Now we only have Antigua to figure out :confused: Thanks a lot.

Also interested in this. Haven't decided on the beach we are going to yet but Dickenson is in our top 3 and it will be good to know that best spot there.

I have seen some recommendations for Tony's Watersports Beach Bar and Wonder if it's the best option or if they are better ones.

Many thanks!

Unfornutatly, the site I have used once to do something like this shows that their St. Marteen resorts are all closed for the remainder of 2018. This confirms Karysa's post.

https://www.resortforaday.com/St-Maarten-Day-Pass-s/1833.htm

Good luck!

Emerald really wasn't good when we were there 3 weeks ago. It was so crowded there was hardly a space to put your towel, there were no umbrellas or chairs left for rent. I would also mention the hurricane damage is quite noticeable at Emerald, I understand the local people are doing their best to clear it up.

Thanks for this. The last thing I want is a crowded beach. Also my mom has already been to Emerald so based on this I prefer that she remembers it like it was when she was there. This trip about her (likely to be her last one).

We will go to Magen's. We are the only ship in Port, so even if a lot of people end up there, it's big enough for us to find a spot. Thanks again. :)

I think Magens is your best bet. Secret Harbor would invoke a little more walking and is a smaller beach. Emerald is on a nice beach but imho doesn’t have as nice a view.

Magens has easy access, is a Long Beach by island standards, and has food and rental chairs

Thank you. I didn't know Secret Harbor involved a little walking. Really useful. ;) Given that my mom has never been to Magen's, we will go there.

Following this thread with interest as like the OP, I am also looking for a beach to go to when my ship stops in Antigua in a few weeks (can't wait). Thanks for all the input so far.

I am debating between Jolly, Darkwood and Dickinson. I saw recent pics of Jolly on another thread and was wondering if anyone had any pics of Dickinson or Darkwood. Any advice or feedback is also really appreciated. Thanks in advance. :-)

Hi,

I know there is a lot of information about this already but I am still debating between these 3 beaches and would like the most recent information/advice.

My 70 year-old mother and me will be there on Saturday April 14, the ship is port from 1h30 to 10pm, so this will be for an afternoon beach break. Pretty sure we are docking at Havensight.

I have been to Magen's Bay but it was 8 years ago. My mom hasn't, she has seen in it from the view point and went to Emerald about 5 years ago.

Looking for easy to access beach by open-air taxi, preferred a quiet/relaxing vibe to party one, would like to rent chairs and unbrella. Bar and snack food would be great would be great to but not a must. My mom is not as solid on her feet than she used to due to some health issues but she loves to walk on a beach, so a beach that is easy to walk on (flat, nice sand that you don't keep sunking in to) with gradual entry in the water would be best.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice. :)

I have a similar situation (flying out of FFL at 18h30 /6h30pm) so really interested in this thread. Thanks for everyone's input.

I am debating between a Resort Day Pass or doing like Seavino. Just wondering what king of facilities there is at Fort Lauderdale Beach park: Restaurant; Chair and umbrella rentals, washroom, showers (would be nice to freshing up before the flight)? Anyone knows?

My cruise ends on April 21st, so that's day we are doing this. sfwilson123: Are you coming back from your cruise before after that? Would love to hear about you end up doing. I could also share if you return is after me.:D

Thank you reedprincess

Thank you alll

Host Ann,

My mom and I are going to St. Thomas in April. We've both been there so St. John sounds attractive. My concern is that the ship is only arriving in the afternoon (1h30pm). It staying late (until 10pm). Just not sure, if all the travel would gave us enough beach time in St. John. Also need to check when the last ferry is. Maybe we should wait for our following trip and stick with St. Thomas this time. Thoughts?

Anyone know what they hours are? I'll be there in April. The ship will be docked from 1h30pm to 10pm. I would like to go to a beach in the afternoon and do this around 5 or 6pm before going back to the ship. It won't work if they close early. (PS. not sure if I was supposed to start a new thread here... apologies if I was - relatively new here ;-)

Thanks for the quick reply. The tile say "Beach" but the description say "Depart Soufrière for one of the bays along the coast for swimming..." and elsewhere "You'll continue your cruise along the island's verdant coast, stopping at the remote dark-sand beach of one of the bays for a refreshing swim..." Thanks again.

Hi,

I'm considering the following excursion that could be booked with the cruise line (Princess): The Pitons, Marigot Bay, Coastal Cruise & Beach Excursion. It's a 4 hours tour. Has someone done it? Wondering what the beach portion looks like. Are they dropping you close enough to the beach (in shallow water) that you don't need to know how to swim, or are dropping you in deep water. My mom likes to walk along the beach but she can't swim. Worse case she could stay on the Catameran but I would like for her to enjoy the beach.

Any détails would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.