blue_water

@PleasantTime - ALWAYS confirm the price BEFORE accepting a ridge. And if the driver gives you a hard time - look for another driver. That miserable experience is on you

There are other factors or considerations that can make or break your beach experience of course. All of these beaches are popular and beautiful, and you can’t make a bad choice. Just depends on how busy a vibe you want, and whether you want to snorkel or just lime… Sapphire gets busy but has space to spread out and get a nice spot; Coki is a much smaller bay and has a much busier vibe with many vendors; Secret Harbour Resort accommodates day visitors but there is less space, and they restrict where you can sit. AADivers rents lounges/umbrellas, and if you are not arriving very early you should reserve the lounges in advance; Smith Bay/Lindqvist does not have any amenities other than restrooms, at least the last I knew. But arguably the nicest beach on the island. I’m sure MS411 and others can share the current situation there; Lindbergh Bay (AKA Emerald Beach) is a convenient option from Crown Bay; And Magens Bay is gorgeous from high above, and is rated highly for good reason. But it gets very crowded and it is a deep, protected bay and great for families with young kids… For a getaway there are other options but transportation is less easy…

Our personal beach rating for our 6 favorite beaches based on what we look for 😉 Share yours! GORGEOUS WATER COLOR(S) Sapphire ***** Smith Bay/Lindqvist **** Coki **** Magens Bay *** Secret Harbor ** Lindbergh Bay ** BEAUTIFUL ISLAND VIEWS Sapphire ***** Smith Bay/Lindqvist ***** Coki **** Secret Harbor ** Lindbergh Bay ** Magens Bay * GOOD FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS Sapphire ***** Secret Harbor ***** Lindbergh Bay *** Coki ** Magens Bay ** Smith Bay/Lindqvist SNORKELING Sapphire **** Coki **** Secret Harbor **** Smith Bay/Lindqvist *** Lindbergh Bay ** Magens Bay AMENITIES/RENTAL GEAR Sapphire ***** Secret Harbor ***** Lindbergh Bay **** Coki *** Magens Bay ** Smith Bay/Lindqvist Average * Ratings (out of 5): Sapphire 4.8 Secret Harbor 3.6 Coki 3.4 Lindbergh Bay 2.6 Magens Bay 1.6

Thanks, I’m sure everyone will have different opinions though…☺️ I will start a new thread and then others can share their ratings!

Yes, if KathyLee didn’t need facilities I would have suggested Lindqvist. Arguably the nicest beach on the island… I think I mentioned in another thread we would stop at Moe’s Market in Red Hook to pick up a nice picnic lunch and drinks, and lay on our towels at that beach 👍

Reviews on TripAdvisor are mixed, but this one from doktaidez posted in February is helpful - “This waterpark was great overall. It was very open and did not ever feel crowded the way waterparks often can feel. It was very clean, the food was expensive but surprisingly VERY good. We ordered a cheeseburger, hot dog, and chicken wrap from Cleo Grill and we were impressed. 1 full day is more then enough here as there aren't a ton of slides, but just enogh to feel satisfied. However the biggest problem I found was there are rides for people who are 48" and taller, and there are rides for children under 48". There are no rides where if your child is shorter, they can ride with you. The 2 main kids areas are fantastic, with water slides and splash pads etc. However my son is almost 7yo and 47". He had fun at the kids area for a while but then wanted to ride some bigger slides and was not allowed. I felt bad and was wondering if this was going to be a problem. So that was the only main complaint I have, otherwise suck it up, and just spend the money for a day. Especially if you have little kids, they will love!” Check out the other reviews there… We spent 2 weeks on the island and never spent any time at the Margaritaville Hotel. But it was very busy, and the day pass price seems crazy for what you get…Just our opinion of course. And if you do go to Baha Bay, just hop a jitney (small bus) at the stop at Bay & Frederick Sts. Not a long delay getting as there are few stops on the way, all quick, and just $1.25/pp each way (exact change appreciated) with a stop right outside the park for your return pick-up.

Sure! I contacted her through Facebook Messenger. Another option, may be less expensive - shashamane.slu@gmail.com We’ve not yet used Nio’s services but great reviews, and she is great to work with!

I suggest contacting Nio Rose. She has very flexible options for PI and other areas via water taxi! We were considering a water taxi to Marigot Bay, then back up to Pigeon Island, and she has some great options. Just google her, if you need contact info I will dig that up.

We (two couples) are organizing a private catamaran daysail for this date. This is on the Celebrity Beyond Ultimate Southern Caribbean cruise, from March 28 - April 7, arriving St Lucia April 1. This is a ~5 hr sail south that includes a tour of Marigot Bay, a stop in Sugar Beach between the Pitons, and possibly Soufriere as time permits. This will leave ~2 hours to see Castries or to return to the ship early. Guaranteed to be a smaller group on a very nice cat, and the cost is just $88/pp. So first come, first in… Anyone on this cruise interested, please join our Roll Call for this cruise and see the invite there, or if not familiar with doing that reply here. Thanks!

Thanks! We’re planning on a cat sail that includes a stop at Sugar Beach so we’ll get views during the sail… We may end up not spending enough time in Soufriere for lunch, but I do appreciate all the great info, we will save that for our future lad visit!

Our requirements or desires - GORGEOUS WATER COLOR(S) Sapphire ***** Magens *** Secret Harbor ** Lindbergh Bay ** BEAUTIFUL ISLAND VIEWS Sapphire ***** Magens Secret Harbor ** Lindbergh Bay ** GOOD FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS Sapphire ***** Magens * Lindbergh Bay *** Secret Harbor ***** SNORKELING Sapphire *** Magens Secret Harbor ** Lindbergh Bay * RENTAL EQUIPMENT Sapphire ***** Magens *** Secret Harbor **** Lindbergh Bay ***

If nothing materializes, you can also post this question on the TripAdvisor Tortola forum just in case someone who visits the islands frequently can offer more…

Some of the independent outfits that provide shared excursions like Patouche - and possibly Kuralu and Aristocat - may offer excursions to the Baths either on a cat or on a smaller power boat. Try contacting them for options. If you need more people to get a decent price look for others on your Roll Call. We’re doing that to take advantage of a custom private cat sail on our day in St Lucia. There are also private charters line www.sunshinepowerboats.com that can take you to the Baths. And Speedy’s Ferry has private options that you could check out.. Sorry no easy answer, but some options to check into 😄

Yes, that is a newer excursion. Spring Bay is home to a condo/apartment property but has never had any amenities for visitors. The topography is somewhat similar to the Baths, but the experience in the boulders is not as, dramatic, say, as the Baths. Did the cruise line provide any kind of amenities for your time in Spring Bay? Or did you walk to the Top of the Baths or Mad Dog’s for that?

That is a newer excursion. Spring Bay is home to a condo/apartment property but has never had any amenities for visitors. The topography is somewhat similar to the Baths, but the experience in the boulders is not as, dramatic, say, as the Baths. Did the cruise line provide any kind of amenities for your time in Spring Bay?

But the uber option also sounds like a winner, with no others to worry about..

Thanks for the suggestions! We’d be looking for more of a casual place, cafe, or even a food stand for a bite, nothing fancy… I’m sure there are many options right in town…

If you decide to stay on Tortola, there are drivers at the dock offering shared island tours of Tortola, some with a beach stop. You can inquire at the info center or just ask the taxi coordinator when you arrive…The beach would probably be Cane Garden Bay since there are several beach restaurants there…

You can check other threads in regards to driving VG, for a short time we’d just suggest working with a taxi driver if you want to hit a couple spots. Spring Bay is flatter but has a similar topography as the Baths although not as dramatic. Devil’s Bay is on one side of the Baths. We’re not avid snorkelers, but I know folks more familiar with snorkeling Vg prefer a snorkel trail at Savannah Beach. You can find more expert snorkeling advice on the TripAdvisor VG forum… The ultimate snorkel experience may be one of the cat sails that hit the Indians and Norman Caves, like Aristocat, Kuralu, and Patouche.

I don’t really know…Often there are two ferries, either one after the other, or at different times. We’ve seen them lined-up at Spanish Town, one may have been for the ship excursion folks… It’s just harder to enjoy the Baths when a ferry arrives…

If calm water is the biggest consideration then Magens or Secret Harbour. Sapphire can be wuite calm or rougher depending on the wind and sea conditions.. Having said that, in April we would definitely choose Sapphire. Just nicer island views, still a gorgeous beach and water colors, and better food options…

We want to avoid the long bus/van ride or overcrowded cats so we’re looking at private excursions through the options @reedprincess shared, some that include water taxis… Some private cats as well if you gather others through your roll call to get the price down..,

Yes from YouTube videos and other reviews we realized it’s just too darn crowded for us…Better options for sure…

Were you looking at any specific excursions? Tortola is one of the best ports for a catamaran sail. No crowds, and some amazing snorkeling, or amazing beach stop on Jost…

What are your port times & date?