Irish13

Do you remember what company you used I contacted a company and they never got back to me

Something we did a few years ago was the Kayaking to Bio Luminesence Bay.

It was an amazing experience and is only possible in a handful of places in the world. You have to have the right phase of the moon, so there is a small amount of moonlight. There is a website where you can see the moon phases on a calendar.

 

We were given kayaks at the beach and kayaked through a mangrove swamp to a lagoon where we could see the bio-luminesence in the water. It was amazing and if you scooped up the water in your hand and let it run down your arm, it looked like fairydust. As the fish and our paddles moved the water they made it glow. This was a highlight of our stay in San Juan! The tour we did took us to the rainforest first.

Any suggestions on what Catamaran tour to take?

Our favorite thing to do in Antigua is to take a catamaran sail that includes a beach stop! :)

I have smaller children and was considering going here but what kind of drop are we talking about ?

Also how much would it cost for a cab ride for 4 of us ?

We're on the Royal Princess now. Went to Darkwood yesterday. The beach IS beautiful. No bouncy thing in the water though and snorkeling was difficult as there is such a steep drop you can't really see the bottom. Of course there was a guy with a sailboat who was happy to take us to a snorkeling spot for a fee. [emoji23]

 

The vendors were coming up to my chair selling jewelry, sarongs, jet skis rides, sailing rides, every 10 mins or so.

 

Still a lovely beach. Your mileage may vary.

 

 

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We are looking for somewhere new to try .. we have been to Dickenson's Bay Beach and love it but just want to try something new..

Hello All,

 

I've been having a thorough read through various posts re: beaches in Antigua. We have decided that this would be our 'beach day' on our upcoming cruise. My question to this board is... which would you recommend?

 

What we're ideally looking for...

 

• A great picturesque beach with easy access to the ocean
  
• A beach that ideally the cruise ships shore excursions don't visit
  
• Easy to get to/from the cruise port
  
• Ideally, opportunities for snorkelling (we have our own snorkels)
  

 

What's less important to us is...

 

• Beach restaurants/bars/shops
  
• Access to water sport rentals
  

 

Thanks in advance.

Was there a big drop off getting in to the water like it's been reported on here ?

Was the water ruff ?

Valley Church Beach is where I would go. We were there in June & before we went I was looking at all these same beaches & reviews trying to decide. I'm so glad we chose Valley Church Beach. It was absolutely breathtaking, the most beautiful water I've ever seen. It will not disappoint!!!! Can't wait to get back to Antigua & that gorgeous beach!!!

Yup we walked down the beach around the bend and then they went out down there.. Then my DH had the nerve to say do you want to go out as I was in tears ... Ugh NO!!! So I am very glad we can just take a boat all together now :)

Oh my that sounds scary. Yea, the sound of the boats means feeding time. So without the boats there, I would never try to swim out and find them. The location they are at isn't right in front of the Boatyard though. It would be quite a swim, if it could be done at all. I mean I'm sure the turtles are out there everywhere, but in order to go where there's a lot (due to being fed), you wouldn't be able to swim there. It would be easier to walk down the beach and then out. It was out, around a corner and down a ways. If I was at the beach that was right in front of where the boats were, it would have been an easy swim from the shore. We were pretty close to the shore.

I will tell you the last time we were at Boatyard they didn't offer the turtle boat excursion but the owner showed my husband and then 7 year old daughter where to go find the turtles.. So off they went they were so far out I couldn't even see them and it was such a helpless feeling because there was nothing I could do and they were gone for so long I sat on the beach yelling and yelling for them with no response. Finally I see my husband floating on his back and my daughter hanging onto his feet I honestly started crying these two older ladies came by and were like are you ok !! He said they didn't see but one turtle when they went out there I think the turtles come when they hear the boats because they know they are getting fed.

Yep, they were everywhere and it's maybe a 8-10 ride if that. It's just right down the beach area. Not far at all. I was trying to see if I could figure out which beach club it was because honestly, they were so close to the shore area that if you were at that beach, you could probably just swim out there.

Thanks for your post I copied it and sent it to the group of us that are going in November I am sure they will be excited about this addition as well.

I contacted the boatyard last month when I noticed the increase in price that appeared to include the turtle boat, this was the response:

 

Hi Greg,

 

Thanks for your email and yes, the entrance fee of US$20 for cruisers includes the boat ride to swim with the turtles. Please see all that is included below:-

 

For cruise passengers, we offer a beach package of *US$20 per person, children 3 – 6 years are *US$15. Children under 3 are free. We do not take any reservations and work on a first come, first serve basis for all our amenities, facilities and activities.

 

*Rates are subject to change

 

This package includes:-

A free Welcome drink,

A free lounge chair or day bed,

Shared umbrella *while stocks last*,

Free Wi-Fi,

Return taxi to your ship

 

Swim with the Turtles Boat Trip

 

Use of all our water toys (Rope Swing, Ocean Trampoline, Ice Berg & High Dive Platform)

As well as all our facilities:-

Washrooms,

Fresh water shows,

Changing rooms,

Sports TV,

Basket Ball net,

Volley Ball net,

Restaurant & Bar,

Souvenir Shop.

Recommend you come early to avoid disappointment and choose your spot on the beach. We are about an 8 mins drive or 20 min walk from the cruise port. We open at 9AM.

 

Please let us know if you have any other questions and we hope to see you at the Boatyard in December!

 

Please follow this link to Google maps for further directions -https://www.google.com/maps/search/The+Boatyard,+Bay+Street,+Bridgetown,+Saint+Michael,+Barbados/@13.1019452,-59.6168578,15z

 

 

Warm regards,

The Boatyard Team

 

To me the turtle boat is worth the price of admission as that was one of the things the kids really wanted to do.

Thanks so much for the info I am very happy about this !!! Did you see many turtles when you were there ? How long was the boat ride ?

Yep, $20 gets you everything...including the boat ride out to the turtles. No extra cost now. :D

 

My daughter did great. They do have you wear life jackets (everyone), which she hated because they were the blow up snorkeling ones with the strap between the legs...which never feel good. I ended up at one point loosening her and deflating the jacket so she could actually swim. But then again, she's been swimming for about 5 years and is a pretty good swimmer to begin with.

Believe it or not I don't do Facebook

If anyone gets more information on this please post it I would be interested in doing this when we get there in Jan we are there at an odd time from 3-11pm so this would be something fun to do.

Thanks

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1174059309322944.1073741843.138584199537132&type=3

 

Information was spread by local Journals no official company release as when to service starts.

 

Follows company's Facebook page for more info to come; as per FB inaugural photos looks like they'll pickup passengers right from the boats.

i would be interested in doing this if you have more info .. Can you catch the bus from the cruise terminal..

Service will start soon covering Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde and Carolina with 30 stops along the route as reported by local newspaper.

We went to the Boatyard in February and had a blast .. I wanted to go see the sea turtles but it was $15 to get in to the boatyard and another $20.00 to go on the boat to see the Sea Turtles which was too much for all four of us so we didn't go. So now you are saying that for $20.00 you get both ?

Also how did your daughter make out swimming with the sea turtles my kids are 5 and 8.

Thanks

Yep the boatyard includes a boat ride out to the turtles with the $20 admission price. We just got home last week from our cruise and had a wonderful time there. The turtles were amazing

Thanks for the info on Valley Church Beach I have small children and that will never work for us not being able to get in and out of the water ...

Do you happen to know how much the Taxi is to Dickenson"s Beach ?

Over the years we have been to VC four times - most recently Feb. 16. Very nice beach, but it has deteriorated by erosion so that it has one of the steepest drop offs as you enter the water of any of the Caribbean islands. There are chair and umbrella rentals, but again it does get very crowded when multiple ships are in. There are restrooms and bars with food available.

On school days watch your time as the roads are clogged with lots of traffic including school vans making traffic very slow if your doing it by taxi.

Next month (Adventure 8/27/16) we are going back to Dichenson's as it has more of a family feel to it and beach drop off is minimal.

 

Hal

I know what you mean we are looking to do a land vacation in St Croix next year and just trying to figure out the best place to stay has been a challenge. You have places that look great and price is ok but then to find out yes it's beach front but you can't swim in the water. Or just reading everyone's opinions of places the range from horrible to great .. And the last thing you want to do is travel all that way only to have a miserable vacation.

I was reading up on why cruise ships don't go there and even that was all over the board as to why.. I did find out RCCL does go there in the Winter but the only ship that looks like it goes is out of Puerto Rico which I have no interest in doing..

No you're right. But if you're talking about renting from condo or villa owners via VRBO or HomeAway you're dealing with verified owners. I'm just saying we have a couple contacts who rent beautiful condos and are excellent owners and I share those contacts with others who are looking for that. It can be a daunting task to narrow down a choice with hundreds of options...

Also in your opinion when is the best time of year to visit ?

Let me know when you guys land and I'll buy you a drink out west.

:)

My family and I are looking to visit sometime next year .. This would be our first trip to the island and in fact our first land vacation we normally cruise. Is there any place that you would recommend for families that is close to the beach or on the beach but not too expensive?

Let me know when you guys land and I'll buy you a drink out west.

:)

Honestly I would be very nervous about meeting someone on here or online and not really knowing anything about them and trusting that we were not getting scammed. I guess with the line of work I do it makes me not trust anyone.?

Yes there is shade right along the shore, you can

 

 

 

see the trees just beyond the volleyball net in the webcam. The sandy swimming area and dive shop are further to the left, before the blue bldgs.

 

Yes we do rent a condo there, we've been lucky enough to meet wonderful owners who rent there and the condos are beautiful. Most of the units are a roomy studio that is plenty large enough for a couple and there are larger two-story units as well. You want to rent directly through an owner via VRBO or from contacts here and on tripadvisor and not through the property because some units are nicer than others.

Thanks so much for all the great info I am printing it out and taking it with me. There was only one part I was not sure about.. You said the beach is open to the public near the waterline .. But if we want our chairs in the shade will it be a problem?

And I am certainly with you I would love to be there this morning!! Have you ever stayed there before?

Both are great days!

For Sapphire you'll be dropped close to the dive shop where you pay $9 each for your lounges, you can have the guy take them to a shaded spot to the right (as you face the water) if you'd like. The resort lobby and restaurant are currently closed, but there are restrooms near the dive shop.

 

The sandier swimming section of the beach is near the dive shop, to the right the entry is rockier but it's a bit quieter there. Just depends on what you want - Sapphire is quieter than Coki for example, but it can be a little crowded by the dive shop on big ship days. You'll see where you want to go when you arrive. Entry is free and although there are condos here the beach is open to the public near the waterline if you are away from the dive shop and in front of the condo bldgs.

 

The Banana Cabana is a beach grill that makes great Mahi Mahi sandwiches and burgers, ald also sells beer and tropical drinks. They are located between condo bldgs B & C, bldg A is by the dive shop. You can walk there or they have a runner taking orders from the beach. There's also a restaurant behind the marina that has a runner. You can buy rum punch and beer at the dive shop a little cheaper as well.

You'll want cash, the dive shop may require a credit card to rent snorkel gear and other items, I'm not sure. There is a reef to the right and sea grass to the left for snorkeling.

Taxis will stop in to take folks back to the ship, $10pp each way.

Beautiful beach with just enough amenities - I'd much rather be there this morning myself! Bill owns there and many of the owners are nice as well, great place to return for a week...

I think we have decided (thanks to your help) that we are going to try out Sapphire on this cruise and go to Trunk Bay on our cruise in January. Thanks for sending the link for the beach oh how much would I rather be there today than heading to work this morning. Is there anything I should specifically know about the beach when I get there or the area ?

Trunk is beautiful but so is Sapphire, and we would choose Sapphire no question. You'd also have another 2 - 2.5 hours at the beach and the total cost for transportation would be $20pp. So if undecided these points may help.

Sapphire has natural shade and beautiful water and island views. Some of the condo facilities are currently closed like the restaurant and tennis courts, but the condo bldgs are nice. You would find everything you want at Sapphire.

 

Great webcam and drone video -

http://www.sapphireinthesun.com

That sounds just amazing .. What more do you need than a beautiful beach, good people and good food. I am surprised that you said quality medical.. I would not have thought that at all.

Do you still have a home in the states or is your main home in Mexico now ?

As far as where we will end up once we retire my husband doesn't really mind where we go as long as we can get out of NJ lol ..

Beautiful Bill loves STT and Sapphire (for good reason) and can tell you why. I would be looking at Tortola, but my wife and I both enjoy Mexico, and so we chose there. So your choice, if you are as fortunate, can change as you experience new places, and if you are a couple you may need to make concessions so you are both happy and that's what it's all about! :)

We still cruise occasionally, but land vacations are much more common for us now, and even with a new home in Mexico we plan to continue seeing new places and returning to beautiful Tortola, and of course to Sapphire!

 

[EDIT] Didn't answer the "why" for Mexico (Yucatan) - The natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and water activities, wonderful people, interesting history and customs, abundant dining and entertainment options, quality medical services, and ease of visiting other countries like Belize and the rest of the Carib.

We plan to retire to the islands one day .. Right now I am loving St Croix

But that could all change in 10 years we really loved Barbados too when we went there ..

What is your favorite island and why ?

Cruising is a great way to be introduced to many different destinations in a short time. But it's natural for most folks to want to return for longer visits to those islands that they enjoyed. A totally different experience with no BOB.

Very nice .. We will be there in November..

We have thought about several times going to an island and staying for a week or two but I do love cruising and waking up in a different place plus I was always concerned that the kids would be bored and safety of course especially going out at night.

Irish

 

I own a condo right on the beach. Come visit anytime but I don't live there so I may not be there. If I am i will give you a tour

Thanks so much for all your help .. Decisions decisions now I just have to decide if we're going to do that or just go to Sapphire Beach like we were originally planned on doing which do you think would be a better day?

On your own -

Taxi from Havensight to Red Hook $10

Ferry to Cruz Bay $7

Island tour with drop at Trunk $~25

Taxi from Trunk to ferry $7

Ferry to Red Hook $7

Taxi to Havensight $10

 

For kids age 2 - 11 the ferry is only $2 round trip

 

Without the tour it's about $48 (+ entry fee into Trunnk)

What do you own ?? Maybe we will come visit lol!!

Hlitner

 

Having owned at Sapphire since 1988 I am aware of why those buildings are closed and as I said it isn't because of any bankruptcy Without going into details lets just say it is politics

The point is the beach is the same beautiful beach

You think it will cost us $66 total per person ?

It is my husband and two kids

If you search this forum you'll find these details and more that may interest you. Briefly you hop a 20 - 30 minute taxi to the Red Hook ferry terminal, buy ferry passes and take the 15 min ferry to Cruz Bay, St John. Taxis are waiting to whisk you to the beaches. Round trip cost from Havensight is about $48 - $10 taxi to Red Hook, $7 ferry, $6 - 7 taxi to the beach. A little more for a taxi from Crown Bay to Red Hook.

 

Would suggest taking an island tour before going to Trunk, the drivers offer a 2-hour tour for $25pp then drop you at the beach. So the $6 - 7 taxi to Trunk is included in that $25 fare. Total cost including the tour is about $66pp. Nice day!

 

[EDIT] The ferry ride isn't that bad between Red Hook and Cruz Bay. The ship excursionchose through much rougher waters and lasts 45 minutes in comparison.