My review of Sapphire Beach & Paradise Point

[blue_water]

The restaurant at the Sapphire Beach Marina & Resort has been closed for some time (and the pool bar) unless it just re-opened. It was probably from the restaurant at the Sapphire Village behind the marina.

 

Thanks!

[ymillo]

St Thomas

 

I was really skeptical about this island due to all the negative news reports after the shooting of the teenager from the cruise ship a few months ago and all the gang related violence taking place on this island. However, I’m SO glad I decided to go ahead with my plans for the island.

 

 

We knew before going on our cruise that we wanted to go places on our own by taxi instead of a tour service. Our plans were to visit Paradise Point first for pictures, then on to Sapphire for some snorkeling, then on to Maggens for a short period before heading back to the ship.

 

 

When we arrived at Paradise to get on the skylift, they were not open yet to my surprise. They did not open until 9am. It was only 8am. I was not only disappointed but shocked knowing that the ships come in this early, you would think that they would be open this early to make more money. We did buy our tickets on the ship (which is actually CHEAPER than purchasing them at the skylift box). Our cruise line also offered your money back if you didn’t use the tickets. WOW. The only time you would ever see that happen.

 

 

So, we decided to walk back to the port and catch a cab and go on with our plans to Sapphire Beach. A lady was there to take us to the beach. She waited until that van was OVER PACKED and people sitting on laps before she would leave. People in the van where complaining and saying “seriously you think you are going to fit more people in here-no way” only for her to get more people in the van. 4-5 people in a 3 person seat!

 

 

The driver was very talkative and talked about the island. She told us how they basically only rely on the cruise ships coming in to make a living. She stated how much it hurt them if a ship didn’t come in that day or rearranged their schedule. She told us that living in the “ghetto” would cost you no less than $250,000 per house and above. She said the nicer homes would cost you an average of 1 million. WOW.

 

 

 

She took us to Sapphire and dropped us off. Upon entering this beach area, all I can say is WOW!!! I had found Paradise finally! The beach was absolutely beautiful. The beach was lined with natural shade grape trees, clear blue water and white sandy beaches. We quickly put out things under a tree and claimed our area then headed out to the water. Instantly fish greeted us. I didn’t realize just how many where under there until I put on my mask and went under. They were SURROUNDING ME! They followed us all over the place. They were very friendly and would get right up in your face. I couldn’t believe it. We swam over to the shaded area that we knew were coral and started investigating. When my husband went under the first time, right in front of him was a jelly fish. I ran back and got my camera and started taking pictures. I found it very hard to focus on something that clear in clear water to begin with. It was a task and I wasn’t very happy with the results, but continued on exploring for fish. They were everywhere. So many different species, colors and types of fish and coral everywhere. We were absolutely amazed at this place.

 

 

 

I ran up and grabbed the box of fruit loops I had brought with me and began feeding the fish. They became our friends the rest of our visit and even took the food right out of my hand. It was amazing. We swam over to the right (in front of the Sapphire Beach Resort) and found even more types of fish. We snorkeled nonstop for hours only getting out a select few times to rest for about 10 min. When we did get out, we were exploring the sand and trees that were full of huge Iguana’s at that point looking down on us and watching us like a hawk. How amazing was that! The best of both worlds-sand and water animals!

 

 

 

I have to say hands down, this was the absolutely BEST beach I have ever been to. We decided right then and there that we not only wanted to come back someday soon, but we wanted to actually stay on the island for an extended visit (not just on a cruise ship). I was that impressed with this beach.

 

 

We had brought our own snorkeling tube and goggles, but I was having a problem with my goggles fogging up for some reason. My husband did not. We were also lacking the fins to be able to adventure out deeper. So we decided to rent the entire snorkeling package (which included everything you needed) and it was only $7. The hut also sold ice cold pop and beer that hit the spot. I mean ICE COLD. We spoke to the workers there for awhile and they commented on how much they LOVE their job there at the beach hut. What a wonderful way to spend your working day.

 

 

 

We snorkeled for awhile longer and decided that we had better head back toward the port if we wanted to try to squeeze in our trip to Paradise on the skylift. (As much as we hated the thought of EVER leaving this paradise)!!!

 

 

We quickly caught the skylift up to Paradise Point after only having to wait for 1 round of trams to pull in (there are 3 together-one set going up while one set comes down). It was beautiful up there. Breath taking. However, I was very disappointed that I had my camera on for HOURS non stop taking fish, beach, and Iguana pictures that my battery was now dead. I managed to get it to come on long enough to snap a picture, then it would die, then another picture, then it would die again. I did this several times before it would no longer turn on. We then order the famous Bushwacker drink. We were going to order food, but the waitress was taking FOREVER 1) giving us a menu 2) coming back for our drink order 3) coming back with our actual drinks then 4) coming back again to see what we wanted to order. This process was about ½ hour already. So we told her to forget the food, we’d just have our drinks. She acted very disturbed about this and rolled her eyes and walked away. It took another 15 minutes for me to flag her down to tell her we were still waiting on our check for the drinks. Then another 10 minutes to come back with the bill. Geesh. Either they need more help or different people. I did not find them friendly at all.

 

 

There was some type of parrot/bird show going on up there, but we did not have time to watch it since we had spent so much time just taking care of the drink situation. It was time to head back to the port and catch a few stores along the way before boarding again. The ride back down did take a little longer. We caught the 3rd tram that came up. But, they run every 7 min (the guy up at the top said 5 min to us so I’m not sure). Either way, it didn’t seem too long. Each lift holds 8 people per cabin. We noticed only 6 per cabin seem to be getting in. Had people been filling them the way they should, we would have been on much sooner.

 

 

All in all, we didn’t find really GOOD prices on tee-shirts there or any good discounts you would normally see in tourist spots. We got a tee for $18.99 and sun glasses for $20 (since my husband accidentally broke mine the first day on the cruise). We stopped in the jewelry stores to find that the prices they quoted us were outrageous compared to those on the ship.

 

 

My final conclusion: St Thomas is by far is a beautiful island of Paradise. I hate the thought of everything bad going on at the island and hope that things continue to improve in the months and years to come. It would really be ashamed if cruise ships stops coming to such a beautiful place. I really hope to visit again soon and actually stay on the island. I would still like to visit Maggens Bay. But if you want to go somewhere with excellent snorkeling and beautiful beaches, I highly recommend Sapphire!!

 

 

If you have any questions that I might be able to answer, I'd be happy to try.

 

 

Here are some picture I took while I was there. Enjoy!

 

 

http://kimbakerphotography.smugmug.com/Vacation/4th-day-St-Maarten-1/13875332_BZdcm#1017703050_nhpoV

Hi mitsugirly,

I know this is an old review but I really enjoyed it this was exactly what I was hoping to read to convince me to go to sapphire beach. We cruise in 16 days and can not wait. I was a little scared going into st.thomas with all the problems going on with killings on the island:( but im hoping to enjoy the day there and have a great time. My bf and I will also venture out on our own on a taxi. My plans are beach and paradise point. I know you mentioned it is easy getting a cab to take you to the beach but my main concern is heading back to paradisepoint. Are there taxis waiting in sapphire beach to take you back?? Gosh i really hope you reply lol this being so old :D thanks!

[mitsugirly]

Hi mitsugirly,

I know this is an old review but I really enjoyed it this was exactly what I was hoping to read to convince me to go to sapphire beach. We cruise in 16 days and can not wait. I was a little scared going into st.thomas with all the problems going on with killings on the island:( but im hoping to enjoy the day there and have a great time. My bf and I will also venture out on our own on a taxi. My plans are beach and paradise point. I know you mentioned it is easy getting a cab to take you to the beach but my main concern is heading back to paradisepoint. Are there taxis waiting in sapphire beach to take you back?? Gosh i really hope you reply lol this being so old :D thanks!

 

Hi. You will have a GREAT time! Yes, the taxis show up at Sapphire about every 15 minutes. No worries at all getting back to the port. Paradise is RIGHT ACROSS the street from the port basically. (If you are docked at that port...you didn't say). You just go to Paradise and then walk across the street to the port. No problems.

 

If you are on the Oasis or Allure, they park at a different dock, so you would have to catch a cab. You would also do that by either hailing a cab at the street (where you get on the tram to go up the mountain) or simply walk across the street to the port and there seem to be tons of taxis hanging around that area. Plus there is always someone at the ports that could call you a taxi if needed.

 

Enjoy your time and let me know how it went. :)

[ymillo]

Hi. You will have a GREAT time! Yes, the taxis show up at Sapphire about every 15 minutes. No worries at all getting back to the port. Paradise is RIGHT ACROSS the street from the port basically. (If you are docked at that port...you didn't say). You just go to Paradise and then walk across the street to the port. No problems.

 

If you are on the Oasis or Allure, they park at a different dock, so you would have to catch a cab. You would also do that by either hailing a cab at the street (where you get on the tram to go up the mountain) or simply walk across the street to the port and there seem to be tons of taxis hanging around that area. Plus there is always someone at the ports that could call you a taxi if needed.

 

Enjoy your time and let me know how it went. :)

Thank you so much for your reply! it looks like we finnaly decided its gonna be sapphire beach! Btw we are on the carnival glory I think it docks in havensight?? ill make sure to take lots of pics and post them up once we are back;):)

[mitsugirly]

Thank you so much for your reply! it looks like we finnaly decided its gonna be sapphire beach! Btw we are on the carnival glory I think it docks in havensight?? ill make sure to take lots of pics and post them up once we are back;):)

 

Yes, I'm pretty sure they dock right across the street from Paradise, which is awesome and you definitely won't have a problem then. ;)

[BBML1]

Thanks for the review and pictures. We are visiting here in May!! Can't wait!!! Little nervous about snorkeling....had a bad experience a few years ago off of a catamaran. Hoping to do better since this is right off the beach.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Snorkeling right off the beach is easier. Just be sure to watch the tides. I was snorkeling over the rocks and so taken by all the beautiful fish a couple of years that I didn't realize the tide was going out. Pretty soon the water was too shallow to get clearance over the rocks and I was stuck. Tried standing and the surf kept knocking me over, even though it was gentle. It took me a while to find a path out of the rocks to deeper water. Those rocks are jagged so you can get a nasty cut if you brush against them. Most of the time it was deep enough to glide over them and a wonderful, easy experience.

[mitsugirly]

Thanks for the review and pictures. We are visiting here in May!! Can't wait!!! Little nervous about snorkeling....had a bad experience a few years ago off of a catamaran. Hoping to do better since this is right off the beach.

 

This should be a much better experience for you then. It's very simple to snorkel there and tons of areas to do it. Snorkeling from the beach is my favorite over out in the ocean. At least when you get tired you can easily come in or just stand up over on the sandy part, which runs along side of it.

 

Snorkeling right off the beach is easier. Just be sure to watch the tides. I was snorkeling over the rocks and so taken by all the beautiful fish a couple of years that I didn't realize the tide was going out. Pretty soon the water was too shallow to get clearance over the rocks and I was stuck. Tried standing and the surf kept knocking me over, even though it was gentle. It took me a while to find a path out of the rocks to deeper water. Those rocks are jagged so you can get a nasty cut if you brush against them. Most of the time it was deep enough to glide over them and a wonderful, easy experience.

 

I completely agree with this. It happened to me here at Sapphire. We went way out and it wasn't even deep and started heading back. I was so caught up in the fish and taking pictures that before I knew it I was in about a foot of water and at the shore line. I ended up with some nasty scrapes on my knees trying to get out of there and was very relieved that I happened to be along side of the sandy area so it was easy to get there quick. :) This has also happen to me at Roatan with more scrapes. I've learned to watch where I'm at and how deep it is since then and did great this last cruise snorkeling. :D

[croosieloosie]

I've been to Sapphire a few times from Havensight.

What about Crown Bay, any ideas of taxi rates from there?

[seeyakids]

This should be a much better experience for you then. It's very simple to snorkel there and tons of areas to do it. Snorkeling from the beach is my favorite over out in the ocean. At least when you get tired you can easily come in or just stand up over on the sandy part, which runs along side of it.

 

 

 

I completely agree with this. It happened to me here at Sapphire. We went way out and it wasn't even deep and started heading back. I was so caught up in the fish and taking pictures that before I knew it I was in about a foot of water and at the shore line. I ended up with some nasty scrapes on my knees trying to get out of there and was very relieved that I happened to be along side of the sandy area so it was easy to get there quick. :) This has also happen to me at Roatan with more scrapes. I've learned to watch where I'm at and how deep it is since then and did great this last cruise snorkeling. :D

 

Mistu.....After reading your reviews of Sapphire, you made our decision easy. We will be on FOS in May. You know how I feel about West Bay, Roatan and you have been to both beaches. It sounds like there are many similarities (easy access, calm waters, abundant wildlife, wonderful reef formations). Would I be impressed? See any Iguana on a stick? :)

[mitsugirly]

Mistu.....After reading your reviews of Sapphire, you made our decision easy. We will be on FOS in May. You know how I feel about West Bay, Roatan and you have been to both beaches. It sounds like there are many similarities (easy access, calm waters, abundant wildlife, wonderful reef formations). Would I be impressed? See any Iguana on a stick? :)

 

As far as the beach itself, my vote would definitely be for Sapphire. As far as the snorkeling, since I never made it out past the kidney (because of previous bad weather, the water wasn't too clear until we got out a little ways by the iguana wall going toward the rock) I didn't have as great of time at West Bay as I did at Sapphire. :(

 

But yes, it was very easy access to the water and pretty calm, lots of wildlife and I loved that you could go pretty far out and still be in fairly shallow water still.

 

I just hope to be able to go back to Sapphire again some day soon and go back and try it again. I get excited when I find a spot and forget to move around a little to see other things. (We stayed toward the right at Sapphire and I've heard that if you go to the left you will usually find sea turtles and such over by the sea grass areas).

 

Have a great time and let me know how it turns out. :)

[blue_water]

Not meaning to intrude, we too spent time on Roatan and in West Bay and we thought WB beach was beautiful. We also spent time at the Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina and we liked Sapphire too. I think they are very comparable but I would have to choose WB as the nicer beach if I had to make that choice.

 

Sapphire has beautiful water colors on sunny days and views of Tortola and STJ, but the sand isn't as nice as say Coki or the beaches in the BVI and Jamaica. Don't get me wrong, we will stay at Sapphire again when we stop on STT on our return from the BVI because we love the proximity to Red Hook, the snorkeling, the beach and the pool. But the beach isn't one we would rate with the others.

 

But I do also recommend Sapphire as mitsy does for a snorkel or beach day on STT, you will like it there. The sea grass is an added bonus for potential sea turtles and rays if conditions are good.

An alternative is Coki Beach which is a much smaller bay and gorgeous (our fav STT beach when no ships are in). If there is more than 1 ship in it will be busier than Sapphire so head to Coki early then to nearby Sapphire if Coki starts getting crowded. Jsut a $5pp taxi from one to the other. Coki is a very calm bay, while Sapphire is prone to high waves when sea swells are up.

 

Hope I'm not intruding on your conversation!:p

Edited April 19, 2012 by blue_water
typo

[mitsugirly]

Not meaning to intrude,

 

Hope I'm not intruding on your conversation!:p

 

Not intruding at all. You've actually stayed at Sapphire, so you can give a great interpretation of your thoughts and experiences. That's the joy of this board, so many great and helpful people. :D

[blue_water]

Thanks! Your pics and impressions are also invaluable to folks who haven't yet experienced these areas and we all have different take-aways which are good for comparison!

[mitsugirly]

Thanks! Your pics and impressions are also invaluable to folks who haven't yet experienced these areas and we all have different take-aways which are good for comparison!

 

Exactly. That's what makes this a wonderful place to come to for informative information. Everyone has difference experiences and opinions, but with enough research and reading on here, everyone can form their own opinion and make a wise decision for their family.

 

As much as I want to go back to Sapphire BADLY, you almost have me convinced I should give Coki a try too. :D I know everyone raves about it, and trust me, I believe them. The only reason we didn't go there instead of Sapphire is because when we were visiting, a few months before is when there was the cruise ship passenger shooting around that area. Then people were posting about how many drug dealers there were there, the nasty bathrooms, how run down the place was. Although you still hear things here and there, I believe their efforts to clean the place up are paying off. :) Some day I'll make it there. (I can't seem to get off the western caribbean side the last several cruises and my upcoming cruise). :eek:

[seeyakids]

Blue....you are so right about West Bay. I've been spoiled. We found it...amost by accident....and have been going back the last 4 years. I think you will agree, Roatan has perhaps the most beautiful, diverse and accessable reef in the Caribbean. Being a hard core snorkler, I am truly looking forward to seeing what Sapphire has to offer.

[blue_water]

Exactly. That's what makes this a wonderful place to come to for informative information. Everyone has difference experiences and opinions, but with enough research and reading on here, everyone can form their own opinion and make a wise decision for their family.

 

As much as I want to go back to Sapphire BADLY, you almost have me convinced I should give Coki a try too. :D I know everyone raves about it, and trust me, I believe them. The only reason we didn't go there instead of Sapphire is because when we were visiting, a few months before is when there was the cruise ship passenger shooting around that area. Then people were posting about how many drug dealers there were there, the nasty bathrooms, how run down the place was. Although you still hear things here and there, I believe their efforts to clean the place up are paying off. :) Some day I'll make it there. (I can't seem to get off the western caribbean side the last several cruises and my upcoming cruise). :eek:

 

 

We just got off a southern on Sunday and visited 2 destinations (La Romaba/Bayahibe and Curacao) for the first time which was a real treat for us and we love the eastern/southern islands. But we too love Jamaica and the Yucatan area. We stay in Playa del Carmen once a year and we're staying in Grand Cayman in 5 months. Beautiful island that!

So I know it's easy to get hooked on the area...Hope you enjoy your upcoming dolphin swim, and we do love staying in MoBay and traveling the island with a driver we met there. And if you do get to Doctor's Cave Beach Hotel say "hey" to Kenny, great guy!

[blue_water]

Blue....you are so right about West Bay. I've been spoiled. We found it...amost by accident....and have been going back the last 4 years. I think you will agree, Roatan has perhaps the most beautiful, diverse and accessable reef in the Caribbean. Being a hard core snorkler, I am truly looking forward to seeing what Sapphire has to offer.

 

 

Yes Roatan really surprised us with her natural beauty both on land and in the water. We look forward to returning there in the future. And we loved taking the little water taxi to West End and seeing that funky area, great restaurants and many dive people there to talk to. Just a unique spot!

Edited April 19, 2012 by blue_water

[mitsugirly]

So I know it's easy to get hooked on the area...Hope you enjoy your upcoming dolphin swim, and we do love staying in MoBay and traveling the island with a driver we met there. And if you do get to Doctor's Cave Beach Hotel say "hey" to Kenny, great guy!

 

Maybe you are talking to the wrong person? I don't have an upcoming dolphin swim :confused: Or Doctors Cave Beach. Where is that?

[blue_water]

That's funny..lol it's a mitsiguy2001 asking questions about that - sorry!:p

[cluelyss18]

To the original poster...

I have a question..

 

we can't decide where my boyfriend should scuba dive on our upcoming trip, I was first thinking St. Thomas but now I'm thinking St. Martin may be better and we can spend the day at Sapphire.

 

If we want to check out the shops closer to port also(since we missed them last time), should we plan to do that in the afternoon?

 

How long of a cab ride is it from the Havensight pier to Sapphire?

 

Thanks!

[seeyakids]

Yes Roatan really surprised us with her natural beauty both on land and in the water. We look forward to returning there in the future. And we loved taking the little water taxi to West End and seeing that funky area, great restaurants and many dive people there to talk to. Just a unique spot!

 

Oh, those water taxi trips to West End; think Key West many year/beers ago.....bar....dive shop....restaurant....bar.... dive shop....bar ....bar .....bar...sorry I lost my train of thought...

[blue_water]

Oh, those water taxi trips to West End; think Key West many year/beers ago.....bar....dive shop....restaurant....bar.... dive shop....bar ....bar .....bar...sorry I lost my train of thought...

 

Yes, exactly - has that old time Key West funkiness...(that I've only read about if course!) :rolleyes:

[blue_water]

To the original poster...

I have a question..

 

we can't decide where my boyfriend should scuba dive on our upcoming trip, I was first thinking St. Thomas but now I'm thinking St. Martin may be better and we can spend the day at Sapphire.

 

If we want to check out the shops closer to port also(since we missed them last time), should we plan to do that in the afternoon?

 

How long of a cab ride is it from the Havensight pier to Sapphire?

 

Thanks!

 

Obviously I'm not the OP but I would strongly recommend diving at Creole Rock just off Grand Case in St Martin and spending a beach day at either Coki or Sapphire, depending on your tastes (Coki = livelier vibe while Sapphire = more laid back vibe).

 

Many of the stores in Charlotte Amalie are also at Havensight, the only thing you really miss by not going downtown is the great historic architecture. Just depends on how much shopping you want to do. I would suggest going to the beach first then to Paradise Point (to enjoy the view and a Bailey's Bushwacker or Red Stripe) then walking back through the Havensight stores from the PP tram to your ship.

 

$18pp roundtrip taxi to Coki or Sapphire is ~1/2 hr each way depending on whether you drop people off at Coki first which is the norm. A little longer getting back due to congestive traffic around Havensight. The taxi route makes it ideal for you to hit Coki early then taxi to Sapphire if Coki gets busy because Coki is a more beautiful beach.

 

[EDIT] If your other stops are Barbados, St Lucia, & St Kitts take a look at the Malibu Rum distillery option on the beach for Barbados, beautiful place to spend some beach time; Island/sea tour on St Lucia, gorgeous island, and the cat from St Kitt's to Pinney's Beach on Nevis.

Have a great cruise!

Edited April 20, 2012 by blue_water

[cluelyss18]

Obviously I'm not the OP but I would strongly recommend diving at Creole Rock just off Grand Case in St Martin and spending a beach day at either Coki or Sapphire, depending on your tastes (Coki = livelier vibe while Sapphire = more laid back vibe).

 

Many of the stores in Charlotte Amalie are also at Havensight, the only thing you really miss by not going downtown is the great historic architecture. Just depends on how much shopping you want to do. I would suggest going to the beach first then to Paradise Point (to enjoy the view and a Bailey's Bushwacker or Red Stripe) then walking back through the Havensight stores from the PP tram to your ship.

 

$18pp roundtrip taxi to Coki or Sapphire is ~1/2 hr each way depending on whether you drop people off at Coki first which is the norm. A little longer getting back due to congestive traffic around Havensight. The taxi route makes it ideal for you to hit Coki early then taxi to Sapphire if Coki gets busy because Coki is a more beautiful beach.

 

[EDIT] If your other stops are Barbados, St Lucia, & St Kitts take a look at the Malibu Rum distillery option on the beach for Barbados, beautiful place to spend some beach time; Island/sea tour on St Lucia, gorgeous island, and the cat from St Kitt's to Pinney's Beach on Nevis.

Have a great cruise!

 

Thanks so much!! Malibu Rum distillery??? I'm very interested in this!