Which Carribean ports best for nearby beaches?

[janem2]

Hi

 

Planning to cruise in Jan 2013 in the Caribbean (flying from the UK). Basically will want to get off the ship at each port and head to the beach for the day. Which are the best ports/islands to do that? Would prefer as little coach trips to the beach as possible

 

TIA

 

 

Jane

[Keith1010]

I would focus on an Eastern or Southern Caribbean Itinerary.

 

Keith

[gerryl12]

Most of the cruise lines have their own private beach (princess cay, halfmoon bay etc.) that is usualy a tender trip but you get off right at the beach. At Grand Turk the cruise ship dock has a beach right there, 10 feet from the dock. St. Maarten, Phillipsburg the beach is a ten minute walk from the ship or a short taxi ride or water taxi ride. Etc. etc.........

The Caribbean islands have beaches within a few minutes taxi ride from the ports.

[cb at sea]

Go get a guidebook on your Caribbean ports....that's the BEST way to find the right beach for you...how to get there, if there are facilities (bathroom, food, drink, chair rentals, etc...) and what costs might be involved.

Most beaches are public and have the rentals....both watersport and loungers! Very easy to do on your own, but get some info, first!

[sail7seas]

Grand Turk and Mahogany Bay, Honduras are beaches right where the ship docks.

They are cruise ship 'created' port calls with large pool area, beach, Margaritaville bars/music, shops...... right at the end of the dock. Carnival and Holland America call there. I don't know which other lines might but probably part of Carnival Family of ships...... Carnival, Holland American, Cunard, Princess, Costa and Seabourn.

[cv322]

Of all the islands I've cruised to...the one that jumps out is Grand Turk. No joke...you walk to the end of the pier & the beach is right there. Others are fairly close on other islands but require a 10-30 min cab ride.

[cruiseapril]

Aside from the Private Islands and Grand Turk, we have enjoyed these beaches:

 

Cable Beach (Sheraton) in Nassau

Magen's Bay Beach in St. Thomas

Orient Beach in St. Maarten

Blue Bay Resort in Curacao

Palm Beach (Radisson) in Aruba

 

The 5 above do require a taxi ride, but we have found these to be better than some of the beaches closer to the ports.

[lawyerrose]

Aside from the Private Islands and Grand Turk, we have enjoyed these beaches:

 

Cable Beach (Sheraton) in Nassau

Magen's Bay Beach in St. Thomas

Orient Beach in St. Maarten

Blue Bay Resort in Curacao

Palm Beach (Radisson) in Aruba

 

The 5 above do require a taxi ride, but we have found these to be better than some of the beaches closer to the ports.

 

Spot on, Cruiseapril! Those are the best, closest beaches I'd think of too. Good ones not too far away in Barbados, too. Loved Palm Beach in Aruba!

[Hlitner]

There are a few issues for you to consider. Given that you are talking about January (one of the 2 coldest months) you might want to consider a Southern Caribbean itinerary. As to beaches, on most of the islands you can easily get to a decent beach without spending much money by simply using local transportation (bus or taxi) as opposed to paying the nearly outrageous prices of cruise line beach excursions. On an island such as Aruba you would simply spent about 1 Euro for a local bus out to Eagle or Palm Beach. Keep in mind that the "coach trips" in places like Aruba are relatively short rides (less then 20 min to Eagle Beach). As to the list above, we would agree with most except for Nassau. Personally, we would not even send our enemies to Nassau!

 

Hank

[Karysa]

Keep in mind that the best beaches are not close to the port areas. You have come so far what is an extra few dollars to take you to a spectacular beach.

I agree the further south that you go in the winter the better. I loved Palm beach and Eagle beach in Aurba, Mullins bay in Barbados and a number of beaches in St. Martin.