Sapphire Beach or Water Island with 5 ships in port?

[khall]

So we are one of 5 ships in port and almost 20,000 people :rolleyes:...would we be better off heading to Water Island on the ferry or grabbing a taxi to Sapphire for the day to avoid the crowds?

[momoftwinteens]

We were on one of three ships in port when we went to St. Thomas, one of which was RCL's Oasis of the Seas with her 6000 passengers. We, thankfully, got in before any of the others and got off the ship early. We took a taxi to Sapphire Beach($10 p/p each way) and got to the beach before it got crowded. I am so glad we did as the beach filled up very quickly after Oasis docked! Sapphire Beach is beautiful with full facilities available, including food and beach chair rentals($7/chair). Snorkeling is incredible and I highly recommend it.

[blue_water]

Either can get crowded depending on the day, and with the ferry to WI so close to Crown Bay that is a popular option for cruisers docked there.

We've never seen Sapphire get that crowded while staying there but we have seen pictures of a fairly busy spot right in the swimming section of the beach so ya just never know. But like momoftwinteens we too would highly recommend Sapphire, just get there early and grab a shaded spot.

 

If you want assurance of no crowds consider Smith's Bay between Sapphire and Coki (limited amenities so you'll want to grab a picnic and drinks at the Gourmet Gallery at the dock), or a daysail to St John where you won't hit a beach but will moor among the cays to snorkel or relax on the boat. We enjoyed the New Horizons, and Yacht Nightwind and High Pockets are popular with locals too.

[khall]

Thanks, Sapphire it is. Have done Magen's last two times and ready for something new and less crowded.

[carbon]

We do not get to St thomas till 11am, trying to decide between Coki, Sapphire and Megans Bay. We have been to both Megans and Sapphire before. We are 6 adults and a 14 month old at time of cruise next April.

Any recommendations?

[micheecruise]

We went to Sapphire beach (me, hubby, and two daughters). I really enjoyed it! It was not crowded at all, the beach and water were very nice!! We were able to order a pizza for $20 and have it delivered right to us on the beach, and it was good pizza. They have snorkel equipment for rent and a snack bar as well. We did snorkel, but didn't go out all that far so didn't see too much.

[khall]

We dock at 8 so we will head there as soon as we can and if it gets too busy for us we will head back! That pizza sounds like a good deal, especially being delivered to me at the beach :cool:

[starfishee]

Is there anywhere to get an adult beverage at Sapphire Beach?

[micheecruise]

We are not drinkers, so I can not answer your question. But if you wanted to buy a small bottle of something in port, you could take that to mix with a cold soda.

[blue_water]

Is there anywhere to get an adult beverage at Sapphire Beach?

 

The dive center has beer and rum punch. The Banana Cabana beach grill has that + frozen drinks, and there is also a lady selling rum drinks. You will see runners taking orders on the beach from both the BC and a restaurant behind the marina.

[feebs]

Anyone know how much a taxi is from havensight to sapphire beach & about how long is the ride?

[blue_water]

$9 - 10pp each way, about 20 - 30 min

[feebs]

Thank you:)