Secret Harbor Question

[Hogladyrider]

We visited Secret Harbor while in port last year late September and we loved it.

 

We sail on Carnival Liberty in October and we are considering returning to Secret Harbor for the day.

 

The snorkeling was great, the cabana bar was great for drinks and the food was fabulous.

 

Does anyone know if they still allow cruise ship passengers to use the beach?

 

Last year there was a "move on" to have all cruise ship passengers be over in front of the rocky dive center.

 

Our port times are 11-7. If we don't do a 1/2 day sail we will more than likely return to Secret Harbor as we want to be away from the crowds.

 

We have done St. John on our own twice and Secret Harbor affords more beach/water/relaxation time and less travel time.

 

We are open to suggestions if someone has them.

 

Thanks in advance.

Susan:)

[Ms411]

Secret Harbor has always limited non guest beach placement in deference to condo owners and hotel guests. The dive shop and restaurant are in conflict, because they benefit from more non guests.

 

It depends on when you're hoping to visit. During off season everybody's more flexible. During season things are more controlled.

[Hogladyrider]

Thank you, makes perfect sense.

 

We are in St. Thomas 10/14 11 am until 7 pm.

[blue_water]

You should be fine. You can contact the dive center ahead of time and reserve chairs, etc if you want - aadivers.com

Also consider Sapphire Beach for something different, Sapphire offers everything too and is home to 3 condo properties so similar experience, just a different "feel". We consider Sapphire #1 and Secret Harbor #2 but you may feel just the opposite :).

Edited August 18, 2014 by blue_water

[Hogladyrider]

Thanks blue_water, the last time we were at Sapphire was 2005 in fact I have a 16x20 picture I took at Sapphire framed and hanging in our home!

 

The thing we did not care for at Sapphire was, lack of food and beverage choices and too many people. Of course it may have changed over the years plus we are going in October.

 

We have done the St. John on our own several times and last year we opted for Secret Harbor which we learned about on CC boards and we loved it.

 

Not a lot of people, great snorkeling, and we really enjoyed talking to the locals.

 

For us cruising is all about recharging our batteries so we enjoy R&R and we love the water.

 

We also have the option of a half day sail with Daydreamer but right now I am leaning towards a relaxing day at the beach with a cold adult beverage in hand!

[blue_water]

Wer've always found Sapphire to be quieter when we rent there but it can get busier I'm sure, ya never know what each day will be like. Sapphire has a beach grill (Banana Cabana) serving sandwiches (great mahi mahi) and the Sapphire Village restaurant overlooking the marina also has beach runners taking food & drink orders, not sure if they were there in 2005? But SH has a "real" restaurant which is nice.

 

SH is a nice, calm bay, and both tend to be less crowded being home to condo properties. We like the natural shade that Sapphire offers but SH is another nice spot to spend a day in paradise!

Enjoy!

[O2B@Cagain]

Yes, you will be required to sit in the dive shop area at Secret Harbour. I agree with blue on this one. Go to Sapphire...