best beaches in southern caribbean

[qdc]

I am taking a cruise to Barbadoes, St. John's, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Tortola in December 2005 out of New York. I have never been to any of these islands before. I would love to receive feedback about the best beaches to visit when arriving there; with best being defined as beaches that: have that crystal clear blue water, are not crowded allowing some degree of privacy, and lastly beaches that are close to where the ship is docked to save money and time traveling to them. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[johnnycruise]

You've asked for two diametrically opposed qualities ... private, yet close to the ship. You'll have to give some ground on one or the other. My suggestions won't meet all of your parameters, but they are beaches I have enjoyed in the past ...

 

1. Barbados - Crane Beach, beautiful pink-tinged sand and some wave action beneath a beautiful hotel. Definitely not the closest to the pier, but WELL worth the drive.

 

2. St. John's (Antigua) - Driftwood Beach, nice beach with a clear view of Montserrat and its active volcano on a clear day. I've heard Half Moon or Long Bay might be nicer but they are much farther.

 

3. St. Maarten - Orient Bay, very crowded but all facilities and fairly clean.

 

4. St. Thomas - Sapphire Beach

 

5. Tortola - Brewer's Bay, less crowded than Cane Garden Bay

[maggieq]

Divi little bay resort in St. Maarten. Beautiful and not as rough as the french side.

 

St. Thomas - have done St. John and Sapphire Beach...very choppy. I heard that coki beach is great.

 

In St. Thomas we used sunnylistentours.com $20.00 pp you can start as early as 9 for some shopping, then he takes you on a tour to drakes seat, etc then to the beach of your choice.

[Coolcruise02]

I agree with Crane Beach in Barbadoes and Orient Beach in St. Martin. :)

[barbados]

I am taking a cruise to Barbadoes, St. John's, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Tortola in December 2005 out of New York. I have never been to any of these islands before. I would love to receive feedback about the best beaches to visit when arriving there; with best being defined as beaches that: have that crystal clear blue water, are not crowded allowing some degree of privacy, and lastly beaches that are close to where the ship is docked to save money and time traveling to them. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

Didn't you know that all our beaches have crystal clear, blue water? LOL

 

Seriously, they all do.

 

Close to the ship and uncrowded is a problem.

 

You have to get out of B-Town a little to acheive your goals.

 

Go north 20 minutes to Mullins. 15 minutes to Paynes. 15 minutes south to Accra.

 

Or......

 

If you just want the most beautiful beach and are willing to take a 20-25 minute taxi ride, go to Crane.

 

No snorkeling here. Too rough. Wade up to your knees, turn around and look at the shore and smile. You are on one of the ten best beaches in the world. Go back to your chair and have a cold Banks beer and relax.

 

It's worth the taxi fare...trust me.

 

There are others, but not too close to the ship.

 

Crane Beach, Barbados