St. Thomas - time to shop before excursion?

[pittnh]

I was interested in a beach excursion that leaves at 11:30 (ship arrives in port at 7am).  Can we shop around Charlotte-Amelie before and get on the shuttle to the beach (i.e. where do you board the shuttle for trip to Magen's bay excursion, is it close to Charlotte-Amelie and/or port).

[cruiseguy1016]

I can't say with certainty pertaining to your situation but, from my experience, all of the buses for excursions leave from the parking lot just outside of the terminal. There is a shopping area (of course) just after getting off the ship. If the vendors are open, you'll have plenty of time to shop before getting on your bus.

[Mum2Mercury]

A beach excursion is just a ride to the beach, right?  No tour, no guide, no planned activities.  

 

So why not just get off the ship at your leisure and take a taxi to the beach ... then, when you're done at the beach, take a taxi back and do your shopping (which means you won't have to watch your purchases at the beach).  This'll allow you to take things at your own pace.  

[monorail81]

There is shopping at the port, but it is limited. You would have to take a taxi downtown to get to the better shopping.