Saphire/Coki or Magen's bay????

[JCLNJ]

My family was at Coki beach this past Saturday. The beach is small but the snorkeling is terrific! We forgot to bring dog biscuits from home but brought 2 boxes of Cherios from ship with us. The kids love when you are surrounded by fish. We were gong to rent a car from Budget but when we arrived there they said we did not have a reservation. This is the second time we have tried to rent from them. We ended up taking a taxi for $7 each way. The guy was very nice and we have his business card. He was on time to pick us back up at beach. Were plenty of sun tan lotion! We did leave with sunburns.

[CaribbeanBound]

1) Is there a $2 local bus that stops at Saphire or Coki beach?

ANSWER: YES. YOU CAN EASILY GET TO SAPPHIRE BEACH FOR $2.

SEE: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=333783

 

2) Is Magen's Bay REALLY something to see??? Is it of don't miss quality?

ANSWER: IT IS WORTH SEEING. SAPPHIRE IS A NICE ALTERNATIVE CHOICE.

 

3) What are some of your experiences with these beaches, especially those of you that have small children??

ANSWER: I THINK YOU'LL ENJOY ANY OF THE 3 WITH KIDS, EXCEPT MEAGAN'S BAY DOES NOT OFFER SNORKLING IF THAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU.

 

4) Which beach is also best for food, water sports etc??? And do you know any of the prices to do the water sports???

ANSWERS: FOOD = COKI OR SAPPHIRE, WATER SPORTS = SAPPHIRE, SNORKELING = COKI OR SAPPHIRE

 

5)Is there a cost to go to Coki beach if you do not go to Coral World?

ANSWER: NO

 

6)How far are the beaches from the Havensight cruise pier???

ANSWER: MEAGAN'S BAY IS CLOSEST. COKI AND SAPPHIRE ARE ABOUT 25 MINUTES BY $2 TAXI.

 

7)Besides the beautiful beaches is there anything else we shouldn't miss seeing in St Thomas?

ANSWER: SHOPPING IF YOU ENJOY IT. ISLAND TOUR IS NICE TOO.

[hokie78]

Sure hope that people aren't dissuaded from enjoying Sapphire Beach due to one mysterious poster. I tend to be biased as I'm a timeshare owner at the resort there, (as well as occasional cruiser) and one tends to always be justifying their investment. But not to the extent that I'd go there 10 years running if I was getting infections (or whatever), finding the beach to be littered (I see employees sweeping the beach--even just fallen leaves!--every morning), or otherwise displeased. I have been to just about every beach on St Thomas, as well as ones on many other islands, and I've found Sapphire tough to beat. It really works--for US. It may not for others. All depends on what you're looking for. It ain't The Ritz (which is just down the road if you prefer that atmosphere, but cruisers are likely less welcome), but it provides all the basic needs. First and foremost, the views are unbeatable. Yes, Megans is also gorgeous, but as I recall all you see is beach, cove and ocean. No snorkeling. Coki is very nice, maybe slightly better snorkeling that Sapphire, but it's cruise passenger central with a smaller area in which to squeeze all those people. Coral World makes it a dual draw. Food, drink, chairs and snorkel gear all available, but faciities are much more rustic to say the least and you'll definitely get more of a local flavor here. At Sapphire you have incredible down island views of St John, Jost van Dyke and even Tortola off in the distance. The snorkeling is just off shore in waste deep water. Even more if you want to go deeper. I've never seen a cleaner, whiter beach, and I walk the whole length (barefoot) all the time. You can definitely get injured if you choose to stand up or walk on the coral (urchins everywhere), which we all know you're not supposed to do, while swimming or snorkeling. They actually have a "coral cop" that will yell at you if he catches you messing with the reef. And despite that, people continue to walk or stand on the coral, and when they get injured admittedly (although somewhat ashamedly) I'll mutter a "Serves you right!" under my breath. All water sports available, but be advised resort guests get priority (that goes for chairs too, which they'll rent but if it's a busy week, guests snap them up pretty quick). There's an adjacent marina which alone is a pleasant sight, but also the place to pick up a day sail, rent a jet ski or get a parasail ride. Plenty to keep kids of any age occupied for the day. Two restaurants on site--bar and grill at the pool (take a dip, but don't flash your cruise towel around too much), and fancier sit-down at the resort. Fancier meaning menu and price, not atmosphere. It's pretty much just an awning covered patio right on the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers available. Lots of natural shade under the palm and sea grape trees. Between the tree line and the buildings of the resort there is a wide expanse of beach for lounging but also the place for the beach volley ball court which all are welcome to use. Walk on down past the pool and you'll find a much less used--although slightly rockier--section of beach that's pretty close to paradise if you ask me. We have, on occasion, had some service issues there, but no worse than other issues encountered in any hotel in any city in the U.S. But remember, as a cruiser you're interested in the beach and associated facilities and shouldn't be too concerned if you read about an uncleaned resort room on Trip Advisor. Sorry to drone on, but it really frosts me to see a post that degrades a place and provides no detail. (P.S. The disgruntled poster described the item stepped on as something NORMALLY found on a beach, and then NOT normally found on a beach, in the SAME post. What's up with that?!?!) Worse, it seems folks are quick to hop on this bandwagon with nary a corroborating (sp?) story from anyone else. Please take that post with a grain of salt. I can't help but wonder if there's a hidden agenda of some kind. Remember the lady that claimed to find a finger in a cup of Wendy's chili? Hmmm . . . . Give Sapphire a chance and if you hate it, lesson learned, never go back and when you get home, flame me for this post! Thanks for tuning in.

[Nliedel]

As the "mysterious" poster in question I feel that I have to come and defend myself. Which is a shame.

 

I have been posting to the boards for over 5 years now. I have well over 4,000 posts and that is after the server change. I have friends on the boards, people I know in real life. I link my personal e-mail to this site, as well as my blog. I cherish my reputation here, which is, for the most part, regarded as fair minded and pretty even. I would not jeopardize that by lying in a post. It would not be worth it.

 

I have no hidden agenda. There is no financial interest in any cruise-line, other than I am a fan and wish to see the lines succeed so I may cruise. I do not own shares in anything on any Caribbean Island.

 

I stated that the item this person was injured with WAS normally found in a beach environment, the bacteria were not. I see that information is not enough to satisy people and I can understand why. The bare details are below.

 

The person in question cut her foot on a sea shell on Sapphire beach. As a result they developed a staph infection and had a portion of their foot removed. The staph entered her foot from the shell.

 

Nancy Liedel

 

PS: the over 4,000 number comes from the posts made before the change as well as after. I would not want that questioned.

[hokie78]

Nancy--

Thank you very much for clarifying the details of this incident. I am sincerely sorry--as I'm sure we all are--for your friend's terrible misfortune. But I also think we'd all agree that this awful situation (contracting a staph infection, not stepping on a shell) could occur just about anywhere. Amazingly--and perhaps terrifyingly--staph infections occur in hospitals probably as much as anywhere else. I'm confident your integrity remains fully intact now that we know the details and look forward to your continued particpation on the CC boards. Thanks again for clearing things up.

[Nliedel]

Nancy--

Thank you very much for clarifying the details of this incident. I am sincerely sorry--as I'm sure we all are--for your friend's terrible misfortune. But I also think we'd all agree that this awful situation (contracting a staph infection, not stepping on a shell) could occur just about anywhere. Amazingly--and perhaps terrifyingly--staph infections occur in hospitals probably as much as anywhere else. I'm confident your integrity remains fully intact now that we know the details and look forward to your continued particpation on the CC boards. Thanks again for clearing things up.

 

Gee thanks, you have given me permission to continue to post.

 

Was that sarcastic? Yes. I am bothered by the things you said to me, but more bothered that I rose to your bait.

[June Bug]

I don't think Hokie was being sarcastic...it sounded like they were supporting you to me at least....and being a nurse, I agree that Staph infections can occur anywhere...not just a beach....especially in a hospital! Keep your cuts clean!

[hokie78]

June Bug (and Nancy)--

Absolutely correct. Nancy seemed concerned that her years of board particpation and integrity were somehow at stake. Seemed like she was employing some self-flaggellation which I didn't think was necessary. I simply meant to say that I, for one, saw no problem at all with this thread and look forward to continuing to enjoy her insight and hearing of her experiences. Sorry for any misunderstanding Nancy.

[Broch]

Two restaurants on site--bar and grill at the pool (take a dip, but don't flash your cruise towel around too much), and fancier sit-down at the resort. Fancier meaning menu and price, not atmosphere. It's pretty much just an awning covered patio right on the beach.

 

I will be at Sapphire beach week after next so can you please tell me if they still have the lunchtime buffet and is it up to much for then $12 charge. Also which restaurant is it at. Thanks

[racepoint]

I started reading this thread because I was looking for some clues on where to recommend my brother book a hotel on St. Thomas. My family was in St. Thomas/St. John a month ago through a Princesss cruise and just loved those islands. We did not see Sapphire, Coki or Magen's, only due to time constraints. (We managed to spend the day at Trunk Bay - AWESOME!!) I am still in awe over where this thread went. I certainly respect the poster who started the whole "beware of Sapphire Beach" because of her "frequent poster" status, but . . .come on. The whole mystery of her post had me thinking there was some local conspirators hiding AIDS-infected needles on Sapphire Beach and she knew who was to blame or who had info (yes, I probably watch too much CSI), but really, who wasn't thinking along those lines? And then to find out she's referring to a staph infection from a seashell??? Am I missing something here?

[Nliedel]

Um, why don't you ask, "her." It's nice to be refered to like you aren't even in the room when you're standing right there.

 

I never said "beware," just be cautious. It's never a bad idea.

[racepoint]

Sorry. No offense intended, Nliedel. I had to go back and get your post name. As anyone knows who has hit "reply", when you type your reply, the prior message does not show. I was lazy in that respect. My apologies. You must understand that I'm respectful of your intention on alerting this group about your concerns. My problem, and obviously the problem of others, is that you threw out a major warning about one of the three most popular beaches on St. Thomas . . .along with some cryptic thoughts about "someone who should know what you're talking about" and "it's up to them to come forward" . . all to have you reveal it's about a staph infection from a seashell. Either you come forward and reveal the real truth to your warning or, yes, you lose cedibility with these boards. It all just does not make sense. Most reasonable people understand the possibility of contracting a staph infection from a seashell on any given beach ANYWHERE.

[Nliedel]

I am sorry if you took it as a cop out in some way. That was not my intention at all. It was a virulent form, not normally found on beaches.

 

I think the best thing to do is apologize to anyone who believed this was cloak and dagger and just unsubscribe from this thread, since I am feeling a bit cornered here. I am sorry if you, or anyone else believed I was personally attacking the beach. I had concerns, I voiced them.

[racepoint]

It's not my intention to have you feeling cornered, I was just asking that you might further explain why a staph infection from a seashell would cause you to raise red flags about the safety of Sapphire Beach. And, again, I haven't been there so can't offer my own opinion of it's condition. I hooked into this thread 'cause I'm looking for advice for my brother. I only have experience with the island in general, and not of this beach. If Sapphire Beach is ridden with locals planting AIDS-infected needles in the sand, of course we'd all want to be alerted, but in all honesty, an infection, even a really BAD infection from a seashell doesn't warrant the "scare" that you seem to have generated. I am truly asking that you continue to post and that you post a further update on exactly why we should avoid Sapphire Beach.

[June Bug]

my question is...what confidence has been broken to your friend now that you have told us about the staph infection and the seashell? Isn't that what you led us to believe would happen if you ever told of what danger lay on the beach? I'm just relieved to hear it is only staph (even though it can be deadly in rare instances). I look forward to reading your posts, but just had some lingering questions.

Thanks,

June

[terryde]

can someone answer the last question from Broch? I am also interested in the answer. Thanks.

[hokie78]

Not a solid answer on the Sapphire lunch buffet question, but here's what I recall. On occasion they do set up a burger stand on the beach and offer a sandwich, chips and drink deal for like ten bucks. Not sure which days, and it may be related to the days when cruise ships have beach excursions here. Best bet is to Google the resort and check the site for their too free number. Just call and ask to be sure.

racepoint--your brother will NOT be disappointed in Sapphire Beach. And Coki is so close to there that checking out both in the same day is a very reasonable quest. Both can be crowded depending on how many ship are in port. And of course taxi fares can add up. Both those beaches make for a great day on STT.

[Donship]

Our famliy booked Airforce 1 Tours through our Travel Agent.

Our TA is registered to sell their tours to various destinations around St Thomas. We booked package 4 - Magens bay Beach. He picked us up ontime right in front of the gangway of our ship, and from the beach in the exact spot he left us and he was on time to pick us up.The Guide also took us to some overlook spots for great pictures on the way back to our cruise ship!

Would definatly book them again..We spoke with Howard from Ultimate Cruise Planning Specialist Inc ( http://www.ultimatecruiseplanning.com/pages/1/index.htm ),he was very helpful and knowledgable with organizing the tour.

What a great value compared to the shore excursion prices found on the ship!

Choose the tour you want at thier website and call Howard to book it.

http://www.havefunwithus.com/

[Gregg20]

I am sorry if you took it as a cop out in some way. That was not my intention at all. It was a virulent form, not normally found on beaches.

 

I think the best thing to do is apologize to anyone who believed this was cloak and dagger and just unsubscribe from this thread, since I am feeling a bit cornered here. I am sorry if you, or anyone else believed I was personally attacking the beach. I had concerns, I voiced them.

 

Well you brought it upon yourself if you feel a bit cornered. You should have have just gotten to the point instead wasting our time...IMHO.

[lrm]

We toured with Godfrey 02/05 and he took us to Coki beach--after we all voted. I think the snorkeling is nice there--but the bathrooms on the beach were closed at that time. Maybe he just got tired of going there every day---or just makes the rounds so nobody feels left out (locals). We plan to go with him again next April--but will first ask if he will take us where we want.

lrm

[sharoncruises]

Just got back from sailing on the Victory with a group of 22 where we did a tour with Godfrey in St. Thomas. Intending to go to Coki, upon arrival and seeing how small and crowded it was we opted to drive the additional 5 minutes to check out Sapphire before making a decision. Godfrey said he would bring us back to Coki if that was what we preferred. Boy were we glad! Sapphire was one of the cleanest beaches I have ever seen, nice shady spots under the trees if you want to escape the sun, great snorkeling, water sports for all ages, chairs for rent, pool, showers, clean restrooms, food, drinks, and the most beautiful views of the other islands that you could possibly imagine. It was a perfect day!

 

And if you want a great way to spend your ENTIRE day definitely take a tour with Godfrey!! For $25pp we had a 2 hour island tour, went to the beach (and yes, he gives you a choice with no pressure, just his opinion) and shopping (choice of downtown or Havensight). On the way from Sapphire to shopping the tour covered the opposite side of the island. Godfrey was very informative and accomodated all of our wishes including advice on the best places to shop for specific items we were looking for. I couldn't have been more pleased with his services, especially since I was the one who recommended to the group that we give this a try (after reading about him on the CC boards) and would have been up the creek if it had been a bust. Everyone in our group said this tour was the highlight of their trip:D . And having taken 30+ cruises, Sapphire is one of the best beaches I have visited.