Clarification needed about taxis to Port Lucaya

[KookyGuava]

I've been reading the boards about the taxis at the Freeport port of call and have seen a variety of things mentioned, from private cabs and shared busses, fares ranging from $5 per person to $40 per ride. What are the differences between the private v. shared taxis? How long is the wait to catch one of these at the port? And where is the best place at/near the Port Lucaya Marketplace to catch a taxi back to the ship?

[bobsfamily]

I've been reading the boards about the taxis at the Freeport port of call and have seen a variety of things mentioned, from private cabs and shared busses, fares ranging from $5 per person to $40 per ride. What are the differences between the private v. shared taxis? How long is the wait to catch one of these at the port? And where is the best place at/near the Port Lucaya Marketplace to catch a taxi back to the ship?

Ok.. here goes.

 

The ship docks at an industrial port and except for a small "straw market" and bar there is really nothing at the pier... this area is only open when ships are in port. This area is where the taxi's line up. GBI (Freeport) has a union taxi service and there is a "boss" at the taxi station that makes sure who gets fares and packs them in.... Many of the "taxis" are just passenger vans and they will put 8-10 people in a van at $5pp for a shared ride to Our Lucaya. You are dropped off right in the middle of everything... shopping/casino/bars/dining/etc. Beach is a short walk in front of the Westin/Sheraton complex.

A PRIVATE taxi is one in which a couple (f you have 8 or so in your party you will get a "private" taxi in that they will put you all in one and send you on your way) takes by themselves and it is around $30 (plus tip) for the ride.

There are no "busses" that serrvice the pier/port area like in Nassau. Either you pay the fee or you stay on board (except for what is at the port).

When coming back go over to the casino (ask anyone) and there will be a line of taxis that are "legal" and the same applies... $5pp shared cab back to ship. They drop off in a central area near the ships.

Hope this helps.

[KookyGuava]

Thank you so much for your reply. You've assuaged any confusion or fear I've had about taking these taxis. You've also saved me from making the decision to pay for Carnival's shore excursion "shuttle"/"island tour" to Port Lucaya :)

[bobsfamily]

Thank you so much for your reply. You've assuaged any confusion or fear I've had about taking these taxis. You've also saved me from making the decision to pay for Carnival's shore excursion "shuttle"/"island tour" to Port Lucaya :)

You will do fine on your own... If you check several of the threads here you will find info about Capt. Tony and:

http://sanddollarcruise.com/

 

Well worth it.

[BIG_Steve]

Bobsfamily nailed it about the taxis, but let me add... The fare for the two of us was $27.00 plus tip for a private taxi. And I made a rookie mistake, even though I've been in hundreds of taxis in different cities and a few countries. I had no small bills for the tip, and of course, like any good taxi driver, he had no change. LOL.... He got a GREAT tip.

 

BTW..... We were right at the front of the line to get off the ship. By the time we walked up to the cab stand, and the guy called a private cab for us, and drove over to Lucaya, we were walking up to Tonys' boat at 8:55. He leaves at 9.

[KOOLBEANS]

Beach is a short walk in front of the Westin/Sheraton complex.

 

On this short walk, do you just walk on over to the beach for free or do you have to go to the Westin/Sheraton complex and pay? So, basically I am asking can you simply walk to the beach and hang out with no problems from the staff?

[bobsfamily]

Beach is a short walk in front of the Westin/Sheraton complex.

 

On this short walk, do you just walk on over to the beach for free or do you have to go to the Westin/Sheraton complex and pay? So, basically I am asking can you simply walk to the beach and hang out with no problems from the staff?

That's a question that depends on the day/time/week/mood/you.... lol

It has been reported that for a $15pp fee you get to use the pools/bathroom/etc. Sometimes it is available and sometimes not... There is a walkway from the shopping area that goes by the back entrance to the casino, past some shops and then between the Westin and Sheraton. If a guard is there you will either have to pay, ask to just pass by to the beach or be turned away... if turned away you can go back the way you came, walk thru or around the casino to parking for the Sheraton and follow it to the side of the Sheraton where there is a "public" dirt road/walkway to the beach and a "lobster shack" where you can get good seafood...

and you are on the beach! Now the Westin has a swim up pool bar and most days you can get in a play as long as you are buying a drink... BE careful, they are not CHEAP! Most are close to $10 or more. Remember beer is not always cheaper in the islands... even Kilak (local beer).

Hope this helps.