St.Thomas/St.John: what to do on our own

[ML_LovesDisney]

We are on the Eastern Caribbean cruise in March that goes to St. Thomas/St. John and San Juan. We don't plan to do any excursions on St. Thomas/St. John, so what can we do safely do on our own? I'm thinking beach time is our main goal, but don't want to go anywhere far since I don't want to miss the ship when it's time to reboard. Any insight is appreciated! TIA

[CaskPeg]

You may want to investigate up front about whether the ship docks in a deep water location/ and then you have to get on a smaller boat to arrive at the general dock/ or if they have changed the docks in the last 10 years. I went to both ports on one of the two early DCL ships and that was the case...as vessels took turns at some of the docks. I don't know if you can call DCL direct and get information from them on it...at least I would try and verify this before you go! I am going on the Fantasy in May to that same Eastern Route...but haven't checked into that for sure at this point.

[amyg1]

Don't worry, it docks.

There are plenty of taxis right off the pier. You can easily grab one and go to the beach. I wouldn't book anything for a beach day.

We signed up for a snorkel/kayak tour. Disney had age restrictions, and the tour left too early, so we are doing it on our own.

[pillow]

We took a taxi to Magens Bay for the day. You can rent chairs and buy food there. LOVED IT + it was so beautiful!

Jodie

[ML_LovesDisney]

I am reading mixed things about Magen's Bay. Anyone know anything about Coki Beach or Sapphire Beach such as how far it is from port via taxi? And if it costs anything to get in? Is Magen's the closest to port and that is why it is the busiest?

[pillow]

Originally Posted by ML_LovesDisney

I am reading mixed things about Magen's Bay. Anyone know anything about Coki Beach or Sapphire Beach such as how far it is from port via taxi? And if it costs anything to get in? Is Magen's the closest to port and that is why it is the busiest?

I think many ship excusions go to Magens, which is why it can get busy. We went early (as soon as ship docked) and it was almost deserted. Also, if you walk way down to the left (facing water), it is much less crowded (folks tend to congregate near the bathrooms and food). If you PM me your email, I can send you our pictures (sorry - don't know how to post them here).

Jodie

[kcashner]

Magen's became really busy after it was rated one of the world's top 10 beaches.

Coki is free. It is right across the parking lot from Coral World--if you go to CW, you'll get a wrist band allowing you to come and go all day to use their facilities, gift shop, etc. There are always cabs waiting at the parking lot; if by some fluke there isn't one, CW will call one for you. Check the CW web site for family packages and discount coupons; also these are in the tourist magazine at the port sometimes.

You can do Coki Beach without Coral World, but there are essentially no facilities (unless it has built up a lot in the last 2 years!). It is a relatively inexpensive cab ride from the dock (like $4 per person). The sand and water are beautiful, snorkeling is as good as you'll get from a beach, and the price is right.

Another hint--there is a restaurant at St. Thomas with unlimited wifi for the day for $3. Walk toward the entrance to the cable cars. Just before the ticket booth on the right is an Asian restaurant with lots of crew hanging out. There is an internet place in a bar in the Havensight Mall, but it didn't look "safe" to us and there were no CMs there. For internet, places frequented by CMs are likely to be cheap and safe.

[Maple17]

Originally Posted by pillow

We took a taxi to Magens Bay for the day. You can rent chairs and buy food there. LOVED IT + it was so beautiful!

Jodie

How far is it from the port and how much was the cab ride? How much are the chairs? Thanks!

[pillow]

Originally Posted by Maple17

How far is it from the port and how much was the cab ride? How much are the chairs? Thanks!

It was 2009, and I honestly don't remember. I'm sure cruise critic would have that info though. I do remember thinking it was cheap.

Jodie

[ML_LovesDisney]

Thanks kcashner! Coral World looks like a good option for us with a 7 and 4 year old

[meajuly5]

We did Magen's bay with a 5 and a 3 yr old. July. Gorgeous beach. Wasn't overly crowded-- it was busy but there was plenty if space to hang out. We did the excursion but a cab would be fine--there were loads. Definitely cheaper if you do it on your own

[meajuly5]

It's busy bc it was rated a top ten beach in the world

[gometros]

The Eastern has an early departure from St. Thomas, arriving at 7:45 and departing at 3:30. Is that enough time to get to St. John on your own with any quality time there?

[5cangleys]

I am looking in to Godfrey Tours. He got great reviews and has a couple of different itineraries to meet everyone's needs. Problem is, seems there's an early departure...3:30?

Also, is it safe to just grab a cab at the port? I know in the Bahamas we were advised against it, as it wasn't safe.