Charlotte Amalie Walking tour, IS IT worth IT??

[Disneyfred]

Hi all, were are considering doing the CA Historical Walking tour on the Dec. 14 Eastern on St. Thomas, I would appreciate any comments on whether it's worth the time and if there is ample shopping time. Also if anyone has been to Magens Bay, how much time is needed for travel and is it possible to go after the walking tour which ends around noon, we are two families with a total of 7 in the party, Thanks.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I recall somebody speaking about this tour fairly recently. I seem to recall she warned about the fact that it's very hot and involves climbing a lot of stairs. You see a lot of buildings that are <b><i>not</i></b> air-conditioned. She personally found the tour very interesting because she was interested in architectural history, but there were kids on the tour who were very restless and a number of others who didn't enjoy it as much as they had anticipated.

I can't speak to how much time would be available for shopping. I would imagine you could leave the tour downtown rather than taking their bus back to the dock. Then you could take a taxi from there to Magen's Bay and another taxi from Magen's Bay back to the ship.

The taxi ride should take about 20 minutes although the driver will sometimes troll around for a bit for additional passengers before leaving for the destination.

 

[Disneyfred]

Thanks for the reply, I think we'll shop on our own and then catch a taxi to Magen Bay, the tour doesn'y sound to great, Thanks.

 

[ducklite]

I think I'm the person Dave is referring to.

We took this tour. It was VERY interesting, especially if you like history and architecture. It was also NOT at all what I expected it to be based ont he description given...

The first stop was a viewing area with a WONDERFUL view of the bay that the ship is docked in and a great photo op. The tour driver gives a lot of history of the island.

You get off at Blue Beards castle, and are met by a second guide. You walk from the castle down to the Hagerson House, and tour that. If you love antiques, you'll love this part of the tour.

From this point you'll walk down into town and have plenty of time to shop. A couple hours if I recall. But, this is the best part--the ship is actually walking distance, or you can take a very inexpensive cab ride back to the pier rather than getting back on the same tour tram.

A few words of warning. This tour is NOT handicapped accessible...not at all. It is a WALKING tour. There are stairs,and quite a few of them. It is also NOT a good tour for younger kids, who will be very bored. There is no place to let them run around and blow off steam.

And, as you are approaching the Hagerson House, you will stop under some trees and be told about the local iguanas. Be VERY careful where you stand. The little devils are up in teh trees, and they poop and pee from up there, and you will be christened. YUCK!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Anne

 

[Disneyfred]

Thanks Anne, that was very helpful, I was wondering if you know of anyone who has taken a cab to the town and walked and shopped on their own and then taken a cab to Magens bay. We are 2 families with 3 DD ages 16 and 11,11 total 7 folks. Also any info on magens bay would be greatly appreciated, we really want to enjoy as many beautiful beaches as possible and heard Magns was great!! Thanks again, Fred.

 

[jrabbit]

With kids those ages and all of the great water / snorkeling - why bother with shopping? Go to St. Johns, go snorkeling - the water and reefs are amazing!!