Golden Eagle Catamaran - St. Maarten

[delo4]

Can anyone give more information on this excursion? Do you actually get very much time at the beach? How long does it take to get there? Any other details would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[shellbelle11]

I did this excusion back on the 8/9 cruise. It was fabulous, possibly one of the best excusions we've ever done, it was our 3rd time on the eastern.

Before you board you have to take off your shoes- they have a basket to put them in (I put mine in the bag I brought which I stored inside the cabin area- otherwise your stuff will get soaked- also while I'm thinking of it- there are 2 bathrooms on board if you really REALLY have to go) then you find a seat. We all sat at the front of the boat along the side of one of the nets. The ride to the beach is pretty fast and bumpy- we got SOAKED! I wouldn't suggest sitting up front if you get sea sick. The back is a little tamer.

Funny side story here, my dad decided he wanted to try to lie down on the net for a minute during the ride. We were going so fast that we when we hit a wave and it washed over him he must have bounced up at least 6 inches and the sunglasses fell through the net- this is the day after he lost his hat out to sea on deck 10. We still haven't let him live that down.

Anyways.. as I was saying the ride there is very fast and very bumpy, it takes maybe about 45 minutes. I loved it. The boat drops anchor about 10 feet from the shore. The crew lets down the staircase and you can just go right down into the water, which is about 5 ft deep, and swim to your heart's content. As you go into the water a crew member hands you a water noodle. One of the girls came around with beer/water/soda for everyone in the water. We were at the beach itself for probably about 1 hr.

We didn't snorkel so I can't comment on that part.

The ride back was probably my favorite part. They had open bar (beer, rum punch,soda and later on champagne) and came around with sandwiches. I must admit that I love to throw people for a loop when I ask for an alcoholic beverage- I'm 26 but look much younger- and after swimming I look even younger than that. They're always floored when they find out that I'm a teacher.

OOps- sorry rambling again- the ride back is awesome, very relaxing. It's a lot slower- no bumps this time. Great music is played- lots of Buffet. It's awesome. I takes about an hour to get back, and as you pull into dock everyone does the YMCA on deck. It's a great time. My entire party of 8 (from 15 all the way to 55) agreed that this was the best excursion that we've ever done.

They sell T-Shirts on board on the ride back, so make sure you have some money with you if you'd like one. THey have a few different styles.

An added bonus is the fabulous crew! My cousin and I got great pictures with "Catamaran Boy" and "Catamaran Man"

 

[delo4]

Thanks so much for the info. It sounds great, except that it doesn't sound like you're at the beach all that long. I guess you don't want to take anything that you don't want to get wet? My mom and her husband want to do this excursion, but I think my mom wanted to spend more time at the beach. Maybe just an excursion on our own would be better, maybe Sapphire beach or something else. Thanks again for the details.

 

[ThreeCircles]

I agree. This excursion does sound as if would be a really great experience! On our Eastern cruise in May we went to Orient Beach, which was very nice, but the Golden Eagle Catamaran sounds like the place to be!

And champagne to top it off!

 

[cruisinpenguin]

The Golden Eagle is an excursion NOT to be MISSED!! It's everything and more that Shellbelle11 said. A fast ride over to the beach and a slow ride back with Champagne as the sunsets!!aaaahhh. Our group of 6 had the best time and would do it again in a heartbeat. My Aunt who had never been on a catamaran said she just wanted to stay in St. Maarten and go on the Golden Eagle every day!! The crew is exceptional!! I don't know how they can serve drinks on the net and not even drop a cup!! If you don't want to get wet.....don't sit on the net, but it is fun to try!! My father-in-law went right to the front and took a wave in the face.....it was so funny!! The kids love it. The snorkeling is very nice. The water is so blue and clear and to see all kinds of tropical fish is something you should try!! I didn't want to at first and I'm so glad my hubby said try it......it's definitely an experience you won't regret!! I snorkel now any chance I get in the caribbean that is!! Enjoy and let us know if you end up going?!!
Happy cruisin'
Laurie

 

[Gina]

I've been thinking about doing this excursion next time, because it sounds like so much fun, but I'm still confused about it.

If they anchor 10 feet from shore, and the water is 5' deep, how do you get your kids to the beach?? And what if you don't want to snorkel, just go to the beach?

Any deeper info would be great! Thanks!!

-gina-

 

[Towncrier]

How do you get to the beach? You swim there. It's not that hard because everyone is given a floatation vest.

We did the Golden Eagle in January 2002 with about 30 other DISers. We had a great time and will sign up for this excursion the very next time we are in St. Maarten.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I'm trying to get someone who has taken both this trip and "the wild thing" in St. Thomas to compare the two. I was leaning toward the St. Thomas excursion but after reading these posts it looks as if I shouldn't pass this one up!!!

 

[shellbelle11]

As Towncrier said, the crew hands out life jackets to all of the kids. We were a little worried when we read the reviews also because not everyone in my group is a strong swimmer- it's not a problem at all though! When you go down the stairs, you actually just start swimming, and they are there handing out the noodles to help you float.

It's not really an excursion that you go on the beach to relax, it's more of a hang out in the water excursion. We didn't snorkel at all. It was so nice to just float in the water.

No don't take anything you don't want to get wet. You really don't need much with you for this excursion. All I packed were 2 towels from the ship, some sunblock and my waterproof camera. Everything stayed nice and dry in the storage space provided inside.

Also, they have a fresh water hose for you to rinse off after the beach before you start back to the ship.

I will admit that I wished that there was more time in the water- but you do have a pretty decent amount of time there. If you're afraid of not getting enough beach time, there is a solution.
After doing a little bit of shopping downtown we spend some time at Front Street Beach, which is right in the downtown area. My dad and his best friend hung out there and relaxed while all of the girls went shopping.
I wouldn't keep the small amount of time on the beach from having you do this excursion. It is FANTASTIC!!

If there are anymore questions I will be more than happy to answer them!