Is the second Tortola back?

[kritter]

In Tortola, we took a taxi over to Cane Garden Bay. It took probably 20 minutes to get there. We have 2 DDs (6 & 8) and they loved it. We brought along our sand toys so they could dig in the sand & play in the water. I wish I would have written down prices but I think it was $6/person each way for the taxi. I can't remember if it was $5 or $10 for a beach chair, I think it was probaby $5. We didn't rent an umbrella since it was not very sunny that day. A frozen drink from one of the bars was $5. We ate lunch at one of the restaurants & wound up spending around $25 for 2 grilled cheese sandwiches, 1 blt, 1 burger & 4 bottled waters.

Hope that helps.

Would you say that Cane Garden is a better beach and closer drive than Brewer's Bay??!!!!!!!! Thank you in advance!!!!!!!!

 

[RLccweems]

Thanks msmith07101

What path did you go on to get back to the top? I need easy.

Don't we all need this? I know I do too....

 

[dr&momto2boys]

In Tortola, we took a taxi over to Cane Garden Bay. It took probably 20 minutes to get there. We have 2 DDs (6 & 8) and they loved it. We brought along our sand toys so they could dig in the sand & play in the water. I wish I would have written down prices but I think it was $6/person each way for the taxi. I can't remember if it was $5 or $10 for a beach chair, I think it was probaby $5. We didn't rent an umbrella since it was not very sunny that day. A frozen drink from one of the bars was $5. We ate lunch at one of the restaurants & wound up spending around $25 for 2 grilled cheese sandwiches, 1 blt, 1 burger & 4 bottled waters.

Hope that helps.

It helps a lot, thanks!

How are the drivers in Tortola? I'm a little worried about getting in a taxi with 3 kids who are so little that they are normally in carseats, especially if it's anything like driving in Jamaica. Are there any shops right by the port? I ask because if the driving is crazy, we may just do a little shopping and head back onto the ship. We just have to get off to say we've been there.

I'd be happy to go to the beach if it's safe.

 

[aznaphrodite]

It helps a lot, thanks!

How are the drivers in Tortola? I'm a little worried about getting in a taxi with 3 kids who are so little that they are normally in carseats, especially if it's anything like driving in Jamaica. Are there any shops right by the port? I ask because if the driving is crazy, we may just do a little shopping and head back onto the ship. We just have to get off to say we've been there.

I'd be happy to go to the beach if it's safe.

There are shops right by the port. The ones I talk about in the beginning of my trip report for the Tortola day are all walking distance. There are literally vendors tents right when you leave the port area too.

 

[wmjivey]

I don't remember if any one mentioned Speedy's to the Baths is only $40 per person, I would do this over DCL's trip you can spend alot longer there and half the price. We were also hit up leaving the ship for a speedboat to Baths for $48 but he needed so many people, so we just continued to Speedy's.
Bring your own water, and there is lockers at the bottom for a price, showers for a price and a small burger joint, very slow and pricey.

The Man

 

[CajunGirl2]

It helps a lot, thanks!

How are the drivers in Tortola? I'm a little worried about getting in a taxi with 3 kids who are so little that they are normally in carseats, especially if it's anything like driving in Jamaica. Are there any shops right by the port? I ask because if the driving is crazy, we may just do a little shopping and head back onto the ship. We just have to get off to say we've been there.

I'd be happy to go to the beach if it's safe.

The "taxi" that we took was an open-air taxi. It was really a large truck that had a modified back with bench seats and a covering over all of the seats ... think safari trucks in Animal Kingdom. There are no seat belts. Our driver was not a crazy driver and we felt safe. We did put our arms around our girls when we were going downhill just to keep them from sliding on the seats.

 

[aznaphrodite]

The "taxi" that we took was an open-air taxi. It was really a large truck that had a modified back with bench seats and a covering over all of the seats ... think safari trucks in Animal Kingdom. There are no seat belts. Our driver was not a crazy driver and we felt safe. We did put our arms around our girls when we were going downhill just to keep them from sliding on the seats.

Here are photos of what an open-air taxi looks like...

One side is solid

Other side is open to get on and off

Hope that helps!

 

[WiscBill]

The "taxi" that we took was an open-air taxi. It was really a large truck that had a modified back with bench seats and a covering over all of the seats ... think safari trucks in Animal Kingdom. There are no seat belts. Our driver was not a crazy driver and we felt safe. We did put our arms around our girls when we were going downhill just to keep them from sliding on the seats.

As Angie says, the drivers are very good. Also, children are not allowed to sit on the "open" side of the bus, only in the middle and if large enough, on the closed side. The only odd part is that on Tortola and St. Thomas is they drive on the left side, but the steering is set for the US (i.e., keeping to the right with the steering wheel on the left.)

 

[SweetSpot]

Can someone tell me what they thought of Speedy's? I saw they have the same package as DCL but for $48 and it is 9 - 3:30. Can you leave earlier if you choose or are you set to the time. Were the taxis that are supposedly included waiting for the ferry to arrive, is it all planned like an organized excursion? Thanks for any help.

 

[wmjivey]

We did Speedy's, and yes the taxi is waiting on you when you get off and they tell you when they will be back. The $48 is the lunch special and the guy who sold the tickets at the counter, told us don't waste your money, so we bought the normal fare at $40. The ship can be rocky as it crosses the bay and some boats have a diesel smell so go topside/outside to sit. There is a nice resturant on top of the trail, didn't eat there, so don't know price or quality of food. The shack at the bottom sells burgers and dogs very slow and I thought the prices very high, but we were hungry. Bring snacks from the ship and you'll be fine.

The Man

 

[msmith07101]

Can someone tell me what they thought of Speedy's? I saw they have the same package as DCL but for $48 and it is 9 - 3:30. Can you leave earlier if you choose or are you set to the time. Were the taxis that are supposedly included waiting for the ferry to arrive, is it all planned like an organized excursion? Thanks for any help.

Speedys is fine...we used them also. Just for the transportation...not their package. As Wmjivey said...it was a little rocky; a lot of up and down motion and my 2 boys got sick as well as another little girl. Just something to be prepared for.

 

[SweetSpot]

Thank you for the answers. I was afraid the ferry would be rocky. We took the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and I was close to being sick. It sound like Speedy's and the DCL excursion are exactly the same but on is much less expensive. I'm happy to know you also have the option of not buying lunch.

wmjivey, if the taxi driver tells you when he will be back does that mean you have to take that taxi only. I was hoping we would be able to leave earlier or later depending on how the day was going. That's my favorite part of doing excursions on your own.

 

[wmjivey]

Yes someone ask for an earlier pickup and it was not problem, he will drop you off at the pier, but unless you know when the ferry is coming back it might be a wait. There is nice little beach at the dock to keep the kids busy, but I didn't see anything for adults to do, shopping that is. I never been there before and there might be something around to docks to do, we didn't explore, maybe someone can fill us in.

The Man

 

[TiggersPal]

Bump bump

 

[ibouncetoo]

Just heard from folks on the Magic last week and they are being told that the new menues will start on the Magic on June 20, with the June Tortola cruise. Rotational and pirate menues are the same as what is currently on the Wonder. Captain's Gala and Till We Meet Again will be new news for us all.

.

 

[TiggersPal]

Just heard from folks on the Magic last week and they are being told that the new menues will start on the Magic on June 20, with the June Tortola cruise. Rotational and pirate menues are the same as what is currently on the Wonder. Captain's Gala and Till We Meet Again will be new news for us all.

.

Thanks sister!!!!

 

[TiggersPal]

 

[justmestace]

Just got an email back from them and they are "slow" in September and won't do it. He stated that he tried other options locally for me, but they too don't "RUN" in September... oh well. Nice idea anyway. We'll have to look book the DCL one then.

WOW.......wouldn't you think if they were "slow" they'd NEED the business?? Maybe that's when they take their vacation. Or use the time to make any repairs to the boat. What a disappointment.

 

[TiggersPal]

WOW.......wouldn't you think if they were "slow" they'd NEED the business?? Maybe that's when they take their vacation. Or use the time to make any repairs to the boat. What a disappointment.

No worries - we've got another excursion booked - a private tour!

 

[aznaphrodite]

WOW.......wouldn't you think if they were "slow" they'd NEED the business?? Maybe that's when they take their vacation. Or use the time to make any repairs to the boat. What a disappointment.

We went to St. Thomas the last week of April and many jewelry stores said it was their last week before they pack up and head to Alaska for hurricane season. Business is apparently so slow during hurricane season it isn't worth it to stay open and they make money going where there is more business.