Looking for port recommendations on Eastern Carib.

[foolish-mortal]

Traveling with husband and 2 older teens this summer on 7 night Eastern. Going to St. Thomas and Tortola. We've never been to these ports before and I'm having a hard time figuring out where to go and what to do. We don't often book port adventures through cruise lines. I usually find them to be super overpriced and not enough time wherever we are going. But once in a while it's our best option and I'm not completely opposed to them. We usually jump in a taxi and go to wherever we've chosen.

We usually find an authentic restaurant, walk around and shop or go to a local beach. In Cozumel we love to go to Paradise Beach. Something relaxing, seeing beautiful views, something authentic, or just finding the best beach.

In the Virgin Islands are there nice beach bars/restaurants with lounge chairs? Somewhere we can have food, drinks, and swim? Does Magen's Bay just access to a public beach? Or are there restaurants or bars there?

Thanks for any helpful information or recommendations!

 

[auntlynne]

Magen’s Bay does not have a “restaurant.”. There is a limited-menu quick service window with a few tables and an open-air bar.

It is ideal for those who love a wide(1+ mile) sand beach with room to find people or empty space. Loungers available. Nothing fancy here; think state beach park.

Admission is $5 pp if you taxi there. I have always seen lots of taxis at the beach.

Yes, public beach.

 

[auntlynne]

There is nowhere in St Thomas / St John that I can think of to meet the desire of nice bar or restaurant on the beach. The hotels may have them, but I haven’t seen many (if any) Resort for a Day type offerings here.

Sapphire Beach Resort has beautiful water and views. They had a bar when I visited in 2022. High stools and some chairs. Loungers were available (I don’t remember umbrellas). In 2021, guests were using the shrubs/trees as a shade source.

The beach was free. Taxis (safari-style or vans) will take you there.

 

[auntlynne]

On the E Caribbean in September, we took the excursion to JVD. Next time, I would like to visit Cane Garden Beach. Check it out in your research. It might have what you are looking for.

St Thomas: if you enjoy chill, a bar, possibly a food truck, tables, loungers and VI water, look into Honeymoon Beach in Water Island. It’s a 10 minute water taxi (hourly) from Crown Bay (across the harbor from Havensight /WICO where Disney docks).

I am a fan of St John and have enjoyed the Beach excursion to Trunk Bay twice in the last year. I appreciate the warmth of the water and the beautiful setting. It’s a National Park beach with a few picnic tables and a take-away bar. The ease of getting on the ferry next to the ship is worth whatever cost difference there may be over a DIY adventure for the limited time in port (and risk of missing the return). I can’t remember seeing any loungers on that beach (But I see beach chair rental listed as available).