need help for beaches in eastern ports

[cupig]

Had an emergency in the family while planning our trip......so now I'm down to the wire (going on the 5/3) and I don't know where to go in port .....We weren't going to sign up for a preplanned excursion, just plan something on our own (doesn't it figure now)....so any help or ideas would be sooooooo much appreciated!!!!! We want to do a lot of snorkeling and plan to stay away from the nudie beaches.....beaches in the morning and shopping in the afternoon. PLEASE HELP.

 

[Auntie Bon]

Cupig, do you have The Passporter book? If so there is information in there regarding all the ports of call.

Also, Jeanne434 and I are not planning any Disney excursions, drop her an email I'm sure she has read the book more than once since I brought it to her yesterday afternoon.

See you on the 3rd!

 

[goofydadeo]

is in Trunk Bay on St. John especially if you are traveling with kids. For the past three Eastern cruises we have taken the ferry ride to St. John for a 1/2 day of snorkeling. It's the only underwater US national park - a must see! You can do it on your own too! Here's how - get off the ship as early as you can (that should be around 8:15am). Take a 15-20 min. taxi ride to the Red Hook Ferry. Catch the 9am ferry to St. John (20 min. ride). Once on St. John take a 10 min. taxi ride to Trunk Bay. Since it is a national park you have to pay a nominal fee to enter and there you can rent your snorkeling gear and follow the underwater trail. There is a snack bar where you can grab a quick bite. Your St. John taxi driver should offer to meet you to take you back to Cruz Bay on St. John where you can take 1 of 2 ferries back (the original one to Red Hook or the longer one directly to downtown Charlotte Amalie). Both work great and will allow you time to shop before the usual 4:30pm all aboard.

Can't help you much with St. Martin as we always go to Orient Bay (it is not a nude beach though - just very European - about 1 in 10 will be topless, etc. I would go anyway as it is a very nice beach and the nudity is very minor in my opinion.

Have a great trip!

 

[Rhonda]

When we were in St. Thomas, we rented a jeep from Avis and took the car ferry over to St. John and explored the whole island on our own! We came across some wonderful, secluded beaches - where we swam and snorkeled all by ourselves! The scenery from the high points on the island are breathtaking, and the water was wonderful! I would highly recommend it!

 

[dianthus]

I agree Trunk & Cinnamon Bay in St. John are the best. If you do not want all the transportation issues getting there, go to Maegen's Bay in St. Thomas.

A 10 min. cab ride over the mountain- you get to see the countryside. Admission is cheap to get in- can rent kayaks there too. Last cruise we did Maegen's in the morning, stayed until noon, changed & ate lunch on the ship. Took a taxi into town & shopped for the afternoon.

Orient Beach is beautiful in St. Martin- stay to the left & you'll be OK. The totally nudes are to the right @ Club Orient. We saw a few topless, but not bad. You can rent padded loungers cheap & enjoy the sand, surf & sun.

Have fun!

 

[cupig]

Thank you all so much for your help! I couldn't remember the names of all the beaches...things have been so hectic I haven't been able to plan like I like to....the passporter book is a lot of help too....whew, I feel better. We're off tomorrow so send me a little pixy dust for safe travels!


Kathy

 

[Axeman]

Kathy- You may wish to stay right in town in St. Maarten. There you have a nice beach and shopping rolled into one. Many cruise people do EVERYTING COOL in the middle of Fropnt Street. A bit hectic for me. I would suggest the Passanggrahn Hotel. If you walk to town enter the boardwalk at Bobby's Marina (if you do water taxi, get off at Bobby's Marina stop) Follow the boardwalk to the end. You will pass by my place on the right ORANGE AND YELLOW restaurant. At that point...just go straign off the boardwal onto the beach. You'll be at the Passanggrahn. I think they charge 8 bucks for chair and umbrella (and that includes a rum punch. Nice clean restrooms, quaint establishment. (it was the former govenor's home) If you have any questions or problems, feel free to stop at my place and ask for Margy or Jennifer...they will be glad to help you out. (cause Alex said they would!)
AlexB/ Caribbean Duck Tours

 

[cupig]

Wow...thanks....that sounds pretty good too....thanks for the advise! Sounds pretty convenient.