Non-Snorkeling Eastern Caribbean Excursions?

[JoyaDelMar]

Hey all!

I know there are excursion recommendations all the time, but I'm a little stumped on planning my next cruise and would truly appreciate the help.

DBF and I are going on a Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise this September to St. Marteen and St. Thomas/St. John and I'm trying to plan our excursions for the trip. We're looking for something active and engaging to do on the islands (to give you an idea, our last cruise was a Western Caribbean and we did a Dolphin Swim and went X-Railing). We're both in our mid-twenties and are traveling just the two of us (no kids or parents).

Unfortunately, my DBF *hates* snorkeling and so many of the active/recommended excursions are snorkeling based. He has no issue with the open water - just the snorkel apparatus itself. So, what's a girl to plan?

I was thinking of maybe the St. John Champagne Catamaran trip for 1 day, but I wasn't sure if you could do the trip without snorkeling and just jet to the beach during the break? And for St. Marteen, I'm completely stumped!

Any recommendations would be highly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

[wendyoconnor]

We did the St. John Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel Tour and we don't snorkle. Use of the gear was included in the price but you didn't have to use it. I booked the tour because it was the only one that was beach only. Trunk Bay was amazing, just wish we had had more time there.

 

[mom4fun]

Wrong thread.

 

[sdjen]

In St Thomas we reserved a private transport for the day. They picked us up right at the dock. We did an island tour, a stop at Coral World for a really fun sea lion encounter, several scenic stops for pics and a stop downtown for lunch and shopping.

St Martin maybe check out Orient Beach. I think they offer jet skis, parasailing and other water sports? We did Le Galion beach (great for kids) one trip and Bernard's tours another.

Have a great time!

 

[kerry1379]

In St. Maarten we did Bernard's Tour I. It was great! We saw a large part of the island-did some shopping, fed some iguanas, grabbed a bite to eat, saw the planes come in on Maho beach (but missed the big jet), and stopped at several scenic outlooks. He also taught us a lot about the island, the people, and their history. I thought it was a great way to see the island. We also had a great tour group so we chatted and enjoyed the company. That isn't a Disney excursion though.

 

[JP350Z]

My advise when stopping on St. Marteen is always just to rent a jeep from Costal Rental Cars right at the port for about $90 a day and drive the outside of the island in a counter clockwise direction. They drive on the normal (american) side of the road there and are not as crazy as drivers on other islands I've been too. You can stop at Legalion Beach (Which would require the jeep due to bumpy roads) or Orient Beach. Then go towards Grand Case for lunch at a French Bistro(you will need Euros or credit card). Then stop at Maho beach to watch the big planes come over head in the afternoon. Give yourself a little extra time heading to the ship. There is a drawbridge that goes up occasionally when sailboats come in between Maho beach and the cruise port area. I have sent 2 coworkers this same route and they have been very happy. It is the only Caribbean Island i feel 100% comfortable driving on, even with kids.