Should I do a beach excursion or wing it?

[crzy4dsny]

We were thinking about going to some beaches on our Magic Cruise. We have 3 kids ages 7, 6, and 4. Going to a beach is the only thing we would want to do with them off the ship. I have read some reviews on these excursions at St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. The one at St. Maarten is on a beach that has a nude section. No big deal but if I could stay away from there I would. I read this one is the better of the two. I read the one at St. Thomas has horrible food and the beach chairs are first come first serve.

The St. Marteen excursion would cost us $195, and the St. Thomas $182. Would it be better for us to bring food from the ship and take a cab to one of these beaches? Is that something that is easily done or should I just pay the money for the excursion?

 

[jragland]

Our family went to beaches at St Thomas and St Marteen on our own. I would hesitate to pay that much for an excursion if all you want is to go to the beach. We asked our servers on the ship for recommended places to go..believe me they know the nice places to send you. Remember, they want to keep you happy!

We took a cab and enjoyed the day. Hope you have a great time.

 

[Heathercat]

There is no need to take an excursion if you want to go to the beach on St Maarten. When the ship docks there, you need only take a 5 min water taxi ride to the beach....Complete with lounge chairs, water trampoline, and jet skis to rent....I would not take ANY valuables along with you if you plan to beach there....It is VERY close to town and the locals are on the beach selling there "wares"

 

[jellybungsters]

There is a great beach in St. Thomas named Magen's Bay. The excursion to this beach is a rip-off. You can do the same exact excursion yourself by taking a taxi and save over half the cost. The fare is $6 per person, one-way, both for adults and children. There is an entry fee to the beach of $3 per adult and $1 per child. So for a family of five, the total cost is $69. We originally thought of bringing our own lunch but we got to the beach at 10am and returned to the ship by 1pm for lunch.

 

[ljql_5969]

This is good info. thanks!

 

[crzy4dsny]

I've been to Magens Bay once before. I remember it being pretty nice there. I think it was rated one of the worlds best beaches. When I went there last time we rented a jeep for the day. If you bring your own stuff can you snorkel there? If so would the snorkeling be good for younger kids? Are cabs easy to get going back to the ship when you want to leave? Thanks

 

[jellybungsters]

I don't know what the snorkeling situation is at Magen's bay. The cabs however are plentiful. They're lined up at the drop-off area and there is no waiting.

A couple of tips I'd like to add: The beach is a lot less crowded on the left side since everyone tend to stay at the drop-off area on the right side. Also, the shower facilities are salt water, not fresh water.

 

[Tiggerish]

We are not at all the "adventurest" types and we easily took the water taxi to the beach in St. Martin and had a great time. We did rent beach chairs and one person stayed at the chairs with our stuff at all times. The locals did come by but were not aggressive, quietly when on after a firm no thank you.

With your age kids, I would hesitate spending money on an excursion unless they are already experiences in snorkeling. My 8 yo niece snorkeled in the pool and lake last year to practice but was very happy just to swim and sand play at the beach.

 

[mickeyboat]

If you decide to do the excursions, make sure you check the age limitations. I remember there were no excursions I was interested in where my 3 and 4 year olds could attend. DCL is very strict about the age guidelines, although you may be able to book the same excursion directly throught the company who provides it to avoidnthe age limit.

We did Great Bay Beach and St. John on our own and had a great time with no problems.

Denae

 

[jrabbit]

For 5 of you you should be able to do a beach day on your own for well under $100 - on any of the islands.

Orient Beach on St. Maarten is the "famous" clothing optional beach. It is also very beautiful!! Just ask your driver to drop you off in the "family" section of the beach and there will be hardly any nudity and not that many females going topless (but there will still be some of each type there). Like you said - it's not a big deal (especiall if you don't make it a big deal). Its a very nice beach. When we were there there were nice waves to play in - as opposed to Great Bay (where the Magic parks) which was perfectly calm (itty bitty ripples). There are many, many nice beaches on St. Maarten.