st John/Thomas Bike and Beach Excursion

[cgannon]

Anyone ever done this excursion? Just wondering what you thought of it. thanks

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have not done this, but hoping we find someone with some experience to reply!

 

[jhorstma]

Here's a review w/pics for the Water Island bike tour from 2002, with reference to Disney cruisers participating: http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalEntryActivity.asp?JournalID=11473&EntryID=19583

"Water Island lies just off Charlotte Amalie Harbour. This tiny unspoilt island is purely residential. A handful of children from the island commute to St Thomas by boat daily for school. Our bike tour started from Havensight where the cruise ships dock. Our tour group was full of families off the Disney Magic cruise ship. We took the 10 minute ferry ride across to Water Island where a bus met us and took us to the top of the island. We climbed a tower and marvelled at the views across the harbour to Charlotte Amalie. We picked out bikes and helmets and set off down the hill with a guide leading and guide trailing the pack. Every once in a while, we'd all stop to let those lagging behind catch up and our guides would point out interesting sights - an old hotel blown away by a hurricane, a Hurricane Hole still used by local boats, the local Squash Club which was an ammunition store for the gun emplacement during WW2. We stopped along the way for pictures and water refills. At one point, half the group took a wrong turn and ended up a bit lost. I was a little embarrassed when I discovered it was my Adrian who led everyone astray. Oops. Towards the end of the tour, we had the choice of continuing on up a more difficult path or heading down to the beach for a swim. I chose the beach while Adrian headed up the hill with the other diehards. Our tour ended at the beautiful Honeymoon Beach. When we arrived, the beach was practically deserted. I waded in the cool shallow waters and watched the kids swim all the way out to the platform and dive off. The small bay had several boats moored but was quiet and peaceful. When the rest of the group finished their bike ride, we all relaxed and tasted some homemade guava juice.
I found this bike tour fairly strenuous. It was a nice change to some of the more touristy excursions and a great way to get a feel for island life."