St. John's Trunk Bay Excersion

[dairyou]

I need wisdom from all of you!

There are two excursions that are similar at St. John's. There is one that is 5 hours long. The other is on the Leylon Sneed ship that is 4/12 hours long. Can you tell me how long we get to stay on the beach? If is it a 4/12 to 5 hour long tour and you only get 1 1/2 hour to stay on the beach, does that mean we are on a touring boat for 3 hours? How do kids do on this?
Is the water really choppy? My youngest tends to get seasick on small boats. Actually, any comments you have would be appreciated! Thanks for all your help!

Deb

 

[nedleycan]

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your excursion question, but I have been to St. John a couple of times (once stayed there for 9 days). You can't go wrong with St. John. It is great. I have heard that you do not get a very long time on the beach if you go on a cruise line excursion. I would go on my own if I were you. Just take the ferry and then hire a driver. It will probably cost you less, and then you get to explore more of this beautiful island.
And don't worry about being left behind and missing the boat. If something happens with the ferry (which it probably never happens) St. John is a 15 minute boat ride away (if that!) and you could pay someone to drive you over using their boat.
The water can be a little choppy, but it isn't too bad. Our ferry ride over one time was a little rough. My friend didn't enjoy it much at all. But I was fine. If your son is really, really sea sick, you may want to reconsider or get some medicine for him. Because the crossing from Florida to the Bahamas can be rough too... you better be prepared.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

Take a cab from the ship to Red Hook. Then take the $3.00 per person fairy over to St. John's - Then pick up a cab driver to Trunk Bay. There is a fee for Trunk Bay too - I think $4.00 pp there. We did this on our own with 12 people. The cabby in St. Thomas radioed over to a Cabby in St. John's he was waiting for us when we got off the fairy. We set up a time with him to pick us back up and take us back to the Fairy. It was great and we spent most of the day there. We saw when Disney Excursion came and went from Trunk Bay. The only thing, you have to pay for Snorkel stuff with the excursion it is included, but they were only there about 1 hr. at the snorkel/beach area of Trunk Bay. The ferry was not rough at all, but I would have whomever take seasick pills daily anyway being on a cruise. I get sick easy and I took one Bonine daily and was fine all week and I have now been on 4 cruises. Trunk Bay is the most beautiful place you will ever see, guaranteed.

 

[dairyou]

Thanks Nedleycan for opening our eyes! I think I just needed reassurance we wont be stuck on the island... though that might be a thought

Thank you Ralph and Roberta for the specific directions. I will call DCL now and cancell our reservation. We would like to stay on the island as much as possible and it sounds like this is the way to go!

Deb

 

[goodfaerie]

We went on this excursion in 2000 and it was one of the BEST things I've ever done. The sail and snorkel is primarily about snorkeling, though. I don't know that very many people spent too much time on the beach from our tour.

However, that being said, the boat crew were very friendly and helpful, and the snorkeling was some of the best either of us had ever experienced. Many beautiful fish and enormous brain corals--it was gorgeous. Then there was "unlimited rum punch" after the snorkeling on the way back. The punch starts out being mediocre, and then, suddenly and quite miraculously, it becomes the BEST punch you've ever had!!!!

If you want a really nice snorkeling trip, I rec. that one. Don't forget to tip the crew!

Have a wonderful time!

Goodfaerie

 

[TootyJane]

I have to second Goodfaerie's comments. This was one of the best excursions we've done. We did the early excursion. I think it left at 8:30am. Our boys were 14, 11 and 7. It takes about an hour+ to and from Trunk Bay. The crew will give you information about the islands. You get about 1-1/2 hours of snorkeling time at Trunk Bay. I read posts where people thought that this wasn't enough time to snorkel but we found that it was just right. All that fresh air and snorkeling did many people in especially after indulging in the rum punch and many kids fell asleep on the way back. Don't sit at the front of the boat if you don't want choppy or want to get splashed; otherwise it's a nice ride over and back. Don't forget to bring some money. They sell snacks and drinks aboard. The crew will also take digital pictures of you on the boat as well as snorkeling which you can purchase and they will email them to you. I did not bring enough money but really wanted the pictures so I got their snail mail addy and when I got home I mailed them a check. About two weeks later they emailed me my pictures. Crew is very tip and definitely deserve a tip!!

Lisa