Trunk Bay or Eco-Hike

[Betsypup]

I just did a search of these Port Adventures for our upcoming Eastern Caribbean Cruise and made myself more confused--seems to be the way with me. Family of 5--three active boys (16, 12 and 9). The eco-hike in St. John's seems perfect BUT I have a husband who prefers beaches to over-activity. Looks like the hike gives you a taste of Honeymoon Beach but I'm feeling like Trunk Bay (touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the World) might be something we shouldn't miss--and I guess the boys could snorkel. Also note that my husband will definitely want to avoid huge crowds. Not even sure that this is possible.

Thanks!

 

[carolynsanta]

Hello,
I have been to St. John twice on a Disney cruise. The first was about 11 years ago and we did the Eco Hike. I absolutely loved it. The hike was not intense and we ended up at the most beautiful private beach. To this day, it is still my most favorite place. No one else was on that beach. Just our small group.
The second time, was about 5 years ago and we tried the St. John Catamaran & Snorkel. We also ended up at a private beach and the Catamaran was so enjoyable. I do not care for snorkeling, so I have to say my favorite was the hike.
I think it just depends on what you like more. We are cruising again in a few weeks and I chose the Eco Hike again.

You really can't go wrong with St. John. It's spectacular.

Hope that helps!!

 

[Quellman]

We did the eco hike on St John's as well, though it has been a good number of years now. The trail is paved, and the guide is supposed to tell you about the plants, wildlife, etc. Our guide was really good and told us about what plants you could use to suture yourself up, healing properties, edible etc. Then we spent some time at the beach area, but there were snorkel boats out there as well. There wasn't a place to change so you had to wear what you wanted to. Then it was a small walk through the resort type area and some ruins before taking the bus back to the dock. It was fun and enjoyable. Though I don't think the 'hike' could hold a candle to well cultivated snorkel areas. But you know your family best.

 

[mom4fun]

Hello,
I have been to St. John twice on a Disney cruise. The first was about 11 years ago and we did the Eco Hike. I absolutely loved it. The hike was not intense and we ended up at the most beautiful private beach. To this day, it is still my most favorite place. No one else was on that beach. Just our small group.
The second time, was about 5 years ago and we tried the St. John Catamaran & Snorkel. We also ended up at a private beach and the Catamaran was so enjoyable. I do not care for snorkeling, so I have to say my favorite was the hike.
I think it just depends on what you like more. We are cruising again in a few weeks and I chose the Eco Hike again.

You really can't go wrong with St. John. It's spectacular.

Hope that helps!!

These are the 2 I'm considering. We don't want to snorkel either. I do love a ride on a catamaran but the idea of some activity does sound nice too with a hike. The only negative I read about the hike was that it can get very hot and some people wish they would have just done a beach. Since you have done these before, do you remember if there were any float or kayak rentals on the beach? Which do you think would be best for us?

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We did the Eco Hike several years ago. We liked it. Your time at the beach is not terribly long. But fun. And beautiful! There wasn't any rafts of floats rentals at that time. We did this excursion specifically because my kids were not interested in snorkeling. My son built a sandcastle on the beach and my daughter waded. My husband and I swam. I think my kids were about 10 and 13 or so at the time.

 

[teacher31]

We did the Eco Hike in 2015 and would not do it again. It was not paved like a precious poster said. We were on uneven terrain. One couple dropped out quickly and I can see how others would have difficulty. One major problem on our tour was a young man going extremely slowly, bragging about his school to anyone and everyone. The tour guide kept walking and we were not able to hear a thing. Walk was nice, beach was rained out. I wanted to see the sugar plantation ruins as highlighted in the picture and we walked straight past it and only noticed it after. It's on a resort's property so I don't think we could have looked around like I wanted. Would not do again.