Turtle Cove/Honeymoon Beach St. Thomas excursion?

[frazzlemommy]

Has anyone done this excursion? We have it booked. I don't see it in the reviews on the FAQ's; maybe it's a newer excursion. Wondering if anyone can tell me give me a review. We thought about doing the Doubloon because we want to snorkel and loved the idea of going on a schooner, but this one lasts longer (all day) and takes you to a couple of different beaches. It does say you will ride on a "sailing schooner or a sleek catamaran," so we're still hoping for a schooner. Thanks in advance for any reviews! If not, I can review it when we get back if anyone is interested. We sail away in just over a week!

 

[tggrrstarr]

Bumping.

Anyone do this?

 

[thegales]

We did this excursion in December 2010. Due to the large number of DCL folks booking the excursion, there were four different boats. I don't recall the first two boats, but the second two were the schooners. We were on the last boat.

Once at the dock, we sat for maybe 20-30 minutes as the other boats loaded. We were a little concerned that we were not going to have the same amount of time on the excursion as the others, but the assured us we would.

Once we left the dock, and were approaching the turtle snorkel area, our guides made a recommendation, then got everyone's permission. He noted due to the large number of boats in the turtle snorkel area, that it would not be as good. So we went to a different snorkel area for about 30 minutes. One of our guides was in the water, and gave a tour. He dove and brought up some things from the bottom. This is not something that they say they do, but it was a great bonus. After about thirty minutes, we got back in the boat, and went to the turtle snorkel area. All the other boats were gone, and we had the area to ourselves. It was fascinating how close these huge turtles would swim up to you. I was tempted to grab his shell and swim with him for a bit, but common sense prevailed. Again, one of the guys got in the water, and gave a tour of the different things to look at. Stayed about 30 minutes again. I think the official tour was 45 minutes of snorkeling, so I think we got a little bonus time.

Once we were back in the boat, adult and kid friendly beverages were served and we headed to the beach. The beach is on its own island, so not a lot of non excursion people there. Food was provided, but nothing special. The crew got a game of volleyball going, and made sure anyone who wanted to participate did.

Since we were the last boat to arrive at the beach, we were also the last to leave. Our guy also gave a lesson on how to open a coconut with no tools.

Side note: as we arrived at the beach and were getting settled, our guide noticed a man who had been asleep on the beach for a bit and was getting red. He politely woke him up and recommended he get to the shade and / or put on some more sunscreen. Don't know if the sleeping guy was part of a DCL excursion or another ship's, or even a local guy. But it was refreshing to see the guide take an interest in someone else's comfort / safety.

As we headed back to the Magic, we noted that we would be getting to the dock a few minutes after the Magic was supposed to leave. They called ahead, and there were no problems. Once at the dock, we proceeded to the Magic, where they closed the doors behind us, and off we went. Nothing like being on a DCL excursion to give you the comfort factor.

The crew was highly entertaining, and made sure all the guests had a good time. One was trying to learn everyone's name as we headed to the first snorkel area. He did okay, but then resorted to nicknames he made up for us as the day progressed. Those who wanted one, got a temporary tattoo with the logo of the schooner.

I would highly recommend the excursion. Because of our 'Magical Moments' (the extra snorkel stop, the snorkel guide in the water, new friends we met on the excursion), I am not sure if we would do the same excursion again, just because this trip was so good. I don't think a second time could be as good.

 

[carpenta]

The Dubloon is the sister ship of the Bones. They are turn of the century masted schooners and do sail, although it does have a motor which is used when there is no wind. There also is on bath on board. This IMHO is THE BEST excursion. Plenty of rum punch for the adults while kids partake in a no alchoholic Pain medicine. The crew is "Disney" friendly and was wonderful with the kids. Great music with even a better beach BBQ. The captain we had was/is an experienced ssea captain that sails private sail yachts from the Caribbean to Europe and back in the off season. Quite interesting.It seems like a long day but goes by like a flash. They provide verything but the smiles. We had the same experience as TheGales and would recommend it in a second. Hopefully you will look back and have great memories as we do today. Hope you have a wonderful cruise. Don't forget to get your pirate tatoos. (only temp.)

 

[Fºoºz]

We did this excursion in December 2010. Due to the large number of DCL folks booking the excursion, there were four different boats. I don't recall the first two boats, but the second two were the schooners. We were on the last boat.

Once at the dock, we sat for maybe 20-30 minutes as the other boats loaded. We were a little concerned that we were not going to have the same amount of time on the excursion as the others, but the assured us we would.

Once we left the dock, and were approaching the turtle snorkel area, our guides made a recommendation, then got everyone's permission. He noted due to the large number of boats in the turtle snorkel area, that it would not be as good. So we went to a different snorkel area for about 30 minutes. One of our guides was in the water, and gave a tour. He dove and brought up some things from the bottom. This is not something that they say they do, but it was a great bonus. After about thirty minutes, we got back in the boat, and went to the turtle snorkel area. All the other boats were gone, and we had the area to ourselves. It was fascinating how close these huge turtles would swim up to you. I was tempted to grab his shell and swim with him for a bit, but common sense prevailed. Again, one of the guys got in the water, and gave a tour of the different things to look at. Stayed about 30 minutes again. I think the official tour was 45 minutes of snorkeling, so I think we got a little bonus time.

Once we were back in the boat, adult and kid friendly beverages were served and we headed to the beach. The beach is on its own island, so not a lot of non excursion people there. Food was provided, but nothing special. The crew got a game of volleyball going, and made sure anyone who wanted to participate did.

Since we were the last boat to arrive at the beach, we were also the last to leave. Our guy also gave a lesson on how to open a coconut with no tools.

Side note: as we arrived at the beach and were getting settled, our guide noticed a man who had been asleep on the beach for a bit and was getting red. He politely woke him up and recommended he get to the shade and / or put on some more sunscreen. Don't know if the sleeping guy was part of a DCL excursion or another ship's, or even a local guy. But it was refreshing to see the guide take an interest in someone else's comfort / safety.

As we headed back to the Magic, we noted that we would be getting to the dock a few minutes after the Magic was supposed to leave. They called ahead, and there were no problems. Once at the dock, we proceeded to the Magic, where they closed the doors behind us, and off we went. Nothing like being on a DCL excursion to give you the comfort factor.

The crew was highly entertaining, and made sure all the guests had a good time. One was trying to learn everyone's name as we headed to the first snorkel area. He did okay, but then resorted to nicknames he made up for us as the day progressed. Those who wanted one, got a temporary tattoo with the logo of the schooner.

I would highly recommend the excursion. Because of our 'Magical Moments' (the extra snorkel stop, the snorkel guide in the water, new friends we met on the excursion), I am not sure if we would do the same excursion again, just because this trip was so good. I don't think a second time could be as good.

Enjoyed reading your post ...

 

[Debs Hill]

Thanks so much for posting, this was an excursion we were considering too! Would love to see some photos if you have any?? How long do you have on the beach?
Debsx

 

[Beth D]

Thanks for the review!

We are doing this on our Eastern cruise next week with my DH, DS who is 6 (turning 7 on our cruise) and Grandma. We chose it because we really wanted to snorkel on our cruise, and so many other excursions had age limits of 8 and up for my son. He is a strong swimmer for 6 and has had many swim lessons at the local YMCA so he is also looking forward to it!

I am so happy to see someone with a positive review of something we are doing, as I've not seen anything anywhere else about this excursion.

I'll try and post an update as well to this thread when we get back, but I can't guarantee any pics!

 

[MoranClan]

Thank You.

We are thinking about this one as well.

 

[carpenta]

Thanks for the review!

We are doing this on our Eastern cruise next week with my DH, DS who is 6 (turning 7 on our cruise) and Grandma. We chose it because we really wanted to snorkel on our cruise, and so many other excursions had age limits of 8 and up for my son. He is a strong swimmer for 6 and has had many swim lessons at the local YMCA so he is also looking forward to it!

I am so happy to see someone with a positive review of something we are doing, as I've not seen anything anywhere else about this excursion.

I'll try and post an update as well to this thread when we get back, but I can't guarantee any pics!

They provide inflateable vests and noodles and also kids size snorkles and masks (at least when we did it). My daughter is on the petite size so it was great. When she was snorkling the sea turtles were quite interested in her maybe for her small stature for they kept swimming close to check her out. She was thrilled. They use to take pictures on the ship and you could view and purchase the pictures on line after you returned home. I don't know if they still do that. They do sell great T shirts and embroided hats on board so bring some extra $$ if you want them. Can't say enough good things BUT I hope you have a wonderful experience.

 

[carpenta]

Thanks so much for posting, this was an excursion we were considering too! Would love to see some photos if you have any?? How long do you have on the beach?
Debsx

We had a couple hours on the beach (REALLY NICE BEACH) where we had the BBQ and played in the sand and swam. It is last and then we swam back out to the boat, I just floated out on a couple noodles, and sailed back to the pier in the late afternoon. Don't forget to buy one of those underwater disposable cameras to take pictures of the turtles. We have some pretty nice pictures that my daughter took and it gave her even a bigger thrill.

 

[MoranClan]

Just had a family meeting, we are going to do this. Can anyone post any photos please?

Thanks again, now we can't wait.

 

[Debs Hill]

sounds really wonderful.........glad to know they have noodles for the snorkelling!
Are the drinks on board complimentary or extra? How is the food at the BBQ?
Photos would be lovely!!! Will it be warm enough to snorkel in December ?
Debsx

 

[carpenta]

sounds really wonderful.........glad to know they have noodles for the snorkelling!
Are the drinks on board complimentary or extra? How is the food at the BBQ?
Photos would be lovely!!! Will it be warm enough to snorkel in December ?
Debsx

The drinks are FREE!!!! both soft and rum punch(painkillers) ,well included in your fare, The seas were about 70 degrees when we went between Christmas and New Years. The food was really good and they had plenty to eat. The food was awaiting us on the beach when we were on this trip by some others that were not on board.

 

[Beth D]

Thanks for all the tips! We are definitely bringing some underwater cameras with us. I have 2 packed already!

DS is not shy at all, and would LOVE the turtles coming up close! Keep your fingers crossed!

I do have one more question though. While you are snorkeling, where is all your other "stuff"? Like your bag with your sunblock, towels, cash, etc..?

Are there lockers or a secure area? DH and I snorkeled many years ago at Xcaret in Mexico, and they give each person this giant duffel bag, and a padlock. The padlock loop is extra long, and went through the top of the bag to securely lock it. We kept the key on our wrist, and when we got to the end of the river, our bag was waiting for us still locked?

Also, do we need to bring extra towels from the ship, or do they provide!

Thanks all for your helpful advise!

 

[collectoraholic]

Thanks for the 411! We're booked on this excursion for our upcoming Spring Break cruise. Good to know it sounds like a fun one for all involved.

 

[carpenta]

Thanks for all the tips! We are definitely bringing some underwater cameras with us. I have 2 packed already!

DS is not shy at all, and would LOVE the turtles coming up close! Keep your fingers crossed!

I do have one more question though. While you are snorkeling, where is all your other "stuff"? Like your bag with your sunblock, towels, cash, etc..?

Are there lockers or a secure area? DH and I snorkeled many years ago at Xcaret in Mexico, and they give each person this giant duffel bag, and a padlock. The padlock loop is extra long, and went through the top of the bag to securely lock it. We kept the key on our wrist, and when we got to the end of the river, our bag was waiting for us still locked?

Also, do we need to bring extra towels from the ship, or do they provide!

Thanks all for your helpful advise!

We just left all of our things in a bag we brought with us from the ship while we snorkled. Never felt anything but secure for we snorkled right near the ship while at anchor. The bags just sat on the deck also when we were on the beach. Nobody had anything disturbed and looking back it never occured to me to do anything else. I don't think you can do anything with the ship card outside the ship and the money wouldn't be worth it IMHO. The crew really was fun and out to make it your best excursion so I would never suspect any mischief. You should bring towels and we did.Disney usually provides you with towels for the beach or at least for Castaway Cay on the Dream. It is good to have a beach towel for my daughter laid out on the bow of the ship on our way back to the pier.

 

[Debs Hill]

bump!

 

[DreamBound23]

Darn...so bummed! Just checked this excursion and it's for children 5 and over. My daughter will be 4 1/2

 

[Beth D]

Wow, what a memorable day!

We tendered in St. Thomas, and when we got off the tender, the Disney excursion guide pointed us just down the sidewalk. The captains were waiting there, and divided us onto the Bones or Silent Lady pirate ships. (No catamarans this day).

We met Captain Dave, Deckhand Gabe, and snorkel guide Christy aboard the Silent Lady! All were super friendly! We set sail about 8:30/9 for Turtle Cove (AKA Christmas Cove) straight out. The sail was about 45 minutes, and had a lot of motion. During this time they gave out snorkel gear, fins, and instructions.

Once there we anchored with all the other boats (about 6 others) and jumped in. The water was about 20 feet deep, but didn't seem that deep due to the clear water! We saw several turtles, conch, and over to the coral reef for some fish. We spent about 60 minutes total in the water. The turtles were not as active as some others have mentioned, but could be due to the large number of boats and people there that day.

Once back on board they broke out the rum punch, chips and salsa for snacking on the ride to Honeymoon Beach. This took about another 45 minutes sail to the area. Enough time for everyone to get tattoo'd by Christy with the "Bones" logo or another temp tattoo! Even my 65 year old mother got one! The kids also got eye patches and sodas for the ride over.

Honeymoon Beach was fantastic! We anchored offshore and could either swim or tender in. The beach was perfect - nobody selling you anything! The lunch was simple but good! The kids menu hit the spot with picky DS. If you want more, bring some $$ as there was a snack truck selling other items (like ice cream treats and chocolate bars!). We spent about 2 hours here just relaxing in the crystal blue water!

Near the end the crew showed us how to survive off of coconuts, and we got to se how to properly crack one to make a cup, and sample the milk!

After that we swam back to the ship for more fun going back. Deckhand Gabe modeled the tee shirts and hats!

We got back to the dock at 3:30, just in time to catch the last tender to the Magic!

Overall - the crew was fantastic and made the trip so much fun! My mom got a bit seasick from forgetting her motion patch, and swallowing some saltwater. Gabe just handed her the bucket and rinsed it out! No big deal!

Snorkeling - DS just turned 7 and is a strong swimmer, but was a bit freaked by the depth of the water. He wanted to be able to touch. We didn't like the fins, as are used to swimming in a lake with out assistance. Next time I would probably not use. It was a bit tough to get some room to just float, as so many others and boats were there at the same time.

They have a facebook page, but I can't remember what it's under, and post pics of the day on there as well.

This is definitely a 2 thumbs up tour!

 

[carpenta]

Boy, I'm so glad you had a great time. Sometimes you worry that just because your excursion was GREAT that may not be the same for everyone. We just returned from the Freedom of the Seas and our excursion on St. Martin was snorkling and all I could think is how lame this was compared to "The Bones" on St. Thomas. That is the only down side of the "Bones" is how so many don't measure up to the "Bones" and Honeymoon Beach.