What was your self guided excursion on the Eastern?

[cumickey]

We are thinking of doing our own thing on the islands so that we can be a bit more flexible with DS who is 3-1/2.

So we'd love to hear any suggestions for St Thomas and St Maarten, and what adventures everyone had doing there own self guided tour. Did you get maps online anyone?

Also, if anyone has any car hire details and prices that would be very handy to know as well. Did you get maps online anyone?, so that you got an idea before the cruise?. And how much actual 'real' time do you have to explore without missing the boat, so to speak!.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[winnyis]

with a 3-1/2 and 6 year old and we did Trunk Bay on St John on our own. We followed Dave from Marietta's directions and it was a piece of cake. Had lots of time there - much more than an excursions and it was alot cheaper.


Ginny

 

[cumickey]

Do you know where I can find Dave from Marietta's directions?, I will try a search meanwhile.

 

[NCRedding]

We did the butterfly excursion farm for St Marten-loved the farm and the shopping stop at Marigot, but hated the "cattle call" feel of the excursion. On St Thomas, we took a taxi over ($7 per person) to Coki Beach and did Coral World. Coki is beautiful, fairly small, with gorgeous scenery. We rented a chair to use on the beach. Very easy to do--Coral World was really interesting, and gave us wristbands so we could come and go as needed. Their bathrooms are nice, with fresh water showers. The restrooms at Coki were nasty the day we were there.

 

[winnyis]

To get to trunk bay - we got in a taxi (actually it was a van) as soon as we got off the ship and went to the Red Hook Ferry. We got on the 9AM ferry to St John. When we got off in St John there are tons of taxi's - just tell them where you want to go and they will direct you to a taxi. We were on the beach by 10AM. We left trunk bay about 1:30 - went back to the ferry and caught the 2PM ferry back to St. Thomas and then took a taxi back to the pier. It was very easy and well worth it. MY DH said it was his favorite part of the cruise

Ginny

 

[trishy]

We rented a boat out of RedHook and went to St. John's on our own. It was the best time of the trip. The boat rental guy gave us a map with instructions how to find the best snorkeling spots. We have 3 young kids so it was nice to have the freedom of doing it on our own. We saw huge starfish, turtles, rays, tons of beautiful fish (huge ones!). The highlight was when my 5 yr. old looked over the side of the boat and saw a shark about 1 1/2 ft. and asked if that shark would eat her. I was already in the water with my 8 yr. old. My dh told her, "Oh no, that's just a sand shark; it eats sand." So she just jumped in and swam to me like 'no big deal'. We ended up feeding those guys the lettuce from our sandwiches from the boat. Got great video and pictures of them. Though, they probably got sick from the lettuce later on! Anyway, I know we wouldn't have had that experience on a DCL excursion. There was no "hustle and bustle" - just a relaxing time.

 

[prymsu]

check out www.dcltribute.com

you will find a wealth of info on just about everything...

 

[iluvorlando]

We did an excursion in St. Maarten. In St Thomas, we did Coki Beach coral world. Very nice. I would definately do it again. The driver did stop at Sapphire Beach on the way and that was beautiful too. We too followed Dave of Marietta's advice. Very easy.

 

["Ginger"]

We always do excusions on our own. I get on the internet and books from the library to search for as much info as possible before we go away.

We went to Anguilla from St. Martin. Got a cab from St. Maarten to St. Martin, tell your cabbie you want to go the the ferry that will take you to Anguilla. You will need you photo I.D. Birth Cert. or passport. Beautiful beaches and they have a dolphin swim there. We have done a few beaches on St. Maarten.
We did Coral World and Coki beach in St. Thomas also the Tram and shopping on both islands.
If you need more info on Anguilla contact me by PM or email.

 

[cumickey]

Thanks everyone for your great ideas!, appreciate it!

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

We rented a car in St. Thomas and went to Megan's Bay for a while, then took a car ferry to St. John and did Trunk Bay for a while longer. Car costed ABOUT $40 ( there were 6 of us, plus a baby) and ferry costed $27 ROUND trip. We researched where we wanted to go before hand, and got a map at Avis for free when we rented the car. It was EASY and NOT scary like alot of people have experienced. We aren't afraid to try new things or go unfamiliar places. So, if you are the same, have fun. If you are likely to be scared on your own, get a cab...

 

[rytayntigger2]

GINGER....I would like some more info about your trip to Anguilla....how long did it take....how much time were u able to spend there.....any suggestions or advice on beaches, shopping, etc...thanks gary