Chalker Guy

I'm looking for anyone who has experience with this tour company. I've tried searching for it, but the results are too broad to be helpful.

What tour company are you looking for? My only experience (very positive) is with JaiTal.

Where exactly is Doctors Cave located? Is there an admission to get in? How far away is it from port? Thanks so much. :)

$6 admission, $6 for chairs, $6 for umbrellas but there is some shade. We just used our towels to stake out a spot in the sand, and spent our time either in the water or at the bar. We docked at Falmouth, so used JaiTal to get there, they have buses but we booked a private car for 4 for $35 each which included admission to the beach. Snorkeling was OK, saw some nice coral and a few squid but no big stuff.

Yes, it is the Julia Street stop for Carnival and RCCL, the last stop on the Riverside line, a reasonable walk from your hotel if you choose to not take the streetcar.

We were there last weekend, staying at Fairchild House, right across the street from Prytania Park Hotel. Theortically, you could ride streetcars all the way, taking the Riverfront line from the Natches dock to the Canal Street line to the St. Charles line. However, the Riverfront line only runs about every half hour later at night, so might be best to walk Decatur Street to Canal, right on Canal to Bourbon Street, and the St. Charles streetcar stop is just across Canal Street. (Bourbon Street becomes Carondelet on the southwest side of Canal).

There will be plenty of people on the routes you need to take at that time.

Were there last Thursday, weather was warm (I would guess high 70's to low 80's)

Same for the Serenade. Still there.

Yes, but last week one was out of order and the occupants of the other said it did not work very well.

PS, I think the $26 quoted by erinpdx was for bus transportation, which JaiTal also provides. We thought the private tour was worth the little bit extra.

We did this last week with a private vehicle for 4 from JaiTal, cost was $35 pp from Falmouth, and it was GREAT! Pick up was inside the cruise dock enclave. Our driver was Peter, who gave us a great narrative tour on the 30 minute drive to Doctor's Cave beach. $6 admmission to the beach was included, he asked what time to pick us up and was there waiting for us when we were ready to leave. The beach is beautiful with some shade. Snorkeling is good, not great. Some nice coral and small fish, saw a group of squid, but no bigger fish. There is a shop next door that offers boat snorkel trips. Nice bar with food, friendly service.

I second Doctor's Cave. Were there last week. Not a large beach, but some shade available, nice beach, decent snorkeling with some nice coral heads, a bar with friendly food and drink service.

Don't know about Sunset Beach, but we were at Doctor's Cave beach last week and it was GREAT! Used JaiTal tours for a private car and guide from Falmouth port, good price, great service, highly recommended!

Were there the past 3 days, they quoted $18 per person for 30 minutes. Didn't do it, but it looked like fun.

What beach did you go to? we would be interested.

 

Thanks

Not sure, but my guess would be Red Stripe Beach, close enought that it can be reasonably priced, though $20 seems low. It is around $29 now through Royal Caribbean. There is also a public beach a couple of miles away that you could go to by taxi.

I like Corona Beach Club for nice place, quiet, not crowded (at least the 2 times we have been there), and not near as far as Palancar. Oh yes, they have a bar and food.

If you are not interested in swimming or snorkeling, you might look into some bars on the east (wild) side of the island.

My issue with the Olympus TG series cameras is that there is a sliding lens cover, at least in the one I had. That is very susceptible to sand getting in it and gumming things up.

My TG830 does not have a sliding lens cover.

If I remember correctly, standard cab fare to Corona Beach was posted at the taxi stand. If not, ask the driver and agree in advance. When we were done snorkeling, the waiter called a cab for us to return.

Per other posts, SOS left at noon today.

Serenade had an electrical problem last night, aft port side cabins had no power. They are boarding late, with some not able to board, but still plan to sail. We are booked in and aft port side deck 8 cabin sailing next Saturday. If anybody knows or hears any updates, please post.

Red Stripe Beach is just a short distance away, similar beach area, OK for wading but not good snorkeling.

We were there 2 years ago, I loved it, but unfortuneately it is now closed.

Corona Beach Club is another option, less crowded than Money Bar, less boat traffic, good snorkeling, good service, friendly, changing area, a small sandy area with tables, no entrance fee, they will watch your stuff while you snorkel, just buy some food and drinks. Its a short way past Chankaab.

They are aggressive to sell their crafts and get you into their taxi, but seemed friendly enough and I never felt threatened.

I'm a meat & potatoes guy, don't care for those "gourmet" meals with the exotic seasonings and wierd combinations. When I'm in NOLA, I want the local specialties, Creole, fresh seafood, po-boys, and I want to find the places that the locals frequent.

Sure. If the tour includes a snorkeling stop, just stay on the boat and enjoy the sunshine and salt air. It is pretty short.

I have had several "waterproof" cameras, with mixe success. My first Olympus and first Fuji WP cameras both leakes after a couple of uses. I recently got a great deal on a TG830. I am very impressed with it, and unlike all the others I have owned and/or studied, it has double seals on the access doors. Canon D20 is another good choice, either should be available on line for less than $$200.

Go Pro is also a good choice, but has its drawbacks as limited adjustability, poor low light, and difficulty in aiming due to small or no viewfinder.

INTOVA also offers some low-cost digital cameras with underwater housings, under $100. I have one, and have got some great shots and video.

We have done the first 3. Eden Rock is the best, lots of coral, a lot of it deeper, quite a few fish. Not as good as Roatan though. Wreck of the Cali mostly sand bottom, the Cali split open and pieces are scattered over the bottom, you will see some large tarpon but not many other fish. Both of these have dive shops nearby where you can rent snorkel gear. Cheeseburger reef is a small beach, a bit longer walk than we expected with no sidewalks most of the way, no dive shop nearby. We didn't make it to wreck of the Gama.