blue_water

While staying near the Baha Mar and waiting for a bus to go into town, a group from a cruise ship got off a bus that picked them up in town (the main bus stop is at Frederick and Bay Sts). They looked confused, and it turned out they were looking for public beach access on Cable Beach. Cable Beach is now lined with hotels, condos, and of course the mega-resort, Baha Mar. The closest public beach access we saw during our two-week stay was on the other side of Sandals, a 15 minute walk from where they were dropped, but there are no lounges or facilities for non-guests. There was public access next to the Melia (the old Sheraton), but that area is closed, and the beach is virtually non-existent there. I suggested they take our bus back toward town and get dropped at Goodman’s Bay. But they walked the other way and I hope they found a spot. But just posting this for others considering getting dropped along Cable Beach. Others may be able to share public access points we aren’t aware of as well.

When you get out of the port area take a right (going toward the straw market and Senior Frog’s) and walk 2 blocks or so to Frederick St. You will see buses lined up at main bus stop on the corner of Bay St. Just look for a #10 jitney, board and tell the driver Goodman’s Bay. They usually remember, and will probably be dropping others there. But it is normal to say “bus stop please” when you get close. The fare is $1.25 (USD or Bahamian, exact change), you hand it to the driver as you get off. Just flag a bus for your return, buses will stop if they have space…

No need to apologize, your opinion is just as valid as any other! I understand now what you meant by “feared for my life”. It’s funny that I associated that with some reports on Coki beach! But it makes more sense knowing you were not speaking about fearing for your life at Sapphire, thank you for clarifying 🙏 We are biased toward Sapphire, as we stay there when we are vacationing on STT and consider it one of the nicest beaches we’ve enjoyed throughout the Carib. But more facilities have been added since your last visit, and that means more day visitors… Thanks again for clarifying!

Ok…Your description of Sapphire was very confusing to me as it sounded more like Coki - “feared for my life ( chairs, how crowded it was, service, facilities, etc... )“. That is a common description of Coki from many first-timers who did little research before going there… Sapphire, on the other hand, is home to 3 condo properties with security, space to find a spot, and quite the opposite of “ordinary”. Magens is also beautiful, but just lacks the character, water colors and island views (and the snorkeling opportunity) that Sapphire offers. Magens and Sapphire can be crowded, but Magens gets the biggest crowds, and the food leaves a lot to be desired… Just our opinion of course…So you were there a few years ago, pre-pandemic I guess? Perhaps with the new restaurant, pizza place (and the beach bar with music if that was not there for your last visit) you will enjoy it more. But STT does offer different beach experiences, which is great!

Beaches, daysails, island tours and hiking are the main activities so a rainy day is no fun. And it could rain any day regardless of the forecast, but your week looks excellent.

When are you there? The current 10-day forecast shows zero precipitation, which is very, very rare! Any forecast beyond that is not at all reliable…

The clothes are expensive but they have some nice stuff. You can buy the Pusser’s rum (and the Soggy $$ rum) online too if you want more at home…

Yes VPN is a way of life anywhere… As mentioned above, Aristocat, Kuralu, and Joe at Patouche offer alternative itineraries (shared, or private if your group is large enough, or you have enough $$) between the East snorkeling and the West beach time on Jost. Often the first group to book chooses the itinerary… They sometimes have smaller boats for excursions to VG or Jost. It’s all about booking early… And there are private options including Capt Malcolm at Sunshine - https://sunshinepowerboats.com/ And someone else recommended Capt Phil at Antilles - https://antillespowerboats.com/

We’ve cruised to Nassau a few times in years past, and the beaches are beautiful and the people wonderful. But after 2 or 3 times here it gets old, and for many return cruisers staying on the ship becomes the best choice. Having said that, we are spending a couple weeks here and we decided to take the “Rum, Reggae, and Rhythms Tour” with friends this week. You can find the itinerary (Graycliff cigar “factory”, chocolate shop, wine shop, and John Watling’s rum factory) and reviews on CC’s sister site TripAdvisor. You book through TA/Viator, and the tour is provided by BahTours for $65 USD/pp. Fun, low-key day if you want something like that with rum punch on the bus, and Swiper and Dora are great hosts. Is it worth the price? We didn’t regret taking the tour, although we had expected rum samples at Watling’s which were not provided, and the Marley Hotel (house) was closed for renovations and we did not see that. They were disappointments…But for someone new to Nassau or wanting to see these places this tour is a decent option…

By “private” you mean “independent and private” I assume? Check on the independent, shared excursions to Pearl Island or Rose Island. The Exuma options are typically too far or just too expensive for most day visitors to Nassau, but not impossible. The Sandy Toes excursion is very popular - https://www.sandytoesbahamas.com/swimming-pigs/ We look for independent excursion operators when possible, and when it makes sense, as here, STT, Tortola and other ports…But your comfort level, and time in port, should drive your decision of course…

We’ve cruised to Nassau in years past, and we now look for cruises that may include a “private” island but not Nassau. Having said that, we are spending a couple weeks here and we took the “Rum, Reggae, and Rhythms Tour” this week. You can find the itinerary (Graycliff cigar “factory”, chocolate shop, wine shop, and John Watling’s rum factory) and reviews on CC’s sister site TripAdvisor. You book through TA/Viator, and the tour is provided by BahTours for $65 USD/pp. Fun, low-key day if you want something like that..

The construction will definitely be ongoing for some time…Along with the street and walk update, they are adding a new stage and cover, new “mini” straw market, and a restaurant/bar on the point which may open next week…

That sounds good but you will want to do more research…

That is an early start and an active day! Thanks for your great feedback to everyone - very helpful indeed! ❤️

Aah, so you do NOT have time for STJ…I thought you had time from your other post…

Gorgeous beach, so much nicer than Magens IMHO. Also much more there today (restaurant, pizza place, car rental delivery). And anyone could rent lounges and use the facilities. Not sure why Sebas was putting Sapphire down, I’m wondering if he/she was confusing Sapphire with Coki?🤷🏼 We’ve not stayed there in a few years so cannot give you current feedback on how crowded it is today. Taxi fare from Havensight is now $15/pp. But if no new replies here pose your question on CC’s sister site TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g147404-i172-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

I would also look for recs on the STT/STJ Facebook forums. Just bound to be more reports from frequent based divers who use the dive outfits. Came across a “favorite” dive list on one of the Facebook STJ forums - My favorite Dive Sites on St John. French Cap Pinnacle Congo Cay Atlantic Side Tectite Outside Lameshur Bay Ledges of Little St James Stragglers Rocks

If you have 10 hrs in port, for example, you could work with a taxi driver on VG and visit Savannah Bay for beach time, Mad Dog’s for the view and a drink, or another spot while the biggest crowd from the ship is at the Baths. It can be too congested when there are many there…If you have a shorter port time you’re going to be in that crowd… So just mentioning that in case you can make a nicer day out if it…

Heights aren’t really a concern, I’m also not good with ladders or steps, and there you will have others helping if needed… A swim-in from the boat is also not part of the experience unless you book an excursion that takes you directly to the Baths. The cruise ship excursions typically include a ferry to the Virgin Gorda marina, then a shared taxi to the Top of the Baths, where you walk the path down to the beach and the boulders… The water shoes are a great idea, as is the back pack! If you have time after the Baths, stop by the Baths & Turtle in Spanishtown near the ferry terminal for a bite. Or if you have more time have a driver take you to gorgeous Savannah Bay. Fares are cheap, and drivers will work with you on pick-ups. Or if you want to get back to Road Town first, ferry back to Tortola and stop by Pusser’s Road Town Pub for a bite and check out their clothing shop! Close to the cruise dock… Enjoy!

Pose this question on the STT and STJ forums on TripAdvisor, you’ll get more responses there…

We learned that the posted fares mean little to the drivers, even with the taxi “coordinator” at the airport. So don’t be afraid to ask another driver if the fare seems high. Can’t help with the fares, sorry!

No, you’d want either CGB or Long Bay, Beef Island for those amenities and for your larger group.

Checking quickly I do see excursion options from Nassau to Exuma for cruise ship passengers. One includes a 30 min flight each way and 4 hours in a boat. The excursions to Pearl Island are just 4 and 5 hour excursions so those are definitely doable for day visitors in port for 8 hours just wanting the experience.

Yes there are several excursions departing from Nassau to Exuma, I haven’t checked to see if any cater to day visitors…

You can swim with the pigs on either Pearl Island or Rose Island. Pigs are pigs, IMHO, no need to meet the pigs on Exuma…lol For Atlantis, 5 or 6 years ago we enjoyed a tour of the Dig and enjoyed the casino and lunch through the cruise line excursion.. We were also able to walk around the property, not sure if that is still an option… some excursions and reviews (some are not geared for day visitors) - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147416-Activities-c42-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html