blue_water

Tortola in St John’s?

Have not taken that excursion, just a comment on the transportation… You can arrange the taxi transfer between the ferry and the Top of the Baths with Speedy’s as part of your package (if you want that). But there are drivers at the ferry marina waiting to whisk folks to the Top and to other destinations. And if your family member just isn’t excited about the walk down to the Baths, followed by the journey through the boulders and the hike back up, he/she can stay at the Top of the Baths if so desired. Another option is he/she could walk down to the beach with you, and when you make your way through the boulders your family member could head back up to the Top. Small pool and shade there…

I would also post that question on the BVI forum on TTOL. That forum is primarily used by land visitors and sailing enthusiasts, but still a great resource, and someone can surely answer there… http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/7/1/british-virgin-islands.html

We’ve been getting both the natural and the “clear” version from the Plaza Playacar store for friends for years. However since that store closed we haven’t seen the clear version at the Five Suns or at the airport, and it isn’t an option when ordering online. I didn’t think to ask why…

Sounds about right for the past 3 years…many things have more than doubled actually…

Cannot help with your question on the excursion, but FWIW I can tell you Tortola is a beautiful island. F you do change your mind and decide to enjoy a beach, although Cane Garden Bay will be the busiest, it does offer all the amenities you and your daughter would want. 😄

Exactly! I was joking of course☺️ We have had a lot of furniture and artwork custom made for our home here, and Five Suns has so much amazing “stuff”!

I would never be able to convince our baker friends here and in the US to change to that. Not just because they love the LCS flavor and how little they have to use, but the Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend is known to be a mix of pure vanilla and vanillan. So it is NOT a pure vanilla extract. But it is a cheaper alternative!

I would contact Captain Malcom at Sunshine Powerboats if you have not already. Also Joe at Patouche. Both offer solo charters… [EDIT] Aah, I see you want something less expensive. Try posting this request on the BVI forum on TTOL - http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/7/1/british-virgin-islands.html There are also sponsors of the forum that may be able to help…

The problem I have is getting my wife out of there without maxing out my credit card! So much nice stuff for our home!!!

Yes just hop one of the shared safari taxis heading to Sapphire, 20 - 25 minutes, price is $15/pp from Havensight…Sapphire is our first choice when on STT…

The main store is in San Miguel, and they always have different sizes available. They also usually have the “clear” version which is preferred for white cake. I don’t see that available on the website. Located at Av Rafael E Melgar & Calle 8, 5.5 km south of the Carnival cruise pier, the “Five Suns” are on the store front. You can order online as well, free shipping to the US I believe - https://loscincosoles.com/product-category/mexicatessen/vanilla

Yes from our perspective, and the perspective of friends living there, it’s like Coz is on the cusp of joining Cancun, Playa, and Tulum (which has seen a sharp rise in cartel activities, again following the $$$$) as cartel hotspots. But if you follow the forum I mentioned it is definitely not THE topic of discussion as in the other areas. So yes, knowledge is power, but understand although the cartels are indeed active, their targets are businesses and politicians and others who oppose them. There are thousands of other day visitors on the island each day who do not have that knowledge…

I think you will be fine in the typical tourist areas. Yes, cartel activity has been more visible on Coz, at least from my following the news from Playa, but that was inevitable since the cartels follow the $$$$, and Coz is a very busy place. As most folks suggest, just use common sense wherever you are traveling. The odds of being involved in a shooting incident are very slim indeed… Public shootings between cartel groups vying for a business, cartel shootings at businesses punishing owners for not falling in line, and mass decapitations have been occurring along the Riviera Maya from Cancun to Tulum, and are just a way of life here. Some will tell you that tourists are not affected because these events are occurring in neighborhoods outside the tourist areas. But that is obviously incorrect - the cartels’ activity is centered in the tourist areas where the $$$$ is. Tourists have had to flee gunfire on beaches and in restaurants and bars, and well-known professional people have been assassinated in public places in broad daylight. But again that is happening primarily in the RM, and thousands of tourists flock here everyday…Just follow the local news outlets here for the current situation, and you may want to follow the TripAdvisor Coz forum for more current feedback from residents and frequent visitors if you are overly concerned…

Our ATT service includes US and her territories (and Mexico & Canada) and you should not have a problem. It’s always best to look at your service details too…

No real help, but last we knew there were “well-used” lounges but not a good supply. If someone can’t give you current feedback you may want to go to CGB or Long Bay, Beef Island to be safe…

Actually cartel activity has been on the rise on Coz. It did seem to be immune to that scurge for a long time, but no longer…The cartels follow the $$$, and Coz is a budy place!

Sure! We’ve stayed at Myett’s and we would recommend that for lunch and they rent lounges and umbrellas, but you will see other options.

Love the Green House! Great drinks and food! We’d also have drinks on the Petite Pump Room Bar deck while waiting for the Tortola ferry and watch the pontoon planes come and go…

I agree with your choice of CGB for a nice beach day. Easy taxi transfers each way via the shared safari taxis, and a beautiful beach home toseveral beach restaurants with chair/umbrella rentals as well as great food for lunch. There are a couple other options, including Brewers Bay and Long Bay, Beef Island. But CGB better fits your needs, and I think the girls would be bored crazy at those beaches. 😉

You can’t have too much time on VG! Just my opinion of course. If you have a long port day, renting a car there makes for a great day!

Last I knew no, just restrooms, but we haven’t been in some time so I’m sure others can answer… Lindqvist Beach (Smith Bay Park) is arguably the nicest beach, at least in my opinion. We might consider stopping at Moe’s Market in Red Hook (or a store near the dock) and grab a porta-cooler, drinks, and nice subs and find a quiet spot to enjoy the beach on our towels! Not sure what time the beach closes though… CW is next to Coki beach…

Yes Sapphire can be quite rough with sea swells from storms, we did experience that once while staying there. Most days we’ve seen it calm… One option for your late arrival may be Secret Harbour, you can inquire at AADivers three to see if they will reserve lounges/umbrellas and a spot to sit…Nice beach with dead calm water. But Sapphire is our beach if choice since we don’t snorkel much and we just want the nice beach and views… And the cruise line’s “Secret Sands” excursion to Smith Bay may be another option for your late arrival… Wherever you find your spot enjoy!

Yes indeed, sounds like you are luckier than most! Magens will still be a very busy beach of course since it is the most recommended by the cruise ship directors, drivers, etc… Are you interested in snorkeling or just relaxing? Hope you don’t mind my suggestion, but I’d consider Sapphire, or even Secret Harbor if you arrive early enough. Both offer decent snorkeling, although Sapphire adds the gorgeous water colors and nice island views for us beach bums too! Enjoy your visit! 😄

Magens Bay would be our last beach choice for a day visit to STT. Mainly because it is just boring to us…it lacks the character some beaches have. For example Doctors Cave Beach in Jamaica and some of the east end beaches of STT like Sapphire Beach and Coki just exude that “character”, or Caribbean feel. But others love Magens too, and it is dead calm with a nice, sandy bottom if that is your main criteria. She is beautiful from Drake’s Seat though!