blue_water

We’ve always had a nice, sandy area between the seagrass and rocky areas when staying at SBRM. But water shoes are a good idea for most beaches, as the sand shifts, especially when the current is strong. We see that along the Mexican Riviera Maya and other areas as well… Most day visitors tend to hang at the sandier, swimming area of the bay by the bar/restaurant. As mentioned there are seagrape trees providing shade in front of the rocky/reef area. That is not far from the bar area and there was drink service was offered there unless that changed. Condo owners/renters also lounge there but their lounges are a different color. So the wait staff should know you are day visitors… The gorgeous water colors of Sapphire are created by the rocky and seagrass areas, and the and the island views just add to the beauty…

Yes, if you decide to go to the Baths, either on your own or on a ship excursion, you take a 30 minute ferry to the Spanishtown marina on Virgin Gorda. There are taxis waiting to take folks to the Top of the Baths, you walk a trail from there down to the beach and the Baths. Last time we stayed on Tortola we ferried over and negotiated with one of the drivers to drop us at a couple different spots and return for us. He had a 4 or 5 passenger taxi and was happy to work with us. There was a cruise ship in port so we went to a couple other spots until the Baths cleared out a bit. It gets very congested when the ship tours are there…

It looks like your ship is the only one scheduled for Road Town on the 12th. There may be other ships at Soper’s Hole, Virgin Gorda, or Jost so just something to consider when planning a land excursion…

Nice longer day in port, many who cruise on NCL have a very limited time here… I often recommend the Baths to folks who have at least 10 hours in port, simply because that can give you enough time to avoid the larger groups going from your ship. If you go on your own you can hook up with a taxi driver at the marina and have him/her help you coordinate stops at Savannah Bay, the Top of the Baths, and a lunch spot. You can also rent a car, but taxi fares are reasonable in the Valley and that would be a better choice for a short day visit. Jost is mainly a beach/beach bar day, so you could taxi/ferry there on your own, and still have some time to see Tortola. Tortola is a beautiful island, with magnificent island views from the mountaintop, gorgeous beaches, and wonderful people. Many miss the beauty of Tortola because they head straight to the Baths or to White Bay and the Soggy $ Bar. Another option is an independent catamaran daysail, private or shared. Most charters (Aristocat, Kuralu, Patouche for example) offer excursions to Jost and Sandy Spit, or to the east with snorkeling at Norman Island Caves and a stop at the Bight, Cooper island, or Peter Island. Anything sound like you?

Your time and date in port can make a big difference on recommendations…

Magens is the most touted by cruise directors. Beautiful and calm, but just not our choice because it is so busy. Sapphire is our first choice always. Just a more relaxed vibe, the amenities you want, etc. But the big difference between Sapphire and Magens is the gorgeous island views…and the reef and seagrass areas combine to create the beautiful varying sapphire water colors… Sapphire can be rough but we’ve also seen it calm as glass…there is a sandy wading area between the sea grass and reef areas but that is where most day visitors hang. You can easily get a nice shaded spot away from the restaurant at Sapphire and still have the amenities - not so at Magens. All beaches are dependent on the weather, but Magens is more protected. But that is the reason we find Magens less interesting… Sapphire is a bit further from Crown, so you may want to choose Magens or even Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach).

Many will have the same idea so it’s just a matter of luck, really. When we last cruised to STT I surprised my wife with a vow renewal at the gazebo, along with 6 friends traveling with us. Needless to say we enjoyed the bar and music after, (and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the surfboard shots!)… But my point is we were dropped at PP after a private island tour, and we just took the tram down. Not sure if that is still an option, but if so you could just taxi to the top and tram down…

I know some cruise lines sell refundable tickets (at the excursions desk) at a slightly lower price, but you still need to stand in line for the tram.

We’ve only taken out the New Horizons out of Sapphire Marina which is a 65’+ sloop (monohull). Moored off Honeymoon Beach, STJ for snorkeling and a fabulous Italian lunch, then off Great St James. nuce day, departs at 10 and returns at 4… Try researching day charters at the VINow site for cat sails…aAnd the TripAdvisor STT forum is another good source.

Thank you… LB Beef was one of the last remaining beaches where one could actually be alone with ships in port…😔

Gaining knowledge is part of the experience! 😉

Not really any resort day pass options with a pool…You can stop by Bolongo Bay and hang at Iggie’s and maybe use the pool there…Otherwise you will find in other threads there are some great beach options with the other amenities…

Yes, if on a cruise stop and looking for a beautiful beach with amenities, we would also head to Sapphire or another STT beach to save that 1.5 - 2 hrs of travel time. STJ is a nice day, and too many day visitors never experience the beauty of STT because they make a bee line to STJ. But helensobol you have choices, and with the DIY option you can decide the day you arrive!

I know from reading reports from others that drivers offer that option either going to or returning from Sapphire for a little more $. We’d choose to have more time at Sapphire with just a stop at the overlook on Skyline Drive and Drake’s Seat, if that is an option. I’d ask the taxi coordinator or drivers at the port about both options…

Yes when you oars a safari taxi taking folks to the beaches, the driver will let you know you can stay on the bus if you are interested in the tour. He will give you the price adnd tell you how long it will last. That includes the taxi fare you would have paid to get to the beach so the price is a good deal!

Our vote would be for Sapphire. Your mom may not be able to wheel over to the naturally shaded area in front of the condo buildings, but she could definitely be lounging on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Carib, enjoying the most exquisite island views from the south shore of STT. Yes, we are fans of Sapphire, having stayed there multiple times…And I may tend to embellish, but this description of Sapphire is actually quite accurate! There is a beach bar but I cannot comment on Royal Crown. I know I could not find 1 single bottle during our winter in the Riviera Maya due to the supply issue, but a couple bars were well-stocked. I would pose that specific question on the TripAdvisor STT forum, you may get lucky! Or buy a bottle at Moe’s Market in Red Hook on the way (call first to confirm they have it)… Lounges rent for ~$9/ea, and there were never umbrella rentals because of the natural shade, but there may be now…

You should ask the admin to delete this thread and you can open a new post. This thread title will create a lot of confusion for others reading that! 😀

That is not current. Why are you looking at US charters in the BVI? This may be helpful if you want a private charter - Patouche and Kuralu are other option for both private and shared charters, and Aristocat is very popular. Be sure to book early with any of these.

Sapphire and Secret Harbor are on the east end, a 30+ minute, ~$11/pp taxi from Crown Bay. Both are popular snorkeling beaches…

What hours and day are you in port? [EDIT] You may want to ask the mod to delete your duplicate post to prevent confusion for you…

Yes with 17k + fellow day visitors in port, Magens will certainly be crowded when you get there. It is the most-touted VI beach by the ship directors and a favorite of many. But all popular beaches will be crowded by the time you arrive. Our “go-to” beach is Sapphire, but that can be very calm or rough depending on conditions. If we were looking for a calm bay for floating we would consider the Secret Harbour Resort in Secret Harbor. The water is typically dead calm there because the bay is protected. Secret Harbor also offers better food and drink options than Magens. The beach will be busy, but AADivers rents lounges and umbrellas and you can reserve them in advance of your arrival. So you’d be guaranteed a spot in the day visitor area…Read their cancellation policy if you choose that option…

So the ship excursion did not include the lounges and umbrellas negn? Just transportation? How much time did you have at LB? Thanks, just curious since things have changed so much there…😄

Yes many folks do miss what STT has to offer because they are focused on Trunk Bay and that is a shame. However I will say that a day on STJ can be very nice, IF you DIY, and do not just go straight to Trunk Bay. Trunk is beautiful, but we’d not spend the extra 1 - 1.5 hours of travel time just for a beach when STT offers beautiful beaches. You’ve also read here of the North Shore/Historical tour the drivers offer, and that is something we’d recommend. After, you can get dropped at one of the less-frequented beaches, or near a hiking trail to a beach, or back in Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay is a nicer shopping and lunch experience than Charlotte Amalie, in our opinion (but we’ve been to CA countless times so we are a bit biased). Stop into St John Bracelet Co. and buy a nice quality Hook bracelet! We’ve had one custom-made while lunching nearby… With 10 hours in port, you can easily spend 3.5 - 4 hours on STJ, and still have a couple hours to see the highlights of STT from Skyline Drive and Drake’s Seat with a driver offering that on your return from Red Hook to the dock. Just something to consider, enjoy your day wherever you land!

It is gorgeous…we loved it when we were the only ones there for hours at a time… A few (5 or more?) years ago I was seeing lounges/umbrellas and other amenities set-up there for cruise ship excursions. I don’t know if day visitors can go on their own and rent the amenities or if you must take the ship’s excursion… Personally I would send friends wanting amenities to either Brewers or CGB, depending on the experience they wanted. But LB, Beef may have the desired amenities. Check the cruise line excursions! [EDIT] LB, Beef is a flatter taxi ride than the other two if that matters…

We have not, but tons of others have and you can find reviews easily. Definitely one of the top, well-respected BVI dive outfits… you will get more feedback on the BVI forum on TTOL - http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/7/1/british-virgin-islands.html