blue_water

LOL! your opinions matter ms411, but so do others’… And Senor Frogs is one of the most touristy and boring chains out there…just our opinion mind you 😉

Agree again crewsweeper…

I was agreeing with crewsweeper’s comment MS411…fun drinks vibe, etc… 😉

Yes if docked in CB that would be a good option

Duffy’s is a late night spot, or at least happy hour and after. We end our night there for sing alongs, fishbowl drinks, and fun! We like Island Time for pizza… Red Hook is not worth a special trip during a cruise stop…If you are going through after hitting one of the East End or STJ beaches it’s worth a walkabout, otherwise no…

We’ve always liked the Greenhouse too. It is not a “local” place, but does serve excellent local food, and is very popular with locals and visitors alike…

Info below from another thread, and as MS411 mentioned elsewhere taxi prices may go up but to give you an idea… Taxi from Havensight —> Red Hook ferry = $10/pp (~$11/pp from Crown Bay); Red Hook ferry <—> Cruz Bay = $8.15/pp each way, taxi to Trunk =$6/pp, Cinnamon = $7/pp. You can also take a nice island tour as mentioned, and then get dropped at a beach for ~$25/pp. That also eliminates the taxi cost to a beach, you just pay the return taxi to Cruz. So the total cost from Havensight to a beach on STJ is ~$50/pp, ~$68 w/ the island tour…From Crown Bay add ~$2…

The cruise line uses terms like that… I would skip the OBC and really go on your own…Since you’ve already been to STT several times you have a good feel for how reliable the transportation is there. The ferries are ultra-reliable so there is no reason to settle for a ship-sponsored excursion, unless that OBC means that much to you. Or unless you can use that OBC option to get there and enter Trunk Bay, and just return on your own??? I’d suggest spending some time in Cruz Bay for lunch and a nicer shopping experience…

Much of HB on STJ can be underwater during the winter months due to swells, but in March may be ok. We enjoyed the New Horizons sloop out of Sapphire Marina. Moored in Caneel Bay with a great Italian lunch, then off Great St James… But no beach time on HB due to swells…

But the STT beaches have always been busier…Lovers of STJ cannot be thrilled… We really miss Latitude 18 in Vessup Bay, especially enjoying Dick Solberg and his Sun Mountain Band along with great dinners! That remains closed I gather…

In most cases, but not all…it does happen even to folks on ship-sponsored tours… But yes you will be just fine with that timeline - Enjoy!

That is a shame what has happened to Maho…It’s getting more difficult for residents and land visitors (and cruisers) to avoid the crowds as the cruise industry continues to expand…

Research ideas for Cozumel. If you want a nice beach, snorkeling, an island tour with a beach stop, a cat sail, something more adventurous, or just sightseeing enjoy what Cozumel has to offer. You do have a nice, long visit, and that would allow you to enjoy the island from a catamaran and on land. Your time in port also makes an excursion to some of the best Mayan ruins and natural cenotes outside Playa Del Carmen very doable. But unless you are experienced in this you definitely want a reputable tour company that is expert at organizing these tours from Cozumel.

Looks like just 2 ships scheduled to dock in Crown Bay from 7 - 4 on 2/9 but still 10k day visitors… The better snorkeling beaches are on the East End, so you’d want to take a ~30 minute taxi to one of those beaches (Coki, Sapphire, or Secret Harbor). Our choice would be Sapphire - larger beach, less busy vibe than Coki, not as tight as Secret Harbor…Taxis are usually available for your return… Shopping in Charlotte Amalie on the way back, or after showering take another taxi into town… Another option is Brewers Bay which is much closer to he ship. We’ve not snorkeled Brewers, but have read several good recent reviews on that. Then you could hit your cabin shower before heading into town… As MS411 noted in another thread, you’d need the driver to return to Brewers for you, or call a taxi. She shared that info here -

Ms411 we haven’t been to Brewer’s Bay beach in some time - is there a public restroom nearby? Thanks

You are very welcome of course! 😄 I’ve never fished on VG but I’m sure there are options. I would let Capt Malcolm’s contact know you want that and I’m sure he could accommodate that as part of the trip. Most charters, even on catamarans, let you fish or troll during the sail or from shore.

Is a visit to STJ your first choice? Transportation there and back can eat up ~1.5 - 2 hours of your time. But if you make the 9AM ferry you would have 3 - 4 hours there depending on the return ferry you take (1 or 2PM). You’d definitely want to go on your own…actually you would be joining many others DIY’s who do that every visit! STT offers beautiful beaches as well if you want to spend more of your time at the beach!

Yes this is one of the most popular and they also offered charters to Jost. I’m glad to see they are still operating after Irma/Maria in September, 2017, and then the pandemic!

It really is a “no-brainer”, and taxis are all lined up waiting to whisk everyone to the beach or on a tour. 😉 I would heartily recommend the island tour (North Shore) before heading to the beach, costs and more details are in posts 5 & 11. enjoy!

Cane Garden Bay is the most popular (and by far the busiest) beach because it’s a large bay home to several restaurants and rentals. Several 20+passenger open-sided safari-type taxis will be dropping many of your fellow passengers there. Just hop a taxi going there, fare is $9/pp each way, and taxis will line up for your return. Our favorite spot to rent lounges and eat is Myett’s…

You may even want the 2PM ferry from Cruz Bay, depending on your risk tolerance… That would give you ~4 hrs to enjoy the island…

Lots of recent feedback just below your post! This thread describes the self-excursion process, costs, and benefits of going on your own!

Lounges have been $9/ea according to sources there, taxi was $10/pp each way from Havensight, perhaps that has changed? Nice shaded area to the right of the rental area as you face the water…a bit rocky right there, but what magnificent island views!

Five years ago yesterday Irma devastated our beloved islands of the BVI. The resilience and fortitude of the residents has simply been amazing to follow since that terrible day. Many businesses and resorts that were destroyed in the blink of an eye have risen out of the remnants of that fateful day, and the residents are once again able to share their beautiful islands with visitors. The ensuing pandemic crippled the islands even more of course… The residents are indeed wonderful, and if you have the opportunity to express your appreciation of their resilience, and your gratitude for being able to experience the beauty of their islands, please do so. These islands are a special place in many of our hearts! ❤️🙏

It’s been awhile but there are 2 paths, and most visitors take one down and the other back up. We have only walked the path that takes you down to the beach to the north (right) of the Baths. That is where Poor Man’s Bar is located and you can buy drinks and snacks and rent lockers ifI remember. That is a steeper, bit more “treacherous” path when wet. But water shoes are a big plus. I have read that the path that takes you down to Devil’s Bay, which is to the south of the Baths, is less steep and easier to navigate. Take a look at YouTube videos for a better idea. That preview takes away from the experience a bit but may help you decide… https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Baths/@18.4856664,-64.4986602,37079m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8c05792589e94573:0x6855decfba3024ac!8m2!3d18.4301585!4d-64.4446573