Paris334

We will be on the Norwegian Escape in mid-March and we're looking for an excursion in St. Thomas. We have a $50 credit for each adult (we are two adults, two kids) so we'd like to use a ship's excursion if it makes sense. We are late to book so a number of tours are sold out but two are left that we're interested in and wondering if anyone has thoughts on Buck Island's Turtle Cove vs. Island Cove? We have two girls, 8 and 10, both very good swimmers who have not been snorkeling before. We think they'd love it but want to be sure it's typically calm waters. We have a boat at home and really think they'd love the catamaran ride to get wherever we go, too, so to us that's part of the experience, for sure! The two specific excursions are "Turbo Cat Snorkel & Beach and the "PowerCat Snorkel & Beach." Does anyone have a recommendation? The "PowerCat" goes to Buck Island's Turtle Cove and the "Turbo Cat" goes to Island Cove. I wasn't able to find too much when googling.

We stopped in St. Thomas last year (March 2022) and we took a taxi (a safari-like bus) from Crown Bay port to Magen's Bay. I think it was $10/pp (we had two adults and two kids so we paid $50 with tip - to be clear - that was EACH WAY so a total of $100). I can't recall what it cost to use the beach (I honestly don't recall paying but we probably did!). There were loungers for rent, a bar and restaurant and shower/toilets. There were PLENTY of taxis (again, safari bus things) lined up when you wanted to leave. I'm 99.999% sure that there are set fees for taxis from the two ports, downtown, etc. so it's very clear what you're paying.

I'm 99% sure that Half Moon Cay is Carnival's private island. I went there on a Holland America (owned by Carnival) cruise a good 15 years ago and it was so gorgeous!

Wanted to say a quick thank you for posting your final destination and outcome! (Sometimes you're left hanging - what did they end up doing, how did it go? No idea how I can get so invested in a post but there you go!) Glad you had a great time!