What's best place to snorkel

[Sandy Flipflop]

we just returned from the freedom of the seas cruise last week. We loved our snorkeling/beach excursion called something like "snorkeling at christmas cove with the turtles, and beach bbq at honeymone cove." this is a 6.5 hour excursion on the bones pirate ship. We are experienced cruisers, and this was the best excursion ever. Six out of seven in our group rated it the absolute highlight of the trip!

 

It is a 5 min walk to the bones, right on the pier. This is important now, because of the crime and safety issues in st. Thomas. The bones takes you to turtle cove (also called christmas cove), where we snorkeled and saw many turtles and lots of different fish. Then we sailed to a local beach called honeymoon cove. We anchored off shore, and swam to the most beautiful beach. Just like a postcard! We had a bbq lunch (good food!) and played in the water for an hour.

 

Lots of blackbeard ale and rum punch served.....along with water and sodas. Do yourself a favor, and book this trip. You won't be disappointed. I will certainly book this again on our next trip to st. Thomas.:d

 

luv2cruise,

do you have website or email or link??? Please

[Sandy Flipflop]

luv2cruise,

do you have website or email or link??? Please

 

looks like only through cruise line and my cruise says too early to see shore excursions...BOOO!!! :confused: Do you mind telling me price range so I can see which to choose..I have 3 choices for this port :rolleyes:

[itsmebuggy]

How did you get to Saphire beach and how long did it take to get there?

hey Sue sorry actually we picked up a tour downtown for about 25 each he took us on a tour of the island up to mountain top took pics of magens bay and then and a few other photo stops then gave us 2 hours at the beach not sure how long it took to get there because we did the tour first

[Luv2CruiseWFam&Friends]

looks like only through cruise line and my cruise says too early to see shore excursions...BOOO!!! :confused: Do you mind telling me price range so I can see which to choose..I have 3 choices for this port :rolleyes:

 

 

I don't have a website, and we booked through our cruise line. I know this is available through RC for about $99 per adult, and through Disney for about $105 per adult. I'm sure it is available through others also. You'll have to read through the excursions and find the one for the 6.5 hour (full day?) BONES pirate ship excursion to Christmas (or Turtle) Cove and Honeymoon Cove.

[popper]

I just booked this through Princess for December. $49 Adults, $39 kids

[mitsugirly]

 

 

I meant to ask (or to anyone else that has been to Sapphire)

 

Does the beach extend any more than what is in this picture? Meaning at some point is there more sand? Or is the entire beach like this with the trees this close to the water? I was just wondering because if the beach gets crowded, where does everyone sit?

[Cruisenator]

As for your question about Sapphire or Coki, in my honest opinion, Sapphire Beach wins hands down. Coki Beach when we were there was crowded. Not to mention the number of vendors set up to do anything from braid your hair, to rent you a chair, to bring you a drink. They were pushy too. Didn't like the feeling there. At Sapphire, you have a large beach and lots of open water to navigate. The waters are crystal clear and the views to St John and beyond are spectacular. We've actually spent a week there 4 times over the past 8 years. Beach chair rentals are available unless you can 'sneak' one that is open before they pick them up and stack them.

 

You have 2 snorkel options at Sapphire. The rocky area you see to the left side of the point in the picture above will show you lots of different fish and coral. I found small eels as well last time I was there. The occasional barracuda swims in from time to time, but they are harmless there. You can swim around the point as well if you're adventurous and come in on the other side to the beach, but water clarity gets worse in that area. Your other option which I love to do is to head to the left side of the beach (in front of Crystal Cove resort) and swim out into the open water. If you can swim good and head out far enough, you'll see some sea turtles and stingrays on the bottom. I'll try to attach a pic or two for proof. I've also found spotted eagle rays out there. So much fun to explore Sapphire. never gets old. Up along the grounds of Crystal Cove resort you'll find nice big iguanas too. These pictures are all from Sapphire Beach snorkeling. Enjoy!

[sstich79]

Cruisenator, what kind of underwater camera were you using for those pics? They look great! I've always just bought underwater disposables in the past, but have never been pleased with the photo quality. Been looking at underwater digitals.

[GAPeachnAtlanta]

I am going to St Thomas via Carnival in November. After reading, reading, and many nights of research. I have finally decided that I am going to head to St.John and visit Water-lemon Cay ***not Watermelon cay**** on my own (not on the excursion). The cost will be minimal just with round trip taxi and ferry rides. I plan on visiting the Old Sugar Plantation then snorkel around Waterlemon. It was ranked very high by folks on trip advisor, seems they have plenty of Starfish, Coral, wide variety of fish, and Barracuda even some shark sightings.

[augie]

I am going to St Thomas via Carnival in November. After reading, reading, and many nights of research. I have finally decided that I am going to head to St.John and visit Water-lemon Cay ***not Watermelon cay**** on my own (not on the excursion). The cost will be minimal just with round trip taxi and ferry rides. I plan on visiting the Old Sugar Plantation then snorkel around Waterlemon. It was ranked very high by folks on trip advisor, seems they have plenty of Starfish, Coral, wide variety of fish, and Barracuda even some shark sightings.

 

Waterlemon is one of my very favorite snorkel spots on St. John. Finding a taxi to get you there will be no problem at all, but there may not be one waiting for you when you're ready to head back towards Cruz Bay. If not (and I know that for someone living in the states this may sound like a crazy suggestion) you will probably have good luck hitchhiking - at least as far as Cinnamon or Trunk Bay (at either place taxis will be plentiful) if not all the way into town. Many locals and visitors get around the island that way - on our trip to St. John last month we gave several people rides. Just one note - the sign that you're hitchhiking there isn't "thumbs up", but rather an index finger pointed in the direction you want to go.

 

Have fun!

[bryrob]

Avoid Coki Beach...was trouble there (local shooting) and cruise ships are now discouraging travel to that area. My son was snorkelling at Coki when this happened and a young passenger from his ship was caught in the crossfire and killed there. I guess things are getting a little rough around Coki beach.

[GAPeachnAtlanta]

Waterlemon is one of my very favorite snorkel spots on St. John. Finding a taxi to get you there will be no problem at all, but there may not be one waiting for you when you're ready to head back towards Cruz Bay. If not (and I know that for someone living in the states this may sound like a crazy suggestion) you will probably have good luck hitchhiking - at least as far as Cinnamon or Trunk Bay (at either place taxis will be plentiful) if not all the way into town. Many locals and visitors get around the island that way - on our trip to St. John last month we gave several people rides. Just one note - the sign that you're hitchhiking there isn't "thumbs up", but rather an index finger pointed in the direction you want to go.

 

Have fun!

 

You have provided very valuable insight to what could be a problem. So now for the big question..... how far is the walk back to cruz bay? 2nd question, can I rent a dinghy in cruz bay and go to Waterlemon by dinghy? 3rd, lol do they rent bikes in cruz bay? As with all problems you have to find a solution, the hitchhiking will be the last resort. Especially after I read the previous post, and from other posts it appears these Islands are being taken over by Pirates of the Caribbean lol today we call'em thugs and other choice words.

 

I really appreciate the info. I am new to Cruise Critic and message boards and somewhat a baby to cruising too.

 

Janet

[augie]

You have provided very valuable insight to what could be a problem. So now for the big question..... how far is the walk back to cruz bay?

 

Waterlemon (actually Leinster Bay) to Cruz Bay is much too far to walk, especially in light of the fact that the roads are very narrow in spots with little to no shoulder.

 

2nd question, can I rent a dinghy in cruz bay and go to Waterlemon by dinghy?

Yes, there are dinghy rentals right by the ferry dock in Cruz Bay (Little Noah's Arks) and another outfit (Calypso) just a short walk away by the National Park Service dock. You may want to call ahead if you decide to go that route as they may sell out on busy days.

 

3rd, lol do they rent bikes in cruz bay?

They may, but you wouldn't catch me on a bike on St. John except for a couple of places and neither of them are along the route from Cruz Bay to the north shore beaches. It would be a tough ride even if there was no traffic - add the busy cruise day traffic and it's a kamikaze mission!

 

As with all problems you have to find a solution, the hitchhiking will be the last resort. Especially after I read the previous post, and from other posts it appears these Islands are being taken over by Pirates of the Caribbean lol today we call 'em thugs and other choice words.

You'll be amazed at the difference of the "feel" between St. Thomas and St. John. That being said, hitchhiking would be my last resort also, but mainly because it's the solution that I'd have the least amount of control over.

[GAPeachnAtlanta]

Waterlemon (actually Leinster Bay) to Cruz Bay is much too far to walk, especially in light of the fact that the roads are very narrow in spots with little to no shoulder.

 

Well, I guess that about sums it up, you have been extremely helpful to me Augie and I appreciate you time and if you were going to St john in November, I would surely buy you a drink (alcohol or non-alcoholic) Cheers :)

 

I am going to try to rent a dinghy and pursue the cay that way, 2nd option is to take the taxi as far as it will take me and hike on in. Hopefully hiking will not not be a problem as I hike the Appalachian trail.

 

Again thank you

[Emmabelle]

I meant to ask (or to anyone else that has been to Sapphire)

 

Does the beach extend any more than what is in this picture? Meaning at some point is there more sand? Or is the entire beach like this with the trees this close to the water? I was just wondering because if the beach gets crowded, where does everyone sit?

 

 

We were at Sapphire at the end of July 07, and there was hardly anyone there. It doesn't seem that narrow when you're there. We rented two chairs for like $15 each I think? It was a good day, but I'll admit, I always feel more comfortable at a private island or at a resort. ;)

[travellover39]

Waterlemon (actually Leinster Bay) to Cruz Bay is much too far to walk, especially in light of the fact that the roads are very narrow in spots with little to no shoulder.

 

Well, I guess that about sums it up, you have been extremely helpful to me Augie and I appreciate you time and if you were going to St john in November, I would surely buy you a drink (alcohol or non-alcoholic) Cheers :)

 

I am going to try to rent a dinghy and pursue the cay that way, 2nd option is to take the taxi as far as it will take me and hike on in. Hopefully hiking will not not be a problem as I hike the Appalachian trail.

 

Again thank you

 

If you rent a dinghy be very careful out there, there are currents and can push you out to open sea. Will you be alone? Be sure to wear a life vest. Easy to get out of a dinghy but hard to get back in by yourself.:eek:

 

If you take a cab, the walk from where the cab will drop you off to Waterlemon Cay is a good 15 minutes through the bush. There is a worn path from other snorkelers but wear decent shoes, not flip flops. You may want to ask if the cab would come back and pick you up at a certain time?

 

St John is beautiful and very different than STT. You will want to go back and do a land vacation for sure.:D

[Cruisenator]

Cruisenator, what kind of underwater camera were you using for those pics? They look great! I've always just bought underwater disposables in the past, but have never been pleased with the photo quality. Been looking at underwater digitals.

 

These pics are from a Kodak Z1275 digital camera and I use a DiCAPac underwater camera bag (sophisticated ziplock) made for it. Mine came from eBay. The camera is about $75 now refurbished and the bag about $25. It's been on many trips now and never a problem.

[reno3]

These pics are from a Kodak Z1275 digital camera and I use a DiCAPac underwater camera bag (sophisticated ziplock) made for it. Mine came from eBay. The camera is about $75 now refurbished and the bag about $25. It's been on many trips now and never a problem.

The pictures you took are wonderful:D

I would be tickled pink to just see one of them on my trip:D

[augie]

Well, I guess that about sums it up, you have been extremely helpful to me Augie and I appreciate you time and if you were going to St john in November, I would surely buy you a drink (alcohol or non-alcoholic) Cheers :)

 

Funnily enough, my wife and I will be on St. John in November! :)

 

We arrive 10/28 and depart 11/8. Maybe we could taxi you to Waterlemon - it's one of our favorite snorkels and we're likely to head there more than once on this visit...

[camofwilliamsburg]

It was just a matter of time for something really bad to happen on Coki Beach. We were robbed there many years ago, right on the beach. Had all of our stuff taken in an instant. had to get police escort us back to the ship. Hate that place. And now to read about an innocent cruiser who was killed.... the police just turned their backs on the gangs hanging out there. Easy target also since the beach is right there by the road...really not a great beach anyways.:eek:

[augie]

[i am going to try to rent a dinghy and pursue the cay that way,

 

If you get a dinghy, one more piece of information. The ones that Calypso rent have the center console steering, which a lot of people prefer, but they don't allow you to beach them like the folks at Noah's Little Arks do. You would need to anchor them off of the beach or tie off to a mooring ball, where available.

 

2nd option is to take the taxi as far as it will take me and hike on in. Hopefully hiking will not not be a problem as I hike the Appalachian trail.

The hike is a ten to fifteen minute walk, mostly along the beach, and is flat, so I can't imagine it being a problem for you. I do it with a backpack type dive bag holding two or three people's snorkeling gear, and it's a piece of cake.