Is megan's bay that wonderful?

[travelingmom37]

We have a group of five arriving on the Reflection. Is Megan's Bay spectacular enough to warrant $100 ( 5 X $20 R/T pp.) on the Safari bus as opposed to the other beaches? We are fortunate to have only two ships in port so it should not be too insane :). What other "quiet" beaches are near the port?

We have no interest in shopping ( this from five females) and cannot do St. John's this trip.

 

Advice??

[blue_water]

We consider Magens to be a very nice beach but overrated. It’s a larger bay and well-protected so the water is dead calm. Just lacks the character of the East End beaches of STT like Sapphire or Coki (in our opinion of course).

If you are docked at Crown Bay Lindbergh Bay is close and a less expensive taxi fare. Home to the Best Western Emerald Beach Plus Resort, you can check their site as they have rentals. The beach is ok, not as nice as the East End.

We would taxi to Sapphire for the abundant natural shade, wonderful island views, and a laid back vibe with all of the amenities you will want. For a more lively vibe look at Coki. Both offer soft sand, gorgeous water, and snorkeling, for premium off-the-beach snorkeling try Sapphire. The East End beaches are ~$20pp roundtrip from Havensight.

[The Islander]

With a group of 5 that wants to do beaches and looking at $100 in transportation costs... you might consider renting a car or jeep and splitting the cost and then you can visit a couple beaches on your own time.

 

As far as choosing a beach... whether its Magens Bay or another... what are you looking for in the beach, what do you want to do there: watersports, snorkel, bar, restaurant, people watching, quiet...

 

--Islander

[mn_isla_girl]

Magens also has a $4 per person entrance fee, Sapphire and Coki do not.

 

Magens is beautiful, not great for snorkeling though, too much white sand.

 

Here is Magens Bay

 

 

 

 

Here is Sapphire

 

 

[Lsimon]

How many ships will be in port?

 

We went to Megan's Bay for the first time last March. St. Thomas was very busy that day and the beach was just packed. I think there were 5 ships in port including the mega-ship Allure. Way too many people.

 

I'd like to try the beach sometime when it isn't as crowded. Renting a chair was nearly impossible and we had to walk a long way down the beach to find space to sit on our towels.

 

[travelingmom37]

Thank you for the beautiful pics. Both beaches look wonderful.

 

There are only two ships in port the day we visit.

 

I do not want to rent a car as St. Thomas traffic almost made us miss the ship once ( we left our cab on a crest and ran the rest of the way).

 

It sounds like Sapphire or Magens Bay will cost $100 round trip for five. Ouch.

It almost makes me want to look at the cruise ship excursions, but not quite:)

[blue_water]

Lol, not quite, like that!:p

The taxi fare sounds high for 5 people roundtrip but is very inexpensive at $20pp in my opinion.

With 2 ships Magens will be busier than we like, and just doesn't have the appeal of Sapphire which would be very comfortable. Also good drink and food options at Sapphire as compared to Magens.

[seashinesunshine]

Another option is Secret Harbor. Not as popular and smaller and quieter. There is a resort there if you want food, drinks chairs etc. There is also reefs and rocks along the side where the snorkeling is good. We also really ejoyed the iguanas that were there. Cute little (big) guys.

[blue_water]

SH is a nice calm and small bay but there's no shade for day visitors. There is a restaurant however. But any of the East End beaches are very nice. Coki is another small and crowded bay but has a fun, livelier vibe, Smith's Bay with limited amenities but very quiet, pack a lunch from Gourmet Gallery, Sapphire with the gorgeous water and snorkeling - all good choices depending on what experience you want. How crowded any beach is just depends on the day and where drivers take new folks.

[travelingmom37]

Thank you all for the great information.

With so much natural beauty it seems every beach is a winner.

Sapphire sounds perfect, we love to snorkel.

[O2B@Cagain]

With so much natural beauty it seems every beach is a winner.

 

Yes, and there is something for everyone!

[blue_water]

Thank you all for the great information.

With so much natural beauty it seems every beach is a winner.

Sapphire sounds perfect, we love to snorkel.

 

Yes each beach has its own character and vibe, and we find Sapphire to be perfct for us. I find that many ppl are surprised when they are first introduced to the East End beaches of STT. The beaches of STJ are also very nice and offer a different experience if you go to a more secluded beach. But the East End beaches are also gorgeous and are more accessible so more time to relax.

 

Have a great day, and be sure to try the mahi mahi sandwich at the Banana Cabana located between condo bldgs B & C, they also have a girl taking orders on the beach. The dive center is a little cheaper for the beer and rum punches, and there's also a guy taking orders from the restaurant in Sapphire Village behind the marina. Grab anniv shaded spot and enjoy your day! :)