St. Thomas Beach/Snorkel Question

[blue_water]

Here's a road map of STT -

http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/st-thomas/maps/st-thomas-island-road-map.html

 

There are different routes to get to Sapphire and SH, we usually take the southern Rt 30 to Rt 32 which will take you by the turn-off for SH first, and on into Red Hook where you take Rt 38a few minutes further to Sapphire and then Coki.

The turn-off to SH will take you by Cowpet Bay and Elysian Beach Resort as well as the Ritz Carlton. It takes a few minutes to get down to SH.

 

For Sapphire you can also take Rt 383 out of Havensight to Rt 38 and pass Coki, Smith Bay, then Sapphire which is closer to the road.

 

You'll see a small parking lot at the SH resort to park at, and at Sapphire there's a lot to the right for condo guests and to the right for visitors. WE haven't been there since the new property mgt took over so the parking may have changed there. But the guard at the gate can help you.

[Ms411]

There's new designated public parking at Sapphire. It's to the left. The security guard will point it out.

[O2B@Cagain]

Parking is limited at Secret Harbour and illegally parked cars will be booted.

[blue_water]

Parking is limited at Secret Harbour and illegally parked cars will be booted.

 

Very true.

[trek5500]

Ok, we returned from our cruise and visit to Sapphire Beach Saturday 8/2/14. Sapphire Beach was wonderful. The beach shop was open and serving food and beverages. The restrooms were still closed and under construction. The water was crystal clear and the views from the beach were spectacular. The beach had a ton of natural shade that we definitely enjoyed(temps last week were in the low 90's) . The only negative I have is the snorkeling was just ok.....maybe we just were in the wrong place idk. As for transportation from the cruise port we haggled a bit with the taxi drivers and got a rate of $9 pp each way. We asked the taxi driver to return and pick our group of 10 up at a specific time at Sapphire beach and much to my surprise he was on time. Allow ~ 20 minutes each way to get to and from the cruise port.

 

In summary, Sapphire Beach was a good decision for our group. Beautiful scenery, and cheap excursion. We took our own snorkel equipment so we spent ~ $ 20/pp for the day(drinks not included). The cruise ship offered the same excursion for $59/pp. Have fun!!!!:)

[Ms411]

The restrooms are usually open. I think people are confused, because the plywood and exterior have been painted, and the words, "Under Renovation", are painted on the mural. I think the paint makes people who have been to Sapphire in previous years think the bathrooms have been changed, but other than the exterior, they have not.

 

The ship excursion includes chair, snorkel gear, and a beverage. Maybe a mini tour, too.

[blue_water]

Ok, we returned from our cruise and visit to Sapphire Beach Saturday 8/2/14. Sapphire Beach was wonderful. The beach shop was open and serving food and beverages. The restrooms were still closed and under construction. The water was crystal clear and the views from the beach were spectacular. The beach had a ton of natural shade that we definitely enjoyed(temps last week were in the low 90's) . The only negative I have is the snorkeling was just ok.....maybe we just were in the wrong place idk. As for transportation from the cruise port we haggled a bit with the taxi drivers and got a rate of $9 pp each way. We asked the taxi driver to return and pick our group of 10 up at a specific time at Sapphire beach and much to my surprise he was on time. Allow ~ 20 minutes each way to get to and from the cruise port.

 

In summary, Sapphire Beach was a good decision for our group. Beautiful scenery, and cheap excursion. We took our own snorkel equipment so we spent ~ $ 20/pp for the day(drinks not included). The cruise ship offered the same excursion for $59/pp. Have fun!!!!:)

 

Thanks, glad you enjoyed your day! For others you should allow a bit more time for the return due to the taxi taking time to gather up ppl and to more traffic on the return. The snorkeling can be great there, owners and renters there can direct you to the best spots. The restaurant is boarded up and has been closed for some time and that takes away from the beauty of the beach area. But the pool bar is being renovated (for condo guests) and the condo exteriors have been getting renovated, and who knows what else is in store for the SBRM!

[O2B@Cagain]

As for transportation from the cruise port we haggled a bit with the taxi drivers and got a rate of $9 pp each way. We asked the taxi driver to return and pick our group of 10 up at a specific time at Sapphire beach and much to my surprise he was on time.

 

Of course he was on time. $180 for, what, 45 minutes worth of work?;)

[SteakMama]

What areas are you interested in?

 

Interested in Half Moon Cay, PuertoRico, Turks and Caicos

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[blue_water]

San Juan has a rich history, and Old San Juan is an interesting area for a walking tour. Many excellent cruises originate ther, and spending a couple days before and after a cruise is a great opportunity too explore other areas of the island. The San Juan forum has a ton of info for someone looking to cruise there for the first time.

 

GT and HMC are more cruising beach destinations of course and you can get more info on the Private Islands forum here on cc for both of those.