caribbean ports

[carolynne15]

Hi is there anywhere on this site i can find caribbean port reviews and tips on things to do :)

[GoofyCdn]

You can find a lot of the information you are looking for under the Caribbean Ports of Call Section here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=587

[lindyloo22]

I just google the ports find info and go from there.

[hammers]

Hi is there anywhere on this site i can find caribbean port reviews and tips on things to do :)

 

Hi Carolynne, please advise your intineary. I have a couple of port tips word documents that will save you some time and effort.

Terry

[carolynne15]

Hi Terry St Vincent Dominica St Lucia St Kitts Antigua St Maaten Grand Turk

Grenada and Tortola Thanks :)

[Turbofun]

Hi Terry St Vincent Dominica St Lucia St Kitts Antigua St Maaten Grand Turk

Grenada and Tortola Thanks :)

 

Check these local tours out;

 

St Kitts, Royston tours, roystontours@hotmail.com

 

St Lucia, Cosol Tours, cosol1966@hotmail.com

 

Google them both and you'll find lots of happy customers, including us. We used both last Jan as it was our 2nd time in the Caribbean and we wanted to try other than ship excursions. Both booked online with no money upfront, paid after tours.

[sagaris]

I can recommend Bumpiing Tours on Dominica, brilliant day with Levi:).

We have also had two tours with Cosol, excellent value for money.

 

Molly

[groovechick]

Hi Carolynne, please advise your intineary. I have a couple of port tips word documents that will save you some time and effort.

Terry

 

It's a way ahead, Terry, but I'd be interested to receive your info. as we're cruising the Caribbean next Christmas. Sad we're not calling at St Lucia, because that's where we honeymooned and the cruise is to celebrate our silver wedding.

[slymgym]

Hi Carolynne, we've been to all these ports and can thoroughly recommend:

 

bumping Tours (Our guide was great her name was Cash), Dominica

Cosol Tours, St Lucia

Thenford Grey, St Kitts

Lawrence of Antigua Tours

Bernard's Tours, St Maarten

St Vincent - we just got a water taxi to a lovely beach

Grand Turk - tiny island - we hired a golf buggy and drove all around the island in it (wearing our Christmas hats) and the only traffic we saw were the donkeys!) - had a brilliant day!

 

Let me know if you need anymore info

 

Debs

[kevboy]

Hi there, I am interested in getting a water taxi to a lovely beach in St. Vincent and would appreciate any information regarding what, where and prices please. kevin

[slymgym]

Kevin, it was a few years ago but the water taxis were awaiting when we got off the ship and it wasn't expensive about $5 each way I think.

[hammers]

Hi Terry St Vincent Dominica St Lucia St Kitts Antigua St Maaten Grand Turk

Grenada and Tortola Thanks :)

 

Hi Carolynne, sorry for the delay, please see the attached word file that I pulled together from the Caribbean Ports of Call forum.

 

Sorry, it appears the file is too large, see error message below :(

 

Caribbean Cruise PO Ventura 15th February 2014 Itinerary.docx:

Your file of 179.8 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 48.8 KB for this filetype.

 

Here it is copied and pasted.

 

15th February 2014: Barbados - embark ship.

 

16th February 2014: Day at Sea: Get up early if you want a sunbed, 7:30am if you want a bed on the Lido deck.

 

17th February 2014: Grenada 08:00 – 17:00

Grand Anse Beach, water ferry $8 round trip per person. Retain ticket for the return trip. You can take any of the water taxis back. The journey is approximately 15 minutes ride to the beach. The beach is beautiful, calm clear water,- but beware - the locals start as soon as you walk the dock to the beach.

Chairs and umbrella, they said normally $25 but can be haggled down to $20 - but depends on how many ships are docked and who you talk to (Dennis is the boss man!). 6 beers for $15- with a free one thrown in.

 

18th February 2014: St Lucia 08:00 – 17:00

Whenever we have been to St Lucia, we have always ended up at Rodney Bay/Reduit Beach. The Taxi cost is $US7pp each way. You buy your return ticket for $US14pp at a small booth as you exit the cruise shops where all the taxis are parked. It can be a bit of a cattle market, depending on the number of ships docked – organised madhouse! You will arrange to take the same taxi back to the cruise port at an agreed time. If you cannot agree a time, don’t worry, just let the cab driver know you will be returning in another taxi

Rodney/Reduit Beach. About 20/30 minutes taxi ride also, but nice, long beach with loungers and umbrellas available, lots of places to eat and bars and vendors all along the beach. Water sports available for hire, etc.

The taxi will drop off right in front of the St. Lucian Rex resort. We walked through their lobby onto the beach. Two sunbeds and an umbrella cost $25.

19th February 2014: Dominica 08:00 – 17:00

No beaches to speak of on Dominica, last time we were there, we stayed on ship. Previously we went Whale watching, this was a great trip (we could only arrange this trip via the ship, it was £50 each). We saw loads of Whales and Dolphins and really enjoyed the day. Alternatively, visit the rain forest. We arranged the trip direct with Reyno, just google his name. The trip was all arranged via email, he met us at the port, again, another great trip.

 

20th February 2014: ST KITTS 08:00 – 17:00

Taxi cost to South Friars Bay Beach for 1-4 people is $16.00 one way for 1-4 passengers. ($US4pp).

South Friars Bay Beach: Carambola Beach Club: close to Shipwreck Bar. Chairs and umbrellas are US $10 each. Taxi from Port Zante is about $16 (1-4 people) and takes 10-15 minutes travel time. You get showers, restrooms, and they also have food and drink available (indoor restaurant, terrace grill, or even beach service where they will bring something to you at your lounge chair). The entire beach has a reef running along it anywhere from 10-30 feet from the water's edge. It's no great barrier reef, but you'll see some cool fish. Pre booking via email accepted, no down payment required. If you say you will be there at 10:00 and don't show up until 11:15, you probably will find that you no longer have a saved seat.

South Friars Bay Beach: Shipwreck Bar. If you want see wild Monkeys and Mongoose’s, take a cab from the port to South Friar's for $US16 ($US4pp). The beach is very secluded. The restaurant/ bars name is shipwreck. $US10 dollars for two sunbeds with a thatch covering. The cost for two mixed drinks was $8. The beach was very swimmer friendly with a place to snorkel also, very clean. The sand is a mixture of black volcanic and golden sand. In my opinion, The beach at Cockleshell is marginally better.

 

St Kitts Continued - Alternative Beach

 

Taxi cost to Cockleshell Beach for 1-4 people is $28.00 one way. Get a van for $7.00 per person one way.

 

Just walk off the ship and there is a podium on the right hand side with someone lining up rides.

Heard there were wild monkeys out by the "parking lot" (where the taxis drop you off) and at the picnic tables outside of the Reggae Bar, but we didn’t see any during our visit.

 

 

21st February 2014: St Maarten Full Day 08:00 – 20:00

Beach day – We usually head to Great Bay Beach. You can either take the water taxi (I believe it is $US8pp return) from the cruise port or it is an easy 15 minute walk to the Great Bay beach at Phillipsburg. You just walk out of the cruise port, turn left at the main gate, keep left and walk for 10mins until you see a sign for the beach. Two Sunbeds an umbrella and 5 beers cost $US20. I have got them for $US15 in the past! This is a great place to buy duty free, there is large duty free shop called the Captains at the end of the beach that has very good prices. Just opposite the Captains is a little beach hut where you can buy beers/soft drinks for $US 0.99! Just up from this beach hut is Front Street. Running parallel with Front Street is Back Street.

 

Alternative beach: Maho Bay

You can pick up the bus for Maho Beach on Back Street.(The Beach Boardwalk runs parallel with Front Street where the main duty free shops are located in Philipsburg, which runs parallel with Back Street) Look for white mini vans with 'BUS' on the license plate. The destination is posted in the front window on a big white card. The bus cost $US2 pp. The main reason to visit Maho beach is to see the planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport which land very low over the beach. Usually, the bus will drop you on the main road near Maho Beach and you walk in the road that runs beside the airport fence. The Sunset Beach Bar is on the far side of the beach, approximately a 3 minute walk or less. There is a surfboard outside the Sunset Bar that shows the flight details of in/out going flight timetable.

 

To return, walk back along the beach out to the main road (the other side of the round-a-bout) outside the Hotel and wait for another bus (White Van) to come along with P'Burg as the destination.

 

You can also grab a van-cab at the pier for $ 6 pp and be at Maho in 20 minutes.

 

22nd February 2014: Tortola 07:00 – 18:00

We usually go to Cane Garden Bay Beach. $8 pp each way for a taxi/shuttle bus to Cane Garden Bay Beach. Nice beach but can get crowded with sunbeds, they take up most of the good sand and there was very little space for people to just lie out on their towels. The few people who didn't rent the chairs ended up getting wet by the waves. Public washroom beside Myett's Restaurant

When we got off the boat (we were docked and not tendered), simply follow the crowds to a small 'Welcome Centre'. It was right there and one would not miss it. Someone asked us where we wanted to go and then directed us to the correct shuttle. It was very well run - tours one side, shuttles and then taxis. One warning - if you take a shuttle, the driver will wait until the shuttle is completely full so you may have to wait around awhile depending on where others are heading. You pay one way arrange a time for pick up and then ignore it lol....there's plenty of taxis around the drop off/ pick up place for you to come off the beach anytime you want and find a taxi.

A truly lovely beach, very much EXACTLY what you'd want a Caribbean beach to look like.

Try to get there early so you can pick your spot $5 a sun bed but no padding on them unlike St Maarten so not comfy. Beach not very wide and if you pick a spot too close your belongings may end up drifting out to sea on the waves.

Alternative:

Virgin Gorda It's really easy to get there on your own, and considerably less expensive than going with a ship tour. There are 2 ferry companies, Speedy's and Smith. Smith's ferry leaves for Virgin Gorda at 8:50 am, Speedy's at 9:00 am. The ferry pier is about a 10/15 minute walk from where the cruise ship docks.

We have read about a tour guide called Egbert who ran this tour and was easily identifiable just outside the cruise terminal wearing a cap with his name on it. Cost $45 each which included the boat to Virgin Gorda, return taxi to The Baths and drinks (water, beer and rum punch again) on the boat back. Left at 9:30am and returned at 3:30pm with approx. 3.5 hours at The Baths.

The ferry fare is $US30 return or $37.00 per person for a round trip ticket on the ferry and taxi transportation to the Baths on Virgin Gorda (purchased as a package at the Tortola ferry pier You can see the ferry dock from the port, and any local will tell you how to walk there. Make sure you purchase the ferry ticket and taxi ticket combo...because you will arrive on virgin Gorda and there are not a lot of taxis around.

The ferry ride was about half an hour and we arrived at the dock and got into a speedy taxi to the Top of The Baths. A small dirt parking lot and a bar and gift shop is all you will see. Oh a small booth to collect the $3.00 entrance fee, if you pay at all.

Now for the walk down: The trail is sort of steep but there are steps that break this up. They are spaced such that you can walk slowly and at your own pace. It really is not that bad as I had no problem making progress to the bottom. Sneakers would help on this part or any good walking style soft shoe with a good rubber sole. I would suggest water shoes or another pair of inexpensive sneakers for the next section, and a bag to carry your things in.

At the bottom is a nice beach area with more gift shops. Sit and change your sneakers for whatever you brought with you. And do not be afraid of the next section. Follow the sign to Devils Bay beginning your journey. Stay in line and be prepared to let others pass you or head back to the beach on the path. The boulders are large and provide ample clearance except for one part where there is a wooden platform to cross. Watch your head. Also be careful of the nails in the uprights of the steps as some nails poke all the way through. Take your time. It is beautiful and worth the walk.

The first area you come to is a small pool surrounded by boulders where you can swim and take pictures. However there is another path that snakes behind a boulder on the left side. Take this short path to Devils Bay and be prepared for a Kodak Moment.

When you turn right into Devils Bay note the sign that says “Parking Lot” because this is the way you want to walk back up the hill. You will not have to climb back over any rocks or boulders and you can keep your feet dry as well. This path to the top took us about 15 minutes to walk up only because I had to stop a few times. Did I fail to mention I also have a Pace Maker in me. If I can do this anyone can with some simple planning to start with.

You will arrive in the parking lot to the right of the entrance so go to your left and you will find the buses and taxis waiting to take you back.

Ferry Timetable:

TORTOLA to VIRGIN GORDA

Road Town to The Valley • BVI Ferry Info & FAQs

• BVI Ferry Route Map

 

SPEEDY'S

Tel: (284) 495-5240 / (284) 495-5235 / (284) 495-5779

email: speedysbvi@surfbvi.com

http://www.speedysbvi.com

Round trip: $30/adult, $20/senior, $20/child (5-11)

One way: $20/adult, $10/senior, $15/child (5-11)

Mon 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:00

Tue 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:15

Wed 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:45 23:00*

Thu 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:15

Fri 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:00

Sat 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 16:30 18:45 23:00*

Sun 09:00 13:30 17:15

 

VIRGIN GORDA to TORTOLA

The Valley to Road Town • BVI Ferry Info & FAQs

• BVI Ferry Route Map

 

SPEEDY'S

Tel: (284) 495-5240 / (284) 495-5235 / (284) 495-5779

email: speedysbvi@surfbvi.com

http://www.speedysbvi.com

Round trip: $30/adult, $20/senior, $20/child (5-11)

One way: $20/adult, $10/senior, $15/child (5-11)

Mon 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 17:00

Tue 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 17:00

Wed 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 18:00 22.30*

Thu 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 17:00

Fri 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 17:00

Sat 08:00 10:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 18:00 22:30*

Sun 08:00 13:00 16:30

 

Virgin Gorda BVI The Baths Map

 

 

Key to Using the Map

A. Beach. Dinghy landings are prohibited, but there is a dinghy mooring and you can swim to the beach.

B. Shrubs. You may leave snorkelling equipment while exploring the boulders. Also, site of vendors selling T-shirts and shells.

C. Poor Man's Bar. Sells drinks, hamburgers, T-shirts.

D. Trail to taxi drop-off, about a 7 minute easy walk.

E. Snorkelling quite good in this area for fish; also, to the north where you can find Elk Horn Coral formations. West of the dinghy landing.

1. Entrance. You'll have to crouch and waddle like a duck here!

2. Shelf Boulder. Note fault through top of adjacent boulder to right of this boulder.

3. North Cabe. Note deep holes caused by uneven erosion. Also, note the size of this boulder, one of the largest here.

4. "The Baths." A great photo opportunity! Notice on the huge boulder to your right the beautiful markings caused by chemical reaction of rain water (weak carbonic acid) with minerals.

5. The Throne. Another fun photo opportunity.

6. Ship's Keep Boulder. As you stand under this boulder look at its shape. Doesn't it look like the keel of a sailboat to you?

7. Walk under the ship's keel as far as you can to the south, then turn around and look up. This magnificent tunnel is Neptune's Hideaway. Notice the pitting on the boulders on your left. Now retrace your steps back out to the edge of the first pool.

8. The Cathedral. Look up and marvel at the limited points of contact between the massive boulders above you!

9. Tarzan Land. The roots are of pomegranate trees which you'll see when you climb above in a moment or two.

10. Boulder House. Notice how dry it is in here, even when it rains. Now retrace your steps a few yards and turn to your left and start up the incline. Look to you right to see ...

11. Geodesic Cave.One of the prettiest, most intricate of the caves.Another great photo opportunity. Continue to climb up. Just as you emerge between the two boulders, look ahead to see ...

12. Whale's Head. Notice to the left of the whale's mouth an obelisk which was once part of the Whale's Head boulder. Stand near the obelisk now and look to the west to find the entrance to Neptune's Hideaway. Now a new shape has emerged!

13. Lion's Head. Start at the top of the boulder and let your eye follow the line down to the left. Do you see the lion's forehead and nose? See his upper jaw, his eye, the markings on his face and his mane.

14. Ethiopian Head. A striking formation to the left of the lion.

.23rd February 2014: Day at Sea: Get up early if you want a sunbed, 7:30am if you want a bed on the Lido deck.

 

24th February 2014: Curacao 08:00 – 20:00

Best Beach for a Half-Day Visit: Sea aquarium Beach has all imaginable facilities (shops, bars, water sports vendors and restaurants), plus white sand and palm trees; it's a good choice for families. Cab $5 per person / each way from cruise terminal to Cabana Beach (formerly Kontiki)

Beach admission fee = $3.50pp, $3pp for lounge chair.

Your taxi driver will return to pick you up at a designated time if you speak with them on the way there.

No problems getting a taxi at the pier, we walked off the ship and there was a line of taxis just waiting for you.

Blue Bay Beach is a large shady beach just northwest of Willemstad, near the village of SintMichiel, with lots of facilities. It's popular with local families and visitors because of the soft white sand. The sea floor slopes gently from the beach, so children enjoy playing here. There are lounge chairs, palm trees, shade umbrellas, a nice bar and restaurant, a water sports centre (diving and sea kayaking!), and a bikini shop. There is a children’s playground, a fairly large pool, and showers and toilets. On Sundays you can join a barbeque lunch. An admission fee for Blue Bay, Curacao is charged.

25th February 2014: Bonaire 07:00 – 17:00

 

Bonaire is not known for many sandy beaches, since it's much better known for its underwater beauty. However, some sandy beach areas are available at select resort areas. We can recommend the Spice Beach Resort, no resort fees and just $5 for a sunbed. Just turn left off the ship, walk along the block paving path running alongside the sea.

When you reach an apartment block which will block your path, just take the path to the right, at the end of the road turn left and just follow the road until you reach the Eden/Spice Resort on the left hand side. Beers were $3.50, cokes $3 each.

 

Locations Resort Fee Restaurants Activities in area

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino 10-minute walk south of pier $10 2 snorkelling, boat excursions, casino, swimming

Spice/Eden Beach Resort 5-minute taxi, or 30-minute walk (turn left) north of pier $0, sunbeds $5.00 1 boat rental, water skiing, knee boarding, inner tube rides, snorkel trips, water taxi to Klein Bonaire, kayak rental, swimming

Plaza Resort Bonaire 5-minute taxi, or 15-minute walk(turn right) south of pier $20.00 2 snorkelling, boat excursions, swimming

Sorobon Beach (at Lac Bay) 15-minute taxi, $20.00 one way, group fees available $5.00 2 windsurfing, snorkelling, massage and salt body scrubs, glass bottom kayaks, swimming

 

 

 

 

No Name Beach – Klein Bonaire

There are no rest-room facilities on the Klein Bonaire. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. There is minimal shade on the island. Snorkeling equipment is not included however it is available for rent onboard the water taxi only, not at the beach. There is no snorkeling supervision or instruction. Beach chairs are not provided. Only soft soled shoes are allowed on the boat. Tour not recommended for participants with walking disabilities or leg injuries.

Take Kontika Di Amor water taxi, it leaves promptly at 10:00. It is about a 12 minute walk from the cruise terminal. If you are looking at shore from ship go left when you get off ship.

Schedule & Rates water taxi to Klein Bonaire “Kantika di Amor”

DAILY sailing schedule

Bonaire-Klein Bonaire : 10 AM, 12 NOON and 2 PM

Klein Bonaire-Bonaire : 12.30 PM , 2.30 PM , 4.30 PM

The water taxi to Klein Bonaire “Kantika di Amor” offers pick up service for passenger staying at most waterfront hotels.

Hop on* the pier at the Kralendijk boulevard in front of “It Rains Fishes” restaurant.

Everyone can hop-on without reservations.

RATES US$ 15.00 return trip.

26th/27th February 2014: Two Day’s at Sea: Get up early if you want a sunbed, 7:30am if you want a bed on the Lido deck.

 

28th February 2014: - Barbados 07:00 – Overnight

 

Our recommendation: Location...Payne bay (Best beach to swim with turtles)

By Bus: Catch the bus toward Payne bay, any bus going to Holetown or Speightstown goes right pass there. Get off at St James Resort, walk down the narrow path between the buildings to reach the beach.

Blue bus=government run, yellow bus privately run. Both take tokens.

20 - 25 mins drive. Driver drop us off at Payne bay in front of Esso station.

North side of Payne bay is where we stay, swim about 100 yards out and Turtles.

Recommend you do this early 10-11 am, less crowd and you can have all the turtles to yourself.

Total travelling cost for us....US$3.

You can take the blue bus to Payne’s Beach. It is an easy walk to the bus terminal. Walk straight out of the port gate and keep walking straight along Princess Alice Highway for about a 10 min. walk. The bus terminal is on the left side of the road. We bought our tokens at the terminal. You have to buy their tokens ahead of time. They do not take US$, or BD$. only the bus token. The bus was clean, safe, and the driver dropped us off where we asked him to. The people at the bus station were helpful in showing us which bus we needed to take. The only negative is the bus is not air conditioned.

 

By taxi to Payne's Beach....it will cost about US$7.50 each way per person as long as there are 4 or more people: often they will wait at cruise port pier until the taxi has at least this many people before it leaves.

Or Accra/Rockley beach off Highway 7 South coast. Taxi fare US$20 each way per taxi.

Bus to Rockley: take a walk back to the terminal and utilize the Bridgetown Shuttle service this ticket is transferable to your next destination. Depart the bus at the Fairchild Street Terminal and board the bus that

is going to Sam Lord’s Castle, Crane, Silver Sands or Fairy Valley and ask the driver to put you off at Rockley. On the return take any bus with the destination sign Bridgetown and return to Fairchild Street Terminal, use the service of the shuttle and return to the Pier. The Shuttle service also passes by the pier.

Payne’s Bay is about 3-4 miles North of the Bridgetown Port

whereas Rockley Beach ("Accra" as locals call it) is about 2 miles S-East of the Port.

 

By cab to Rockley:. The cab was $20.00 US. The beach is beautiful. We walked on the boardwalk. We did not walk to the Coconut Hotel, since it was so hot. We enjoyed the beach. It was rush hour when we wanted to return to the ship. We waited about 20 min. for a bus to return to the ship, but none came. We decided to take a taxi back, as we didn't want to be late. $15 will get you an umbrella and two chairs.

Lobsters Alive is next to the Boatyard in Bay Street, but further (50 yds) from the cruise terminal.

It’s US$5.00 for each lounge chair, and an additional US$5.00 for the umbrella. You will get a ticket for each chair (or umbrella) you purchase and this entitles you to a half price drink or a free drink using 2 tickets. We had the rum punch which was great. We got there very early in the morning and the beach was beautiful. nice and quiet.

Walking directions from cruise port: Walk through the taxi/bus stands at port, walk out the main gate, and hang a right (this street is Princess Alice Hwy) all the way till you see Carlisle Wharf on your right hand side. After you pass this place, the street will turn right and you will also go right. Walk till you see the water, and then you must turn left, and now the street is called The Wharf Street. Once you see the first bridge (the Square), go right on the bridge, walk right through, and keep walking straight. This is now Bay Street. Walk for about 2 or 3 blocks and hang a right on any of these streets. The beach will be right there. It's about a 25-30 minute easy walk (a little over a mile).

Night out at Oistins for ’Fish Friday’

Plan to get to Oistins no later than 7:30pm. 6pm is better! There is a large queue after 7:30 or 8pm on Friday nights.

 

You can bus-it if you wish. Walk on Princess Alice Hwy and catch a ZR van for US$2.00 or a taxi for maybe US$15 one way (US$25.00/hr. for up to four (4) in the cab).

 

There are loads of cabs waiting to return folks back to B-town and the Harbour, so I wouldn’t worry about return transport. You really don’t want to be standing out on the coast road at 11pm waiting for a bus.

 

 

1st March 2014: BARBADOS

 

Disembark – Flight home to Gatwick

Edited August 8, 2014 by hammers

[carolynne15]

Thank you so much Terry that is brilliant x:)

[hammers]

No problem, hope you find it useful. I have added a couple of other ports requested. Please feel free to ask any questions that may come up.

 

8th December – Antigua – Full Day

 

We have been to Jolly Beach, Runaway Bay and Dickenson’s Bay, all three beaches are very nice but our preference is Dickenson Bay.

 

Jolly Beach – 30 min -- $18 - $20 or so for 2 – 4 people. $6 pp taxi for 4 people one way or it’s the first beach for #22 bus – Castaways Beach Bar or Jolly harbour has shops, restaurants, and a supermarket. Bathrooms available. Jolly Beach Resort pass $60 per adult available incl. chairs and lunch –chairs and umbrellas for rent for $16 – next beach north from Runaway bay, jet ski rentals here $35/half hour, very popular. To rent the beach chairs and umbrellas, make sure you tell your driver Castaways at Jolly Beach

Runaway Bay – 10 minutes - $12 for 4 – Sandhaven Restaurant, no hotels – 2 chairs and 1 umbrella for $18 – less crowded, horseback riding and jetskis available

 

Valley Church Beach – 25 minutes – #22 bus (2nd beach) is $1.50 pp one way, taxi $16pp one way -- good bar (The Nest) with food (closed Sun.) no hotels – chairs $4 each, umbrellas for rent lots of shade trees -- private beach, jet skis here. Bathrooms available, massage therapy area.

For the bus terminal, walk two blocks from the cruise ship to Market Street. Turn right and walk about 1/4 mile, bus terminal will be on your right across from the public market. Take the #22. Ask driver to let you know when you reach Valley Church Beach. You'll be dropped off near a large sign for the Nest Bar/Restaurant. Beach is on the opposite side of the street from where bus dropped you off. Follow path to

beach. 5 minute or so walk. Coming back is easy as bus stop is on opposite side of road from where you were dropped off. Buses look like small vans and hold 15 passengers.

 

Hawksbill Beach – 15-20 minutes – taxi $15 - $20 each way – Resort there…no food available if you don’t pay resort fee – looks like chairs/umbrellas available for the resort fee – clothing optional 10 min. walk away. Resort charge $40 for half day (incl. lunch and drinks).

Dickenson Bay – 10 min - $3 pp one way taxi, or $12 van ride –Sandals and other hotels, lots of restaurants – chairs $5 each umbrellas for rent – was closed, but now reopened

 

Carlisle Bay Beach – 20 min - #22 bus costs $2.00 pp – resort there

 

Darkwood Beach – 25 min - #22 bus $1.50 pp (3rd beach on bus route)– beach bar there, no hotels – chairs and umbrellas for rent, jet skis $40 for 30-40 min, bathrooms available

 

Dutchmans Bay – near airport

 

Half Moon Bay – 35 minutes from airport – no hotels

 

Turners Beach – 20 – 25 min – bar/restaurant – free umbrellas, chairs for rent

 

Long Bay Beach – $6 pp bus ride -- snackbars and restrooms – rent chairs for $

9th December – Dominica

 

No beaches to speak of on Dominica, last time we were there, we went Whale watching, this was a great trip ( we could only arrange this trip via the ship, it was £50 each) We saw loads of Whales and Dolphins and really enjoyed the day. Alternatively, visit the rain forest. We arranged the trip direct with Reyno , just google his name. The trip was all arranged via email, he met us at the port. Again, another great trip.

 

11th December – St Vincent

 

Last time we were on St Vincent, it was on a Sunday and the Island was closed!!

 

We are not great fans of St Vincent. In our experience the beach (Villa Beach) was very poor and not worth the effort. The time before last we did a tour of the Island with one of the many taxi's at the port, the tour was about $15-$20pp, it was okay, visiting the Gardens and the film set of Pirates of the Caribbean, but once you have done it once........the last time there we stayed on the ship.

 

We love Grand Turk, it's such an easy day, walk off the ship, down the pier, through the cruise port and turn left onto the beautiful beach where your free sunbeds await, just wonderful.

Edited August 9, 2014 by hammers