LuckyAshley Posted February 9, 2015 #1 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I've done some research on each of our ports and have a general idea of what to do/possible tour groups to book through. I wanted to get a better idea of what you guys would think to be the "best" island for certain activities. We're doing a back to back on the AOS next January out of San Juan (our first back to back so I may have more questions about that in the future :) ) and our ports will be: Departing out of San Juan St. Croix (twice) St. Kitts St. Maarten Dominica Barbados St. Thomas Antigua St. Lucia Grenada Which has the best snorkeling? Which has the best beaches? Which has the best ziplining? Other favorite/"must see" activity? Any recommendations including specific places or tours would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yknot13 Posted February 9, 2015 #2 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Dominica is a fantastic Port, We enjoyed snorkeling at Champagne reef and the trip up and into Titou Gorge. We were with a private guide Levi Baron -Bumping Tours and had the most wonderful time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyAshley Posted February 9, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Dominica is a fantastic Port, We enjoyed snorkeling at Champagne reef and the trip up and into Titou Gorge.We were with a private guide Levi Baron -Bumping Tours and had the most wonderful time Thanks! I've got Bumpiing on my list for Dominica. We're thinking about doing the Treasures one, although I'm a little sad that one doesn't do the Emerald Pool. Do you know which tour Levi does himself, or does he do different ones? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeybee Posted February 9, 2015 #4 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Cosol tours in st Lucia were fantastic. Volcano, snorkelling, waterfall and plenty of rum and rum punch! Take your own snorkel if you can as hire was extra. One of the best parts was sampling a brunch of local food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvie Posted February 9, 2015 #5 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Last month we were in St. Kitts and went to Carambola Beach Club. We rented a couple of chairs and an umbrella. They have a restaurant, beach bar, and nice restroom facilities. It was a nice relaxing beach day. On St. Martin we did Capt. Bob's tour (Souliga Destinations). You can see videos of this excursion on youtube and reviews on trip advisor. This was our favorite excursion. A high speed boat circles the island and makes beach, snorkel, lunch, and swim stops as well as Maho Bay to see a big jet come in and tour past the yachts in the marina. In Barbados we've done a catamaran sail on the Tiami, but that was a few years ago, so you would need to look at current reviews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted February 9, 2015 #6 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Tours in Dominica and St. Lucia are needed -with good drivers and good guides. We went on the Layou Valley tour and one of our party did the Aerial Tram. We enjoyed the beauty of Dominica and the Rain Forest. In St. Lucia, we went on a shorter tour, but were glad we did a tour as the roads are narrow and winding (as in Dominca.) We went on an island tour in Barbados which was good and another time went to Carlisle Bay on a day pass. Very nice beach. Our favorite beach in St. Thomas is Magen's Bay Beach- but it is not for snorkeling. Lots of cruisers like Trunk Bay in St. John for snorkeling. We went to Orient Beach in St. Maarten, but it was quite crowded and the surf was up. Next time, we would go to Marigot and to a beach near there. Have fun planning your cruise. Sounds good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erniesband Posted February 9, 2015 #7 Share Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Just back from a B2B in January on Jewel and have done 20 Southern cruises from San Juan. Here's some things we've done over the years and would recommend: St Thomas - shopping paradise, for a relaxing day book a daysail, we like High Pockets, or head over to St John and the better beaches. St Croix - Virgin Kayaking on the Salt River - http://www.virginkayaktours.com Cane Bay for snorkeling A trip into Christianstad for it's history Rainbow Beach really close to the pier You can see most of Fredrickstad in an hour Antigua - For water adventures any of the tours by Adventure Antigua - http://www.adventureantigua.com For history, a tour that goes to Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, etc. Gordon or Lawrence get good reviews. St Lucia - this island is best seen with an all day tour like Cosol, Mystic Man and others offer, It's a natural paradise. Ziplining is very popular here. If you want a great beach day with good snorkeling look into a day package with Island Divers at Ti Kaye resort. http://www.tikaye.com St Martin - shoppers paradise Front Street in Phillipsburg Orient Beach to people watch. Maho Beach to watch the planes come in. Bernard's Tour comes highly recommended St Kitts - highly recommend a tour by Thenford Grey hits all the highlights www dot thenfordgrey dot com If you're looking for something different try Javin's Tour myislandstours.shutterfly.com He takes you to Black Rock, hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling at a wreck, and the beach. Dominica - Any of the tours offered by Levi http://www.bumpiingtours.com Barbados - most popular thing is swimming with the turtles, go with Calabaza - http://www.calabazasailingcruises.com or Silvermoon - silvermoonbarbados.com If you like chocolate there's a small factory that gives tours http://www.agapey.com For history Glory Tours has some interesting tours. And don't forget to give yourself some time to explore San Juan. Come in a few days early, see Old San Juan, the forts and El Yunque. Edited February 9, 2015 by erniesband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJPLO Posted February 9, 2015 #8 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Barbados-calabaza sailing cruises. Amazing day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHKEL Posted February 9, 2015 #9 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Hands down the most fun excursion we have ever done! Dominica is a great island, would like to go back someday for a week. http://www.extremedominica.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searoses Posted February 10, 2015 #10 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Levi bumpiing is awesome....best tour ever....we went to the gorge where pirates of the caribbean filmed a couple of scenes....great day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicecruiser Posted February 10, 2015 #11 Share Posted February 10, 2015 In St. Kitts we took Annie's Fontaine tour(anniestours@gmail.com) - and loved every minute of it. You will never regret. Enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted February 10, 2015 #12 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Grenada - the Underwater Sculpture Park is truly amazing! We booked an independent snorkel tour with Grenada Seafaris. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason008 Posted February 10, 2015 #13 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Picture of Magens Bay in St. Thomas. It is a beautiful beach and I recommend it if you want a beach that is gorgeous, calm waters, not too crowded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted February 10, 2015 #14 Share Posted February 10, 2015 For Snorkeling from your list and we've been to all of them: St. Croix is very good and St. John which you can do from St. Thomas is nice as well. :) LuLu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaggesAZ Posted February 10, 2015 #15 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Departing out of San Juan (Great destination-LOTS to do here) See the rain forest, walk the cobblestone streets checking out shops and restaurants, kayak in the biobay, tour the forts, enjoy a beach day. St. Kitts - check out Rose and Jim's taxi if the fortress is of interest. We also went with Javin who proudly tells the stories of his boyhood living on the island and snorkeling out at Whitehorse bay was incredible. St. Maarten - Go to Marigot & enjoy the french shops, head to Orient for a wonderful beach day (stay left if nudity isn't your thing but AVOID the beach where you can take the water taxi from the ship-polluted water) or MAHO to experience the jumbo planes flying over you. Be sure and grab a bottle of Guavaberry Liqueur, they have a lil shop near the dock with samples. DELISH & you cannot get it in the states, or shipped here either. Dominica -Levi has recommended for good reason! My husband and I still talk about our tour with him and it was 5 years ago. Barbados - Contact Gina with Calabaza - simply an AMAZING day. If not available Silvermoon is great too! St. Thomas Taxi to Sapphire Beach (Great views, nice beach & natural shade) or taxi to Red Hook and Cinnamon Bay on St John great snorkeling & BEAUTY! St. Lucia - Spencer Ambrose Land and Sea was AWESOME tour. Snorkeling between the Pitons, actually just being there is incredible. Definitely have to do a tour here. Any recommendations including specific places or tours would be greatly appreciated. See above for my recommendations. The southern Caribbean is fantastic! I dream of a B2B - have a great trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumbletigger Posted February 10, 2015 #16 Share Posted February 10, 2015 At Maarten- Capt. Bob's Speedboat your was awesome!! The best parts were snorkeling with the sea turtles followed by the yummy lunch. Barbados- Calabaza!!! They take 12 or less people. Well worth the $$. The ship wreaks were so cool seeing all the fish so close to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocko97 Posted February 10, 2015 #17 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Here are a couple more links from our AOS southern Caribbean cruise a few years ago: St Lucia http://herodstours.com/st-lucia-piton-adventure-speed-boat-coastal-cruise/ Barbados http://shasacatamarancruises.com (sea turtle snorkeling) St Martin http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Beaches/BaieRouge.html (required a taxi ride to the French side, totally worth it!) Sent from my LG G2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidygirl Posted February 10, 2015 #18 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Thanks! I've got Bumpiing on my list for Dominica. We're thinking about doing the Treasures one, although I'm a little sad that one doesn't do the Emerald Pool. Do you know which tour Levi does himself, or does he do different ones?We lucked out getting him last April we are returning this April with our 2 young adult daughters and SIL We are doing Roseau Valley best and we requested him back in Oct or Nov, so make reservations as soon as possible and request him you may get lucky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruzin RN Posted February 10, 2015 #19 Share Posted February 10, 2015 St lucia..cat tour of the pitons...highlight of our trip...have a pic on my desk, look at it every am and smile!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyAshley Posted February 10, 2015 Author #20 Share Posted February 10, 2015 For Snorkeling from your list and we've been to all of them: St. Croix is very good and St. John which you can do from St. Thomas is nice as well. :)LuLu Thank you for the advice. We've actually done Trunk Bay on St. John and really enjoyed it. I think we'll try something else this time in St. Thomas. Where do you recommend for snorkeling in St. Croix? I think we're looking at Buck Island or Cane Bay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyAshley Posted February 10, 2015 Author #21 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Picture of Magens Bay in St. Thomas. It is a beautiful beach and I recommend it if you want a beach that is gorgeous, calm waters, not too crowded. What is the best way to get to and from Magens Bay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyAshley Posted February 10, 2015 Author #22 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Just back from a B2B in January on Jewel and have done 20 Southern cruises from San Juan. Here's some things we've done over the years and would recommend:St Thomas - shopping paradise, for a relaxing day book a daysail, we like High Pockets, or head over to St John and the better beaches. St Croix - Virgin Kayaking on the Salt River - www.virginkayaktours.com Cane Bay for snorkeling A trip into Christianstad for it's history Rainbow Beach really close to the pier You can see most of Fredrickstad in an hour Antigua - For water adventures any of the tours by Adventure Antigua - www.adventureantigua.com For history, a tour that goes to Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, etc. Gordon or Lawrence get good reviews. St Lucia - this island is best seen with an all day tour like Cosol, Mystic Man and others offer, It's a natural paradise. Ziplining is very popular here. If you want a great beach day with good snorkeling look into a day package with Island Divers at Ti Kaye resort. www.tikaye.com St Martin - shoppers paradise Front Street in Phillipsburg Orient Beach to people watch. Maho Beach to watch the planes come in. Bernard's Tour comes highly recommended St Kitts - highly recommend a tour by Thenford Grey hits all the highlights www dot thenfordgrey dot com If you're looking for something different try Javin's Tour myislandstours.shutterfly.com He takes you to Black Rock, hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling at a wreck, and the beach. Dominica - Any of the tours offered by Levi www.bumpiingtours.com Barbados - most popular thing is swimming with the turtles, go with Calabaza - www.calabazasailingcruises.com or Silvermoon - silvermoonbarbados.com If you like chocolate there's a small factory that gives tours www.agapey.com For history Glory Tours has some interesting tours. And don't forget to give yourself some time to explore San Juan. Come in a few days early, see Old San Juan, the forts and El Yunque. Thank you this was extremely helpful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erniesband Posted February 10, 2015 #23 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Thank you this was extremely helpful! You're welcome. I forgot to mention that these are not ship excursions and must be booked though the various independent operators.We just feel it's better to help the local economy rather than the cruise lines bottom line. We have never had an issue with any of the tours that I recommend as to safety or getting back to ship on time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason008 Posted February 11, 2015 #24 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) What is the best way to get to and from Magens Bay? You can either take the excursion through Royal Caribbean at $35 per person or you can use a taxi to get there on your own. Taking a taxi is much cheaper but just keep in mind that you need to get back to the ship on time. I have attached a pic from the Royal Caribbean excursion book that I picked up onboard the Allure of the Seas. Its the Magens Bay beach getaway. It may be hard to read...you can also go to the RCCL website and look at the excursion there. Edited February 11, 2015 by Jason008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted February 11, 2015 #25 Share Posted February 11, 2015 The only concern we have with cabs in St. Thomas, is that when there are many ships in- the traffic is crowded- so we book an excursion to get back in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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