Taxi time to each beach from cruise port?

[Rachelmle]

I will be on the Anthem - docking at St.Thomas on December 28th. It looks like we will be the only cruise in port on that date. (Yay!)

 

We will have our two kids (ages 4 & 6) with us for the day and we're looking to take a taxi to beach for the day.

 

We have never been to St.Thomas before!

 

How many minutes by taxi are the following beaches?

 

Magens Bay

 

Emerald Beach

 

Coki Beach

 

Any tips for us? We are looking for a nice beach where we can either grab some shade and/or rent chairs and an umbrella. Would also like a place to get snacks/drinks. Also need taxis readily available to take us back to the ship once the kids have had enough. :)

 

Any and all suggestions are welcome!!!

[blue_water]

Yes it looks like you are the only ship (larger ship) and are in port a nice long 12 hours! So you have lots of options for beaches. You could easily ferry over to St John as well, but since this is your first visit to St Thomas I would also consider staying on STT for your day and evening.

 

I believe you will dock in Crown Bay which is to the west of Charlotte Amalie (see the map in this link)-

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

All beaches are within easy reach. Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is the shortest taxi at 5 - 10 minutes and Magens Bay is a bit further, maybe 20 minutes. Our favorite beaches are on the East End and a 25 minute taxi. Both Coki and Sapphire are gorgeous and the choice just depends on whether you want a more lively vibe (Coki) or a quieter beach (Sapphire) as both offer snorkeling and the amenities you want.

 

Lindbergh Bay is more a hotel/resort vibe if you stay by the Emerald Beach Resort, nice restrooms and a beach restaurant and beach bar. Magens is a long bay with calm water, picnic tables and an entry fee, Coki is a smaller bay with several vendors vying for your business, and Sapphire is home to a few condo properties and is a quieter vibe and not as crowded as most other beaches. Taxis are available at all of these beaches for your return.

Secret Harbor is another beach on the East End with very calm water and snorkeling, and there is also a nice beach restaurant here.

 

Many choices! With young kids Magens and Secret Harbor are typically the calmest bays, but the Emerald Beach Resort in Lindbergh has the nicest facilities IMHO and the water can be calm there. Coki will be more crowded with a livelier vibe if you want that, and Sapphire offers natural shade but can be rougher when the seas are up.

Edited December 6, 2016 by blue_water

[Rachelmle]

Thanks so much - this is all so helpful.

 

Anyone else with tips for me?