Recomendations for Shore Excursions-Eastern Caribbean

[cassidyk]

Hi everyone! My husband and I are cruising on Mariner in September to the eastern Caribbean and I am looking for any recommendations or suggestions for shore excursions. Neither of us scuba but other than that I think we would be up for most anything so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[christineann]

We just got back last week and really enjoyed our excursions. We did the Turtle Cove snorkel in St. Thomas and the Golden Eagle in St. Maarten (beautiful beach if you don't want to snorkel). We went to the forts in San Juan (just hopped on the free bus). We did the Seahorse snorkel in Nassau and enjoyed that, too.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[chessbriar]

What types of things do you like? Swimming, Sailing, Beach Time, Tours? VEry vague questions, point us in a direction

[dirtgirl]

Our favourite excursion was ziplining in St. Martin (cruise excursion). It was a blast! The kids loved it too; it was the highlight of the cruise for them.

 

In St. Thomas we went on a tour with Sonny Lister. The weather was horrible, so that put a damper on things, and we did not hang out at a beach.

 

We went to Nassau, not Cococay, so I can't help you there.

 

You will have a great time! :D

[Sheffie]

The America's Cup Regatta in St. Maarten is the top rated excursion in the Caribbean. We loved it! We crewed the Stars and Stripes and beat True North! Here is a link to our pictures from that day: http://community.webshots.com/album/528943965HpvFnj

[KelJ]

We loved the BOBs in St. Thomas. It was our favorite excursion! In Nassau, we rented a room at Atlantis and spent the day at their beautiful resort. In San Juan, we went to the forts. It was so scorching hot that we then took a cab to the Mall of America for some air conditioning and some last-minute Christmas shopping.

[Nliedel]

Loves Magan's bay in St. Thomas!

[cassidyk]

Sorry for the delay in response, I have been traveling without access to the web.

 

Anyway, Chessbrier I wasn't trying to be vague but instead was interested in any excursions that others have been pleased with. I am sure there are plenty of activities available that we have never tried and therefore don't know whether we like or not so I thought I would leave the question very open-ended in order to gather the most information. But as far as specifics, we enjoy snorkeling, sailing, and tours. We enjoy the water but are not really ones to just lounge on the beach.

 

I would love to try parasailing or jet-skiing. We did zip lining a couple of years ago in Costa Rica so I would love to hear more about the excursion (I believe in St. Marten) that involves ziplining. Thanks again!

[jules815]

We were in St. Maartin last week and did the "Afternoon Beach Bash" excursion offered through RCI. It wasn't a very long excursion, (probably 3 hours total) but I didn't want to commit to something that had us out on a beach all day. My husband's not a beach person, but he loved it. Since the excursion doesn't meet up on the pier until 1:15, you can easily do something in the morning. My dad and his lady friend took a water taxi to a casino from the pier in the morning, and then were still able to join us for the beach bash in the afternoon.

 

They took us on an air conditioned tour bus to the French side of the island. The beach and water were breathtaking, and they gave everyone in our party their own padded lounge chair, and unlimited rum punch. You could rent waverunners and our daughters went parasailing. It was a lovely beach afternoon.

[cassidyk]

Thanks Jules! That sounds like a lot of fun. We will definitely consider that one. :-)

[wootter]

If your ship offers it, I wuld HIGHLY reccomend Captain Nautica's Snorkel Adventure in St Thomas. It is well worth the 100 dollars or so and it was one of the most memorable expeiences of my life. Prepare to have lots of fun, see lots of cool things, and eat some great food!

[radarcruiser]

We were on the AOS about a month ago. In St. Thomas we booked the Champagne Catamaran to St. John through Atlantis Submarines. It was great. They picked us up at Havensight Mall right next to the ship and we were gone about 4 1/2 hours. We sailed to Honeymoon Beach on St. John where you can snorkel (equipment provided). A light lunch is served and on the way back unlimited adult beverages are served:), including champagne. Capt Ed and the crew were very good. RCL does not offer this, you must book on your own.

[negc]

Let me second the recommendations of BOB in St. Thomas and the America's Cup Regatta in St. Maarten. Both are excellent and unique experiences. You might also look into the high-speed ferry from St. Maarten to St. Barths. The seas can be very high and rough either on the way over or back, but it is another option.

[lv2bcruzin]

Magan's Bay in St. Thomas and I can't remember the name, but there is a nude beach in St. Maarten, only problem is the only people nude are the ones who shouldn't be :p There is parasailing there too.

[katiel53]

If you just want a laid back experience with going to the beach, I would recommend Godfrey tours in St. Thomas. He takes you all over the island and ends by taking you to the beach and back to the ship, or for those who want to go back to the ship without the beach, he will do that too. He gives time for shopping too. His tours are reasonable, $25 p/p and we did him last year and are going again this year. His website is godfreytoursvi.com. We totally enjoyed our tour.

 

In St. Martin we are using Bernard for a tour. He's very reasonable again and will take us to Orient Beach at the end. His email address is bernard133202@yahoo.com. If you email him, he will give you info about his tour. Both of these people are well recommended on the ports of call boards.

 

We have been to St. Thomas & St. Martin many times and we just enjoy the shopping and touring---plus St. Martin has casinos in case you are interested in them.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[threeofus]

Our favourite excursion was ziplining in St. Martin (cruise excursion). It was a blast! The kids loved it too; it was the highlight of the cruise for them.

 

You will have a great time! :D

 

Oooooooooooooooo that zipling was fun....a little more than I expected but fun all the same. Beware if you have a fear of heights...otherwise it's great.

[fozzyfoz]

Put me down as a 3rd recommending BOB in St Thomas (you also can snorkel, swim or just lay out on the boat deck while you are waiting for your turn to BOB.

[Uplink]

St. Maarten Loterie Tree Farm Tree Top Excursion (zip lines) was the most memorable excursion. My wife and I loved it. Beware, you should be in good shape. There is a lot of physical exertion required. It is definetly worth it though. I would book it early because it fills up fast. We were on a waiting list and got lucky. Also if you like marine life, check out the aquarium at Atlantis in Nassau. It is free to view. Just take the water taxi ($6.00 round trip) to Paradise Island and go into the Atlantis hotel.

[Cuizer2]

I can't remember the name, but there is a nude beach in St. Maarten, only problem is the only people nude are the ones who shouldn't be :p There is parasailing there too.

 

Orient Beach.

[2theship]

In St. Thomas, we went parasailing with Caribbean Watersports (http://www.viwatersports.com). They met us at the dock and gave us a great ride. We were on Princess at the time - Princess had no parasailing excursions offered in any port so I found the company through Cruise Critic. The guys told us that they have an exclusive contract with Royal Caribbean. So, if you can't make arrangements with them ahead of time, there should be a parasailing excursion through the ship.