Return Taxis

[mcqueeney449]

Hi - My DH and I will probably be snorkeling on our own in Barbados. We have our own gear and would like to try Folkstone and Mullins/Gibbes. If we taxi to one, will we be able to just grab a taxi to the other ... and a taxi back to the ship? Or do we need to make specific arrangements to be picked up at certain times? We'd really prefer to play it by ear but don't want to be waiting around if taxis are not readily available. Thanks!

[Aplmac]

DH and I will probably be snorkeling on our own in Barbados.

We have our own gear and would like to try Folkstone and Mullins/Gibbes.

If we taxi to one, will we be able to just grab a taxi to the other ...

and a taxi back to the ship?

Or do we need to make specific arrangements to be picked up at certain times?

We'd really prefer to play it by ear

but don't want to be waiting around if taxis are not readily available.

 

Firstly, I'm going to respond to this from the point of view of the taxi driver

who is not going to be pleased re. the thought of dripping-wet snorkellers

saturating the upholstery of his back seats!!

Yes, your plan is reasonably do-able,

but you'll need to get a rinse-off under a freshwater shower somewhere,

then drip-dry for 15 mins,

and then maybe do the guy a further favour by sitting on your towel, when you get in his cab

so you don't get his seats all soggy for his next customers

- who also won't be pleased with what you've left 'behind'...pun intended:D

 

Please don't take offense at this, I'm just trying to be practical!

In this climate wet car seats get to be a seriously smelly problem,

particularly if wetted with SEA-water,

due to the many microscopic diatom animals in every drop of sea-water,

who then die and it's them wot smell, not the actual sea-water.

So you need to consider that little local practicality in your multi-stop snorkelling jaunt. Please!

 

He won't appreciate sandy feet, either!

- these guys like to keep their cars spic and span, wherever possible.

Ask him how much he paid for the car, and you'll understand why!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

I'd go the long haul and do the Gibbes/Mullins bit first,

then work your way back towards the ship,

stopping at Folkestone which is halfway back to the Port.

(and shower and dry off a bit, at Folkestone,too).

 

Availability of taxis could be spotty at both locations,

but you are on the West Coast Main Road

(laughingly referred to locally as Hiway 1!)

but then all you gotta do is stand at the roadside lookin like a couple of tourists

and someone will stop for you, if even it's one of the ZR mini-vans

which would be the ideal transp. between Gibbes/Mullins and Folkestone,

and even (again) 'tween Folkestone and near-enough-to-the-Port

to be practical

(ask him to let you off at Cheffete fast food nr. the Port,

and point you towards that 200 yd. long street

which will take you to the roundabout right outside the Gates of the Port).

 

If you do get yourself a taxi

(cost you a lot more than the under-US$1.00 the ZR mini-van will require)

he'll drop you right at the gatehouse of the Port.

 

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I don't see you having to wait on some kinda transport

for longer than 5-10 mins. on the return trip from Mullins, to Folkestone, to the Port.

It may be wisest to catch a cab at the outset,

so you're up to the Mullins area in quick time - 35 mins?

start early, and you'll have the whole day ahead of you!

 

You didn't say how rich you are,

but if you make arrangements for the same taxi guy to return for you

at an appointed time, they are usually reliable,

but it'll cost ya!!

 

sorry to be so long-winded (as usual) but I hope this helps.

Please come back if you have further questions.

 

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here's a nice afternoon picture of Mullins for you

 

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[mcqueeney449]

Aplmac - Thanks for the reply and no offense taken. :) I learned that lesson in Bermuda years ago when I first started cruising & snorkeling. Those taxi drivers will NOT let you in if your wet or sandy! And ... being now older and wiser ... we of course understand completely; the taxis are their livelihoods and they can't have them wet and smelly.

 

It sounds like, with appropriate rinsing and drying, we can get transportation.

 

Can you give me an estimate of taxi cost for: Ship to Mullins/Mullins to Folkestone/Folkestone to Ship?

 

If we decide to do just one (if we get lazy and sleep in) which would you recommend just based on the snorkeling?

 

Thanks again for the great info … your local perspective and info are an amazing asset for this board!

 

(having posting problems - sorry if it double posts)

[mcqueeney449]

Double Post

[Aplmac]

Aplmac - Thanks for the reply and no offense taken. :)

 

It sounds like, with appropriate rinsing and drying,

we can get transportation. ===> yes, you should

 

Can you give me an estimate of taxi cost for:

Ship to Mullins/Mullins to Folkestone/Folkestone to Ship?

 

If we decide to do just one (if we get lazy and sleep in)

which would you recommend just based on the snorkeling? ===> probably Folkestone because..

 

Thanks again for the great info … your local perspective and info

are an amazing asset for this board! ===> lived here for 56 years!

 

Glad to hear my advice is seen as logical..and not exclusively local!

 

I'm not real good on taxi fares,

coz I have my own car and don't use taxis at all!

Given that caveat though.. I'd think (think!) that

Port to Mullins would be about US$20 ?

Mullins to Folkestone another $10 ?

Folkestone to Port another 10-12 ?

Please note the question marks!

 

Mullins to Folkestone to the Port is pretty much one straight coast road,

so if you guys get a ZR minivan stopping for you, get in!

At the time of day you'll be doing the trek back South in the direction of the ship,

those minivans should not be too crowded and sweaty,

and may be quick too - fare is Bds.$1.50 (= U.S.$ 0.75)

so just give them a U.S.buck per person and they'll be cool.

Just be sure to let them know where you're getting off.

 

===> probably Folkestone because..

1. it's closer

2. less transp. cost

3. maybe a better-quality reef

because it's in the National Marine Park or whatever they call it,

and therefore less likely to be picked at,etc.

 

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http://www.angelfire.com/wizard2/cncisland/bigships/mullins.html