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My family and I are cruising to St. Thomas next month on Explorer of the Seas. Since we dock at 1pm, and allowing time for getting off the ship as well as the taxi to Magen's Bay, will we have enough time to enjoy it? I've read in some places that loungers must be returned at 4pm. Does the beach actually have a closing time? Rented chairs/umbrella back at a certain time? Food areas close? Lifeguards leave? Must people leave by dusk?
Can't wait to get there. Any help or advice would be so appreciated. Thanks.
We went to Magen's Bay in April. We got there after 5pm and stayed to watch the sun set. There were only a few people on the beach and it was quite peaceful. Everything was closed up and the vendors were all gone. My guess is that everything rented has to be returned between 4-5pm.
Dear Kat,
If your ship docks at 1PM you probably won't disembark for at least an hour and then taxiing to Magens will be at least another half hour so figure on your getting to Magens around 3PM, give or take.
You should be able to enjoy a couple of quality hours there and I wouldn't bother with the chair/umbrella rentals. If you let the cruise ship personnel know what your plans are they'll provide you with beach towels (ask for two per person, one for lounging and one for the head prop and drying off after swimming!) and there is ample shaded seating at Magens (wooden benches and tables under trees.)
HOWEVER, if you're planning on staying until sunset (in July around 7:15PM) you should arrange with your taxi driver to pick you back up at a designated time. The taxi drivers who go back and forth to Magens are generally dealing with passengers whose ships arrive early AM and leave early PM and the mass taxi exodus from Magens is around 4-5PM.
Have fun and hope this helps!
