Cruise ships offer an excursion to Sapphire and it is almost the only beach or activity recommended over and over on CruiseCritic .com.

What are you looking at to see the crowds?

Likely the webcam in the middle of a heavy cruise ship day. The 'cam covers the main area where the cruisers congregate so the crowding looks significantly greater than it is in reality.

http://www.sapphireinthesun.com/

you need to look again....the "main beach area " isn't even visible and look how crowded it is . and what about the beach bar you were so sure would be reopened , what happened there ? I hate to think of what these cruisers are using for a restroom !
I just can't imagine the condo owners are happy about this situation

I just looked at the link and there's hardly anyone there.
If Sapphire gets crowded, there are numerous awesome other beaches on the island to enjoy, some quite close to Sapphire's location.

I don't know if a beach bar or any other services are open at Sapphire. However, one can always buy a inexpensive Styrofoam cooler, fill it with your favorite drinks, snacks and ice, all of which are readily available at the 2 grocery stores right on the east end, if not inclined to go to Cost U Less or PriceSmart while probably saving you a bundle from purchasing at the beach bar.

It's warm and beautiful, what more do you want?

Lolly wrote:
you need to look again....the "main beach area " isn't even visible and look how crowded it is . and what about the beach bar you were so sure would be reopened , what happened there ? I hate to think of what these cruisers are using for a restroom !
I just can't imagine the condo owners are happy about this situation

Take a breath. Apart from gazing sporadically at the webcam to form an opinion, when were you last actually at Sapphire in person? As far as the main beach bar (which has been closed for YEARS) being re-opened, I've never been sure of it's reopening, have merely reported on Sapphire "events" as they've unfolded. The Banana Cabana does a good job and, as has been the case for years, the Sapphire Bar and Grill has runners on the beach taking food and drink orders. The bathrooms were closed for a brief while but are now open again and have been for months. As far as your speculation about what the owners are happy or unhappy about, I've heard nothing negative of late from the many owners and residents I happen to know.

My apologies for apparently having ruffled you for some reason by answering your questions/addressing your comments.

Alana , we stay at Sapphire where we have access to "our" condo , other than an annual trip to Magens on a light cruise ship day and other ventures around the island Sapphire is where we want to be .

We have been going down for about 21 years and the past 3 years we have been lucky enough to spend a month at Sapphire , the restaurant and bar I was referring to is the one by the pool , last Feb/March was our last trip and I look at the web cam daily , along with the St John Spice Cam which gives the temp....very important to those of us here in the frozen N.

just curious are they still taking cruise ship people to Magens ? when we were there last year the only day we had available to go to Magens with our Daughter & G'kid was on a heavy cruise ship day , we got there early , found our spot & settled in , this was the busiest we had ever seen it ! after lunch we decided to leave and go to the animal shelter , spent a quiet hour playing with the kitties , where it was very peaceful

still looking forward to our trip down in 2 weeks , just hope there will be some quiet time at Sapphire !

Best to check the cruise ship schedule and pick a day with little or no ships in port as Magens Bay is a popular excursion tour for passengers.
Same with Coki Beach, possibly Sapphire as well. I don't know if they resumed tours there.

Thanks for taking the time for our shelter kitties. They need all the affection they can get.

Yes, thanks for going to the shelter. How hard was it not to take one home for your kids? (tu)

Cruise ships are always looking to add new excursions so they now go to Magens, Sapphire, and Smith Bay Park that I know of. The dive shop at Sapphire provides chairs and snorkel equipment.

I have heard complaints from other owners. More people are snorkeling now so are looking for beaches where they can snorkel. Coki has a reputation for being crowded so Sapphire is now getting more traffic.

6 days out ! can't wait ! John , we have 2 cats so going to the shelter was to get a kitty fix , that is the most beautiful place and love the Cat Cafes ...altho I noticed a new name on the cafe at Sapphire , but did see that they were still putting food & water out for the cats . If you have the time to see the shelter , which is near Home Depot , do go and check out their re-sale shops....best place to buy books ! see ya soon

Lucky Paws Foundation sponsors the Cat Cafe programs here in STT.
They can ALWAYS use donations of money and need people to foster animals. They raise money for all the spay and neuter events.
Of course our local shelter, Humane Society of St. Thomas also has this need plus they need people to help them fly pets to the states to be adopted as well so please contact them if you're willing to take a pet on flight to the states. They just need a passenger for the pet to fly with. There's no cost to you, they make all the arrangements, meet you at airport with pet and someone meets you on the other end to pick up pet depending on your destination.