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Today we decided to change our reservation from the Best Western to the Sapphire Beach Resort. We decided we liked the location of Sapphire Beach more and the beach looks excellent for swimming, snorkeling, etc.
We booked a 2-story beach front villa. We will be staying there Sunday, January 15- Saturday, January 21.
Is there anything we should know about the resort before we go? I read some of the posts about the resort on here and it sounds great.
Does anybody have experience snorkeling at Sapphire? What about the equipment at the hotel? I am debating whether or not I should bring along my own equipment. I understand it is free, however, when I called the hotel the receptionist could not tell me the terms. (i.e. whether or not I could use it all day, possibly take it on a day trip to another beach, etc)
Also, we are looking to stock our kitchen with some good breakfast and lunch food... Is there a good grocery store we can hit on the way from the airport? We will be renting a car.
We definitely plan on using the in room blender and want to pick up some Rum and other liquors... where is the best place to do that? (duty free would be great) Are there any markets that sell Caribbean fruit?
I read a review of Sapphire on another site that mentioned parties at the hotel.. does anybody know about the night life at Sapphire and nearby hotels?
We are still debating whether or not we should get a jeep or a sedan... based on where we are staying, and one day trip to STJ, any suggestions on Jeep or Ford Taurus? (the Jeep is about $160 more for the 6 days)
I always take the car from STT to STJ. I've never had a ferry problem with Boyson (car barge). In fact, my experiences have been especially pleasant. However, being that this is January, thigs may be more crowded than i am used to.
You do have to call upon your good driving experience to get onto and off of the barge. You have to back on, up a slight ramp. You should back on at an angle - not straight on or you will scrape the bottom of the car as you crest over the lip at the top of the ramp. There will eb a Boyson person there to direct you as you are backing up and telling you where to park and then using their hands to help you back up. It will be a tight squeeze. They really back you right up to the car behind you and all of the cars are tightly packed. When you are nearing the STJ side, get ready - the cars exit the barge fairly quickly and you will be expected to be ready to go as soon as it is your turn - cars begin to unload as soon as the ramp is lowered. Go off at an angle so you don't bottom out.
Having your own car will also allow you to bring your own cooler in the trunk, if desired...drinks, munchies, etc. without lugging it onto the people ferry.
IMO, the downside of bringing the car from STT is that you have to go back to STT earlier than if you were on the peopel ferry, which runs later.
But, if STJ really feels good and you find yourselves really not wanting to go back as early as the car barge leaves, park the car somwhere where it can stay overnight, take the people ferry back and then come back for the car the next day. You can also make another day on STJ out of that if you find that you really enjoyed it. Sapphire is so close to the Red Hook ferry dock that a cab to Sapphire from the people ferry won't cost much.
Then again, if I were your age, I would probably just party all night on STJ and get the first car barge over in the AM. What tiem do they start? 6am or something? I've seen the sun rise on many occasions after being up all night.
THe barge runs from 6 am to 6 pm. There is a 530 then a 600. SUPPOSEDLY if there are enough cars for another barge (as if there is an event like 8 Tuff Miles or Wagapalooza) they will run another barge, but luckily I haven't had to deal with it =)
Montana J. We have done both. When we went in September with our kids, we took the ferry and got taxis to Trunk Bay. It ended up being about the same as a rental car. In December we rented from Budget and took our car over. While about the same price, we got to explore the island and saw several other beautiful beaches. We found in both cases by arriving about 30 min early -- we were able to be one of the first cars on the ferry. Have a great time!
MJ,
IMO... if you want to see more than just 1 or 2 beaches (probably Cinnamon Bay would be the farthest you could venture to) and see Cruz Bay, you'll need a car/Jeep on STJ. I'm thinking your group are all pretty young and adventurous and I could see you wanting to explore/see more than just the Northeast quadrant of the island, which is about all you could do without a car... economically and timewise. I can also see you realizing that you'd like to "party" in Cruz Bay in the evening. I also agree with Blu in that if you really like STJ, leave the car there in a safe place and go back on the people ferry and do a second day on STJ. No need for a designated driver that way either. STJ is such a great place... I can almost assure that you will want to spend more than one day there.
Famous Lines: "Gee, this place is awesome, I wish we had more time here!" One of you is bound to say that! LOL
Have fun whatever you do... there's no way you can't!
crickett : )
I'm planning a 1 week trip in April and would like to go to the Caribbean. Great swimming and snorkeling are important. It would be best to be near the beach, NOT up on a hill w/ views. I've looked at Sapphire, and cottages on St. Croix. Any recommendations?
Hello, I am planning my first trip ever to the Virgin Islands and am thinking about staying at Sapphire Beach too. I am also considering Secret Harbour. I have heard there is really good snorkeling there. I have read many of your questions regarding your trip. I was wondering if you had done a trip report or plan to. I would like to hear what you thought of the Sapphire Beach resort. I too am planning on renting a car while I am there and plan on taking it on the car barge ferry. Have read about the long wait etc and Would like to know your experiences.
Dawn
