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Hello,
We are ready to sail in 2 weeks, and are trying to make a decision. Last cruise we visited Sapphire Beach-we enjoyed it-snorkeling was pretty good, not great, but decent. The views were lovely. Nice water, but just a snack bar nearby. We had our boys with us and they enjoyed the day.
This time its just the two of us. We are creatures of habit. But...I am thinking about trying Secret Harbour for the day. How has the snorkeling been? Food? If anyone who has recently been to Secret Harbour could let us know that would be great. Can we use the bathrooms at the resort? We wanted to know a little more about the dining. It looked as though you could eat outside on the patio, or perhaps purchase and take with you. Any help would be appreciated. Also, how long of a ride is it from Havensight where we will be docked? Any idea on the price for transportation? We are hoping to see some turtles...has anyone ever seen them?
If there is another good, clean, and safe snorkeling beach you could recommend we would love the help. We did love Sapphire, but we're thinking trying something new would be fun. Just want to make the right decision. We had thought about St John, but with the time of taking a ferry and worrying about getting back, I don't think I could relax. We are in port from 9-6pm. Any suggestions???
Thanks in advance for your help.
I love Sapphire, Have stayed there twice. Try Coki Beach. It has some funky places to eat , a nice beachfront, and good snorkeling. Very Carrib
I would go to Secret Harbour. The snorkeling is good, on a par with Sapphire and the dive shop there (Aqua Action) will rent you snorkeling gear if you don't have your own - and in any case will tell you the best snorkeling spots! The independently-owned Blue Moon Cafe is right there on the beach, has an excellent reputation and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner - their beach bar is very hospitable and fun.
The ride from Havensight is about the same as to Sapphire, about 20 minutes or so and the cost will be about $10pp. Getting a taxi back won't be a problem but best bet is to arrange with the driver who takes you there to pick you up at a prearranged time in time to get you "back to the ship"!
Personally I would pick SH over Coki any day which to me is a parody of it's former self in some respects. It's beautiful on non-cruise ship days but when the masses hit it's quite a zoo of vendors and hawkers!
No problem using the bathrooms at Blue Moon if you eat/drink there and you can rent beach chairs and chaise lounges. Enjoy your cruise and enjoy your day on St Thomas. Maybe think about coming back for a longer stay some time and then you can either stay on STJ or stay on STT and hop over on the ferry to enjoy the wonderful beaches there. Cheers!
Thanks so much for the useful information. Secret Harbour sounds wonderful- I truly appreciate your honesty. Thanks again, and I do hope to return to stay on either STT or STJ for a week or more hopefully soon. Any suggestions???? Secret Harbour Resort looks nice, we'll check it out. Since it looks like your a local and know the islands we would love your input on accommodations as well for a longer stay. Thanks so much fo ryour help-I'll check back to see your thoughts on accommodations. We'd want a nice beach, pool, good restaurants on the premises, or nearby. Having a kitchen would be great too, I guess to eat in at lunch and dinner. Most likely eat out for dinner. What are your thoughts???
How is parking at both locations(Sapphire/Secret Harbour)? I'm staying at the Marriott and thinking about visiting both locations by car. Also do both locations have a bar on the beach and chair rentals, access to bathrooms for day visitors etc...?
Thanks
Pete
We took a taxi to Sapphire and were dropped off. Looked like adequate parking infront of the resort. Bathrooms were not very clean. There was a snack/food cart between the buildings(burgers, fries, drinks) but that was it. We brought our own snorkel gear, and enjoyed the snorkeling and beautiful views while at Sapphire. I have not been to Secret Harbour yet, that is where we think we would like to try next. Hope that helps.
You are welcome to the beach at Secret Harbour, but will not be able to rent a chair after February 1. Also, no pool, but you may eat and drink at the Blue Moon.
EE: Just curious but why can't chairs be rented after February 1st at SH?
I had heard that about the chair rentals being stopped but not a date - it seemed to be coming from the owners of the units not wanting to be so attractive to the Cruise Sheeple - although many on this board recommend it for day trippers it appears that the Secret Harbor Board? doesn't want the extra traffic and usage at the facility.
I can understand the objections raised -- The beach at Emerald Beach Resort looks like a trash pit at 4pm on heavy cruise ship days -- the resorts bathrooms are being slowly destroyed despite their best efforts there - the guests at the hotel have often complained about the overcrowding - the attitude of some cruise ship passengers about using the pool gets explosive almost daily - It wouldn't seem to me that the increased revenue from the bar and chair rental is worth it and likely Secret Harbor has decided that is the case for their resort.
zero: That is it in a nutshell.
Of course I carry my beach chair and beach gear in the car at all times.
