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*We are trying to find the best information to help us decide on a beach along with time to shop in downtown St. Thomas. The beaches we were looking at are Sapphire vs Magens Bay. We would like to be able to rent snorkel equipment for a few hours. Have a place to change maybe grab a bite to eat. What would be the taxi fairs to the beaches from the cruise ship port, probably Havensite (we will be on the NCL Jewel)? We will be docked there from 8am to 4pm. Any helpful information will be appreciated. Thanks
Magen's Bay isn't really the greatest place to snorkle although you can find equipment, changing facilities, and food there. It is a beautiful beach but just really relaxing clear water and a pretty beach. Not much to look at under the surface. Coki has snorkle rental and good snorkling near Coral World. They also have changing rooms and food. I'm not really sure what the snorkling is like at Sapphire.
http://www.print2webcorp.com/news/VirginIslands-STSJ/ThisWeek/20050801/p45.asp
This web site will give you and idea of the taxi fares to various places. Magen's Bay from town is $8.50 for one person or $6.00/pp for a group. Sapphire is $12.00 and $8.00. Coki is $10.00 and $7.00 for a group.
I would shop a little while. Know what you want and search it out. St. Thomas can be overwhelming when it comes to shopping. After shopping I would cool off at the beach. Just my suggestion. That way you can change clothes at the beach and go directly back to the ship to freshen up for your evening at sea.
Mel
Hello Fran,
Since you are interested in snorkeling then I would suggest you go with Sapphire, there is good snorkeling there. Magens Bay is a sandy bay - very nice for wading, swimming, floating - but not much snorkeling. There is a little along the rocks but not much. Both beaches have snorkel gear to rent, restrooms, food/drinks.
--Islander
I second Islander. Sapphire has great snorkeling. If snorkeling is your pleasure, go to Sapphire. There is a large reef that comes all the way to the shoreline in one section, and extends out and around a point. The father out you go, the more to see. There's also a reefed catamaran at the other end of the beach, which I'm told is now a good snorkel spot. I find the menu at the Pool Grill at Sapphire to be better than the beachfront restaurant (but, I don't they're both open at once anayway).
FYI, when you approach Sapphire from the hotel lobby, the good snorkeling reef is on your right. If you walk to the end of the beach, to the right, you'll see it coming right up to the shoreline. You can't miss it.
