Magen's Bay & Paradise Point - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Cruise Cat · 02-16-2007, 05:08 PM

What did you think of this Excursion?
(Carnival version listed)

Magen's Bay & Paradise Point 3.50 hours $39.00*
You will not want to miss two of St. Thomas’ must see highlights. On this excursion you will:

Visit Magen’s Bay Beach, rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
Spend two hours in the sun and surf.
End up at Paradise Point, for a scenic panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding islands.
Enjoy a free rum/fruit punch drink included in your tour ticket.

Note: A Skyride ticket is not included in this excursion.

Cruisin Angel · 02-16-2007, 05:41 PM

Not bad but 2 hrs. won't be nearly enough time at Magen's bay!!! We spent the whole day there and it was just gorgeous!

lnew1gd1 · 02-17-2007, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruise Cat

What did you think of this Excursion?
(Carnival version listed)

Magen's Bay & Paradise Point 3.50 hours $39.00*
You will not want to miss two of St. Thomas’ must see highlights. On this excursion you will:

Visit Magen’s Bay Beach, rated by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
Spend two hours in the sun and surf.
End up at Paradise Point, for a scenic panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding islands.
Enjoy a free rum/fruit punch drink included in your tour ticket.

Note: A Skyride ticket is not included in this excursion.

Megen's Bay is beautiful...one of my very favorite beaches. We have also done the island tour....have to see just more than Megen's Bay if it's your first time there. Blackbeards Castle, although it's not much anymore. The 99 steps that are actually something like 105. The shopping in town.

I agree with Sally, if you are a beachy person you will want more than 2 hours. But 2 hours is a nice start. Especially if an all day beach excursion isn't your thing.

You really should tour the island and see the whole thing!!!

houch · 02-17-2007, 11:13 AM

Been thinking about this but I can't remember how much taxi was to Megen's Beach. If it is the beach time you want, a taxi trip is cheaper, you can stay as long as you want to. You do get a nice little drive around the island to get there.
I am thinking you could beach it in the morning, have the taxi drop you off in town on your way back and shop in the afternoon. I think shopping is a must in St Thomas and if you shop first then you have to get back to the ship with your purchases before you can go to the beach. If you beach first...no problem shopping after! We have done this and it worked well. JMO

lnew1gd1 · 02-17-2007, 02:11 PM

Excellent suggestion! Definitely the way to go if I was doing it again.

berniemom · 04-15-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruisin Angel

Not bad but 2 hrs. won't be nearly enough time at Magen's bay!!! We spent the whole day there and it was just gorgeous!

Hi,
I was wondering ? can you walk off the beach for good snorkling?? or is it really touristy, crowded and not that great for snorkling?
How would it compare to sapphire or hull bay?
any help will be appreciated.

jimswims · 01-14-2008, 04:42 PM

I would not bother with doing a ships excursion to Magen's Bay. There will be lots of people and you are all sent to open air buses to get over. The cab ride is pretty inexpensive and much quicker.

We took the tour in 2006 and friends went on their own, they got over there about 1.5 hours before we did!

It is a beautiful beach. I would not say that it is very good for snorkeling but it is beautiful.

Cruise Planner · 01-15-2008, 01:57 AM

I agree with jimswims about taking a taxi. Don't waste your time or money on a cruise line excursion. And Magen's Bay is not good for snorkeling. If you want good snorkeling, then make a stop at Coki Beach. Or better yet, if you want good snorkeling, take a water taxi over to St. John and go to Trunk Bay.

Pete

zydecocruiser · 01-15-2008, 02:29 AM

Here are some not so current taxi rates:
St. Thomas Island Guide: Taxis & Rates

A few pictures from Hull Bay are here.
Carnival Liberty April 2006

jimswims · 01-21-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

I agree with jimswims about taking a taxi. Don't waste your time or money on a cruise line excursion. And Magen's Bay is not good for snorkeling. If you want good snorkeling, then make a stop at Coki Beach. Or better yet, if you want good snorkeling, take a water taxi over to St. John and go to Trunk Bay.

Pete

It has been a few years since we have been to Trunk Bay but I really liked the snorkeling there. We are going to be stopping in St. Thomas on our cruise this year and are planning to go to Trunk Bay with our kids (age 13 and 10). Both are very strong swimmers and love to snorkel.