I'm going on a cruise to St. Thomas and Martin but I don't want to pay for the shore excursion, suggestions?

Question

I'd love to hit up one of the lesser known beaches or maybe a great shopping area that I can take a cab to.

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call", then StT/StM.  You'll find lots of recommendations from past cruisers.

If you want a really lesser-known beach, you could try Water Island.  Or go to St. John and hike the Linde Point trail in the national park to Salamon Bay beach or Honeymoon Bay beach.  There's info about this at CC or check out the NPS website.

Just BE SURE you keep track of time and get back to the ship at the requested time.  They will leave without you unless you're on a ship's excursion.

Answer 2

In St Thomas you can take a cab to Coki Beach, located right next door to Coral World Ocean Park. Plenty of cabs there to take you back to the ship.  Or if you have the time take the Red Hook ferry over to St John and go to the famous Trunk Bay Beach. Showers, snack bar and gift shop. Snorkel the underwater snorkel trail. Snorkel rentals available.

In St Maarten head straight for Philipsburg. Best shopping in the Caribbean. Another suggestion is take a cab to Sunset Beach Bar and watch the planes come in for a landing over Maho Beach. Bring your camera. Awesome.

Have a great cruise. Enjoy)