Al

We are going on a cruise, and we will be stopping in St. Barts for a day. We have to chose a land excursion, and from the list, we really don't know what to chose. They list an "ODYSSEE Caraibes Snorkeling tour. It takes 2 hours, and the catamaran takes you on a ten minute ride to the snorkeling sight in Colombier Bay. Snorkel for about an hour, and then head to the beach for beverages. Is this good? <BR>There is another one for snorkelling, (which we really want to do), called "Snorkeling Safari". Is is also 2 hours long, only 9 guests per boat, go on a fiftenn-minute ride by motorized boat to some of the best snorkeling in the marine part. (they don't say where). Is this a better one to go to? <BR>Then the last one to chose is the SEA St. Barts tour. It is 3 hours in length, and takes you on a sail around the coast. In Colobier Bay, they drop anchor and let you swim or relax before continuing the last leg of the journey back to the pier. Is this worth it? They say, due to weather, it may not be able to go completely around the entire island. Has anyone done this one?

BillK

You say land excursion, but all of them are water. If you can actually find a land excursion do it. It would seem a shame to come that close to SBH and not actually visit the island.

John

I agree with Bill. First of all snorkling at St Barts is not so good. Secondly, you should "sample" the island. Take an island tour (a cab will do this in a couple of hours) then spend the resto f the day at St Jean beach. Great shopping and restaurants and people watching.

Anon

If you're already on a cruise, why would you want to get into another boat. St. Bart's is not known for great snorkeling anyway. Visit the island, have lunch, shop and go to the beach.

Gayle

My husband and I have been going to St. Barths once or twice a year for more than 15 years. The island is a beautiful, European gem, vety different from others in the Carribean. As other posters have said, it is not an island known for it's snorkeling. The best day in St. Barths would be to start by browsing around in Gustavia the port town where your tender will drop you. Gawk at the yachts, browse in the fabulous stores, garb an espresso or iced tea (un the glace) at L'Oubli on the corner in town. Then take a taxi to one of the magnificent beaches such as Saline, or Gouveneur. Tell the cab driver when to come back for you. Remember the beaches have little or no shade so either bring a beach umbrella from town or the ship, or prepare to be in the water a lot. After a bit of sun and sand, head over to Eden Rock Hotel's beach restaurant The Sandbar for lunch (call first you need a reservation). It's right on St. Jean beach. When you arrive sandy from your earlier excursion, ask the hostess (Sandrine is her name, assuming she's there when you are), if you can use the outdoor shower to shower off. The food and wine are wonderful and the view of the planes taking off and landing on the tiny airstrip is fun. And the water is a pure turquoise blue. Have no worry, they take credit cards. Allow 2 hours for lunch as it's a leisurely event on this island. By the time lunch is over, you'll be ready to head back to your ship for a snooze. Then, if time permits and you're still in port, head over to La Mandala or the Carl Gustf in Gustavia for a galss of champage and to watch the sunset. The only other thing you might want to do before you head back to your ship is take a perimeter drive around the island which is very beautiful (8 sqarue miles).<BR><BR>Hope that helps. Bon Journee. Email me if I can be of help.