Looking for a marina to stay at near the end of our trip in May. One option is Soper's Hole, but I've read mixed reviews online, people complaining that its too Disney-like (manufactured, etc) and a couple isolated complaints of break-ins.

Anyone have strong opinions one way or the other? I'm willing to accept that a.) you should lock your boat and b.) not everyone likes the same stuff.

But I certainly don't want to feel like I'm stuck in a tourist trap.

Your thoughts are welcome. Cheers!

I guess it might be easier to start with a question - what are you looking for in a Marina?

Soper's hole is fine - it's busy, but a place we often stop overnight.

Are you looking for dockage? Mooring?

Looking for dockage. We like to use the A/C at least once or twice during the trip, so the shore power is key. Plus its nice to walk on and off a night here or there. Clean showers would be nice as well.

We've stayed on the dock there - its pricey, but would give you shore power A/C. I'd suggest Scrub instead - especially if they have a TTOL discount. Much nicer!

Our last night, I'd much rather stay in an anchorage. And as far as showers go - the shower on the boats we've been on are always clean I find its much easier to just shower up on the boat - easy enough to top off on water.

We stayed there on New Years 2013/2104. Not much there to keep your interest after you finish dinner. Showers weren't working that day since they were waiting for water to be trucked in. Took a taxi to CGB and had a blast there. Was wishing we were moored there for the night. Just one persons experience on one night.

We really like Nanny Cay. The best showers on the island, pool, little beach, shops and very fast wifi.

I don't get the Disney comment. Sopers is pretty small.

We don't usually spend the night there-just stop to refresh supplies, but have on occasion. If you like roosters it's a real treat.

For restaurants, you have Fish & Lime and the Clubhouse at Frenchman's Cay, which are both excellent.

We always stay there on our next to last night. Busy with the ferries but they are all over to the left by Fish and Lim. It's a good place to moor and let the shoppers go ashore and buy all of their souveniers. Great for food and drinks and a grocery store for any last minute items that you are out of.

Scaramouche is also there and terrific Italian food..apps at Scaramouche..dinner at The Clubhouse..dessert and cocktails at Fish N Lime..perfect evening!

Oops, forgot Scaramouche. Definitely a great experience.

Second best gift shop in the bvi in my opinion if that's of any interest. We ended up overnighting here once due to some poor weather and we had a great time...fish n lime for dinner was outstanding

You can also get a taxi over to Smugglers Cove - wonderful beach. BYOB as there are no beach bars - unless the vendors are back - I never know...

I enjoy a stop at Soapers, but don't plan to do it every trip.

So that begs the question, which do you consider to be the best?

Just my opinion, but I think Foxy's gift shop on JVD is the best in the bvi...make sure you go through all the rooms

Latitude 18 in Soper's is great too

And if someone knows of a better gift shop than these two, let me know...

especially if you need a shower <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

We like the gift shop at "Myett's" very much..Val has a great eye for picking quality and fun stuff...oh and they sell my book there too!

agreed, very nice gift shop, and friendly help

What's the name of the breakfast place in Sopers? Can't remember but had an excellent breakfast there.
Lew

D'Best Cup..run by Omar..terrific..

D' best cup

http://www.dbestcup.net/

D best cup

D Best really is a nice breakfast place, and Soper's (or Sophie's Hole as my wife calls it. WTH?) is a nice area, but a little dull maybe is the word I'm looking for. It's very quiet at night.
Cane Garden has a lot more going on in the evening, but I don't know if it is a good mooring spot. We are land lubbers.

Dating myself on this one: we use to spend a day at Soper's hole > take the ferry to St Thomas and shop. This was before the "whatever hurricane" slapped the island. St Thomas use to have Hard Rock Cafe/pretty good shopping with no hassle on traveling to and from. We don't do this anymore.

Wow, thanks for all the feedback. We're going to Scrub instead now, but will check it out on another trip.