What is the approximate distance from the northern parts to the southern parts. We will be at La Sirena without car. Is it a viable option to walk where we want to go? Conversly, how much for a taxi to and fro to various places from there? We'll also have our 3 almost 4 year old daughter with us as well.

You need wheels to get from Fort Charles to Great Bay. Hire a local driver and see the area.

Rent a car, is cheaper

Driving is an issue for some in JA. Here's our stock answer on the subject

You could also do a search here for other threads about driving.

-TBNet

By recommendation on Monday, August 02, 2010 - 01:08 pm: Edit Post
Rent a car, is cheap

Renting is cheaper if you rent from a private party which newbies may not have the connections for.

I would not count renting from a private party. Those cars are sometimes in for service or rented to someone else plus you are never quite sure about the insurance coverage no matter what the people say. Aman Parchment is a professional driver who lives down in Billys Bay where La Sirena is. Their housekeeper knows him and can easily ask him to take you on a day tour or drop you off up near Jake's and then fetch you when you call him.

Get a bicycle, I have stayed at Great Escape down the road prior and even walk many times to Billys Bay. From La Sirena, you are a 25 min walk to Frenchmans Bay.

A bicycle with a 3 year old child over not very good roads?

If you hadn't added the bit about having your young daughter with you, I'd have suggested walking. I've walked from Ft. Charles to Sandy Bank. It's not a 2-second walk by any means, but there are nice places to stop along the way, and you save some money. (Of course, I'm a walker and I don't mind the heat, so maybe this option really only works for me?)

With a small child, maybe you could walk part of the way -- into Billy's Bay or as far as the coffee shop -- and then hail a taxi, but I'd definitely think a route taxi would be best. The staff at La Sirena probably know a few drivers to recommend. When I stayed in Billy's Bay, the staff had three drivers they would call on when I needed a ride.

Never ever rent a car from a private person- !-everything is well if nothing happens- -rent a car-or take Treasure Tours-they have the best drivers,very save,comfy,clean cars,entertainment,never late-always on time,patient ,helpful-no headaches ,just relax and enjoy the "show"

It isn't that easy for people on a tight budget to be able to just rent a car or hire a driver to drop them here, there and everywhere. The expense incurred definitely is affecting the everyday person’s ability to visit the area. I love TB, but find I am unable to come as often as I would like to due to the travel costs involved. By the time you have paid for return flights, accounted for return travel to and from the airport and paid for accommodation it starts to equate to buying an all inclusive package elsewhere on the island!! It is such a shame because the amount visitors are having to pay out for these basic holiday necessities is starting to make TB beyond the reach of the everyday person. This in turn will impact on local businesses, as tourists, whilst in the area, spend their money, which helps the local community/economy.

Axel is correct, more is you are with a child

Use your own judgment after taking local cabs as to which driver you feel more comfortable with.
I did that and it worked out very well for me.My driver was courteous,reliable and respectable.He also drove the speed limit (believe it or not) which was very important seeing the roads are winding and narrow.

He is from Treasure Beach but lives about 10 miles away yet he was always there on time whenever I made that appointment.
If and when I do return to TB he sure will be my driver again.
I was told there are many drivers like him but,I was comfortable driving with him from the first "GO" and that made him a winner for me.

So when you do arrive in TB consult with you villa owner/employees and they will recommend for you.

Have a safe journey and enjoy your stay in TB.