Lion in da Sun or Palm Tree Charters ?

susan & herb · Post by **susan & herb** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:44 am

Hi everyone,
I wanted to get your opinion on who to charter for a possible catamaran trip in May.

Here is the situation, Herb of Susan & Herb is not a swimmer and gets seasick (went out 5 years ago with Capt in "small boat" and we had to leave him on one of the deserted islands so we could snorkel).

I can swim kind of but am OK with a belt, one of my sisters was a life guard and the other like me can't swim. We are also "mature" fun loving people.

Who do you think would work for our group especially my husband who is willing to give it a try again. I am hoping the catamaran will not be as rocky as the "small boat" he got sick on. I am not sure if we will just do a half a day around the island with some snorkeling stops or wind up going to the Baths which I would love to do.

I am sure there are lots of great charters just looking for one that would be able to "work with us" and give us a great time within our limitations.

bevm · Post by **bevm** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:50 am

The catamaran would definitely be your best bet if you want to try boating again. The twin hulls make it way more stable. I tend to get motion sickness and do well on a CAT. Maybe take a dramamine the morning before you go too..
I would start with a half day charter. You don't want to book something for a full day and be miserable. We used Scubadu and Capt. Joe was great!

lazylane · Post by **lazylane** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:50 am

My vote is Capt John Brandi of www.palmtreecharters.com

Try wrist bands for sea sickness! Or take non drowsy Dramamine - lasts 24 hours! I never had one problem on Palma Bella this last trip and I didn't use either!!! Great boat and fabulous Captain!

vi lover · Post by **vi lover** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:50 pm

I really don't think you can do wrong with either one, and the comment on the Catamaran being better for a "smooth ride" is accurate.

I also strongly agree with taking Dramamine prior to the trip. When we would go deep sea fishing, I'd have everyone take a pill the night before then again the morning of the trip. I don't get motion sickness, but even I followed the routine because there's just no worse way to spend a day than being seasick.

We went with Josh on Lion in Da Sun and highly recommend them.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

seagrape · Post by **seagrape** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:34 pm

We really enjoyed John Brandi with Palm Tree Charters. Of course, we've only been out with him. The day was incredible. Went to the Indians, and lots of other BVIs, especially some little ones. Check out his videos on his website. He'll take you where you want to go, and very comfortably. The pictures of his boat don't do it justice. There is a large sun deck up front, and lots of room in the shade as well. I'm sure Lion is great too, but Palm Tree made us very happy.

Have fun!
Seagrape

hoosierdaddy · Post by **hoosierdaddy** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:44 pm

We spent last Monday with Josh and Lion in Da Sun. It was the best day of our trip. He will go out of his way to make the trip as comfortable as possible. We went to the Baths and loved it. I will warn you that the trip to the baths was the roughest part of our trip. If I was you I would send an Email to Josh and Matt at Lion in da Sun. They will get back with you the same day.

traveler22 · Post by **traveler22** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:57 pm

I'll second Josh and Lion in Da Sun but Capt John has a great rep too so I don't think you can go wrong!

pjayer · Post by **pjayer** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:09 pm

We've been out with Palm Tree Charters several times and each time has been great fun. Captain Brandi will take you where you want to go or suggest places based on your interests. Plus, he's a really nice guy who knows his way around the islands.

I've also heard/read good comments about Lion in da Sun, too. But can't comment because we haven't used them.

usvi-on-line