1/2 day dingy rental, how far can you go?

I'm The Stig · Post by **I'm The Stig** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:13 pm

If you rent a dingy for a half day about how far can you get up the north shore? We'll be stopping & snorkeling along the way, but just curious if Noah's Little Arks can get up & move if you need them to?

Also, can you take them south out of Cruz Bay?

engarom · Post by **engarom** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:28 pm

If you are brave, as your name implies, you can go all the way to Watermelon Cay. That is if you you go around north. Depending on conditions you can get some serious air off the waves!

My wife made me stop at Maho cause she was getting sick

You can go south out of Cruz Bay but there is not nearly as many cool snorkel spots.

BillnSue · Post by **BillnSue** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:40 pm

Stig...On the several occasions that we've rented from Noah's, we've had wonderful times going to Waterlemon. Watch the swell forecasts online and be prepared for some excitement in the channel. The first time we did it several years ago, Sue had the time of her life as I "skippered" frankly wishing that I'd brought another pair of trunks along...if you get my meaning...it can be rough especially as you round Mary Point. The ride back is less "suspensful". But all in all, Waterlemon is a great destination for a half day. Again, watch the water and watch the forecasts. Enjoy!!

I'm The Stig · Post by **I'm The Stig** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:18 pm

Wow, all the way to H2O melon, now that sounds like a heck of a ride. I'll need to make sure the wife & kids hold on tight.

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:28 pm

Actually it's "lemon" not "melon".
Welcome to the forum, Stig!

nothintolose · Post by **nothintolose** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:08 am

Funny thing is that since my first trip to STJ, I have to make sure I am saying Watermelon not Waterlemon when actually talking about the fruit

samoka · Post by **samoka** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 5:30 am

Renting a dinghy is a great way to get out on the water - we went straight to Waterlemon - then we stopped at various beaches on the way back - it was rough going around Mary's point - everything gets covered with salt - it is so much fun I can't wait to do it again - the only bad thing is getting back in the dinghy when it is on the mooring but other than that the best time we had on STJ - have a blast - samoka

Connie · Post by **Connie** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:16 am

If the water getting to Waterlemon is choppy, just slow down so you don't get thrown around too much.

It's well worth it. Alot of fun. Just take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

stjohnpete · Post by **stjohnpete** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:30 am

Where do you go online to check out the swell forecasts?

Joshie · Post by **Joshie** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:32 am

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:18 pm

I have about 15 feet of rope that I have tied a loop in I tie the rope off to the dingy before I get out so the loop is about a foot under water and use this as a step to get back into the boat.

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:27 pm

We've done the 1/2 day rental through Noah's a couple times. We head straight to Waterlemon then make our way back stopping at choice locations along the way. We discovered Little Cinnamon that way. One of my new faves!

I do prefer to do Waterlemon via hike over dinghy arrival for a snorkel though.

The rope thing is a good idea. Getting back into dinghy when there is no solid surface assisting a rump fond of gravity is not a pretty thing LOL!

We always call the fruit Waterlemon! A good habit that we don't want to break!

rpplano · Post by **rpplano** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:58 pm

waterguy wrote:I have about 15 feet of rope that I have tied a loop in I tie the rope off to the dingy before I get out so the loop is about a foot under water and use this as a step to get back into the boat.

Now that is ingenius! I'll do it and it will really help out the missus at Waterlemon.

cindygad · Post by **cindygad** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 2:54 pm

Waterguy,

I just added rope to my list of things. What a great idea. I have no upperbody strength and was worried how I would get back in.

Also are there any beaches on North shore that you are not allowed to come in from a Dingy? Are you allowed to snorkel at Caneel bay, Scott bay and Turtle bay?

Cindy

AH · Post by AH » Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:33 pm

We have a dingy ladder that we have used in the past and works very well. Pretty easy to pack too. Looking forward to using it in the waters off Virgin Gorda and STJ this trip.

AH

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