Dinghy or not??

[jess116000]

We are headed back to STJ in 2 wks for the 2nd time. We are doing a full day sail around VI's, but I wanted to know everyones thoughts & opinions on renting a dinghy. The owner where we are staying has one available if we are interested. Would love to get some opinions from ppl who have rented one.What are the pros/cons. Thank you!!
Jessica





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[samoka]

I say DO IT! - Our dinghy day was the most fun ever - the pros you get to visit beaches from the water - you can go as far as Waterlemon Cay and snorkel there - there are several places you can pull up on shore - the con would be that it is difficult getting back into the dinghy from the water but doable - good luck and enjoy your trip -

[djmom]

Do it! So fun. However, if you are getting the dinghy from the owner, be sure they educate you on exactly where you can and cannot go.

I have seen too many go on the fragile reefs and not follow the channel markers. It is really hard to watch, wondering how many coral they are killing.

And what Samoka said. It can be pretty hard for people to get back in. I can't do it myself from deep water. Someone posted a suggestion for that but I can't remember their way to do it.

[Captain Jack]

In deep water, swim to the back of the dinghy and use the motor for a step ladder. Enjoy and follow djmoms advice. Staying in the channels is a must

[jess116000]

Awesome! Thanks for the info! It will be my boyfriend and myself along w 2 teens....I think we will have a blast! If nothing else, laughing at ea other climb into the dinghy. ha! Thanks, cant wait! One more question...any particular beach we should try to get to w the dinghy? I def want to try Waterlemon for sure. Thanks again!!!


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[jess116000]

Awesome! Thanks for the info! It will be my boyfriend and myself along w 2 teens....I think we will have a blast! If nothing else, laughing at ea other climb into the dinghy. ha! Thanks, cant wait! One more question...any particular beach we should try to get to w the dinghy? I def want to try Waterlemon for sure. Thanks again!!!


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[Bigcheeze]

Dingy Day is a must for us yearly with our two pirates now 11 and 14. You would miss alot if you don't stop at Henly Cay...shhhhhhh

[chicagoans]

We loved our dinghy day too! Make sure you have a dry bag for your camera. We took the dinghy from the dock by the visitors center to Waterlemon and back. we had no problem getting mooring balls even in high season.

Grab lunch at the Deli Grotto and you're good to go!

re: getting back in the boat, I find it easier to keep my flippers on. Grab the top of the side of the boat, give a good strong kick to lift yourself partway up the side, then flip a leg over and haul yourself in. You won't win any gracefulness awards, but you'll have a blast!

[djmom]

Hey, another thing about the dinghy. Make sure the driver AND passenger can operate it.

Due to a bad knot, I found myself and my younger daughter drifting away while my husband and older daughter snorkeled. I completely panicked because I didn't even know how to turn it on! I was freaking out.

Luckily, as I was drifting "out to sea", a good samaritan stepped in and walked me through it, It was pretty embarrassing. I am sure I would have quickly figured it out, but maybe not before I drifted into a reef or something.

[Captain Jack]

Gibney is a nice quite beach as well. Although last time we were on the beach hoping to have a quite day, the television crew arrived andthey decided to shoot the real housewifes of New york City while we were there

[dctac]

do it ,,,,,

[jess116000]

ok thanks so much for the info! bigcheese...where is henley beach that you mentioned? I am also not sure where gibney is....i love the housewives, that would have been so cool to see! looks like we are def renting the dinghy! sounds like a great time! Again, thank you all for such helpful info! its greatly appreciated!

[Bigcheeze]

ok thanks so much for the info! bigcheese...where is henley beach that you mentioned? I am also not sure where gibney is....i love the housewives, that would have been so cool to see! looks like we are def renting the dinghy! sounds like a great time! Again, thank you all for such helpful info! its greatly appreciated!

I'm sorry...but I can't tell you where Henly Cay is as I've been sworn by locals not to divulge the location. But it was a private cay off Honeymoon Beach, west of Rockefeller's resort from the '50s and was a place that only had one cottage and a dock that got washed out and has the best snorkling on the islands...but I can't say where it is

[mahojim]

My only concern would be getting in & out of the dinghy.- Thanks for the help! -(like I'll remember that after my veins are filled with rum... !!!)
My guess is that My Sweet Amy will be better at climbing/hopping in & out of the dinghy than me.
Thank God for that! She could help me back in to the dinghy!
She's an unbelievable fountain of strength.
I love her
Smiles-
MJ

[Gigi]

Mahojim,

Your love for Amy always makes my heart smile!