Group of 5, 2 small kids...would you charter a boat?

[Iluvstjohn]

Trying to find a nice group activity for my upcoming trip to St. Thomas that will include me, my husband, our 2 kids...ages 3 and 5...and granpa!

Would chartering a boat to go to a snorkel spot for a half day or a full day be a "good idea" or a good idea only on paper????

You parents know what I mean!!!! Not sure if I should pursue this idea for all of us or not!

Holly
Boston

[RickG]

With a 3 year old, I would not do more than a half day. How spry is the Grandpa? My Father would be challenged getting on/off most charters.

Cheers, RickG

[martini girl]

I might consider a half-day sail given the ages of your kids. We had a 3-yr old in our party last year, took a full-day sail to the BVIs, and she was rather scared of having to jump in and out of the boat each time. It helped that the rest of the kids were a bit older and could encourage her, but she was not thrilled. I think the half day would suffice to give them the experience out on the boat without dedicating a whole day in the event it doesn't work out well for you.

[Henry]

we've chartered alot and in my opinion, it will be more work and worry than its worth. not that you would'nt have a good time but for the money, you would be better off on a St John beach.

[PA Girl]

Starting a 4.5 months, we have taken our son on boating excursions. At 2.5 years old, he still likes it but is starting to get too figgety for an all day trip.

What about sailing over to St. John and going to one of the beaches, sort of a best of both worlds trip - the fun of sailing and beach time.

[gymnastika]

We had the same thoughts for our March trip with our almost 5 yr old and our 7 yr old. The price wasn't much more for a private charter than just doing a group thing. We wanted the option if it didn't go well we could just go back early if we needed. I think what the others have said staying close to St. John is a good idea or if you opt for a full day go over to Jost and have lunch at Foxy's. That was our kids favorite. They loved playing on the hammocks and petting Foxy's dog Taboo.

[RevStu]

I would suggest Dancing Dolphin or any other large cat sailing excursion and here's why:

They have a "staircase" they drop down into the water from the front so grandpa and the kids can easily and literally walk right into the water

I would not suggest a small boat as they would have to jump in and climb up a ladder Ask when you book if they have that I only know that Heavenly Days out of Bolongo and Dancing Dolphin have those because I have seen them but I think they are pretty common

[mathayom]

You might want to do a dinghy rental for half a day just to be out on the water. They are very easy to maneuver and find places to moor.

[Greenskeeper]

I think it would depend on the child. My kids at 3 loved boating and jumping off. My nephew, same age was terrified.

Even funnier, my sister and her family "lived the dream" for 5 years, and sold their home and lived on their sailboat around the Caribbean. One of my nephews was born in that time period and had great difficulty walking on dry land. He had learned to walk with sea legs!