USVI-On-Line

Good Morning all,

For those who have rented a dinghy on STJ to beach hop, would you recommend doing it? I am positive it would be an awesome way to explore the beaches, but being that I will be alone, would it be monre strightforward just renting a jeep to hop from beach to beach? What are the pros/cons? Also, does anyone know what Little Noah's charges?

Thanks in advance!

Tim

Don't know how current this information is, but it was culled from LowKey Watersports web site:

NOAH'S LITTLE ARKS DINGHY RENTALS

Discover St. John's famous North Shore beaches from the water! A great way for the couples or the whole family to explore some of the best snorkeling spots not easily accessible by land! No experience necessary-12 and 14 ft. dinghies available. Half-day trips are 4 hours (8:30 to 12:30 pm or 1-5 pm) and full day are 8 hours (9 to 5 pm). Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Dinghies are limited to the North Shore of St. John. Additional fuel charge of $10 for 1/2 day and $20 for a full day.

12ft- ½ Day $75.00/ Full Day $130.00
14ft- ½ day $95.00/ Full Day $170.00

We did both (beach-hopped in a car and by dinghy) and found that the dinghy was easier, at least if you want to hit several beaches or snorkeling spots in an afternoon...it's fun, too! I'd recommend getting a dinghy for half a day early in your trip...that way if you really like it, there's time to do it again! It's very easy to tie up to the mooring balls so you can hop out and snorkel Waterlemon & Whistling Cays (not *quite* as easy to get back into the dinghy, but I don't mind getting laughed at by my husband!

We rented in town from Noah's Little Arks (great experience, would do it again), and next time we also want to try renting from Crabby's in Coral Bay so we'll be able to explore the South Shore beaches....

I appreciate the info. I figured it would be a better experience via the dinghy. But my main concern is being by myself.

So basically, you either pull the dinghy right up onto the beach (assuming its not crowded), or tie to a mooring ball for snorkeling?

Sounds like a blast!

Hi STL Timmy,

You definitely get a different perspective of the island from the water. It was a great day renting the dinghy. But I have to second the notion of easier jumping out rather than climbing back into the dinghy(when moored) I much preferred the beaches where you pull your dinghy up on the beach.

Where about STL are you? We are 25 east of STL.

Crabby's will not let you go to the south shore beaches. You're limited to the Coral Bay/Hurricane Hole area & out to the east end.

I can imagine getting back into the dinghy is tough. I was kayaking in a single person kayak in Lake Tahoe last summer. I decided to dive out of the kayak at the end of the trip. It took me four tries getting back into that kayak. I was the laughing stock of those along the shore watching my debacle. I imagine a dinghy, since its larger, is more stable. I guess I will find out!

Patr, I live in the South City, Saint Louis Hills to be exact. If you aren't familiar with that area, its about 6 blocks from Ted Drewes (assuming you have been there)...

patr,

You said you like the beaches where you can take the dinghy's on shore, which ones would that be?

Thanks!

Denise

Neisy,

You can take the dinghy to the shore on MOST all of the beaches, except Waterlemon. Honeymoon, Trunk, Cinnamon, Maho, just to name a few. You have to follow the markers in to the shore (the green markers, if I remember correctly) The markers are usually on the far right side of the beaches.

Little Noah explains all of this during their short orientation session.