USVI-On-Line

Last time we went to STJ, we rented a center console dinghy and could not leave it pulled ashore for that reason. But, when there, we noticed the regular type dinghies (not center console) pulled onto the beach while folks lounged. So, I thought we may want to go that route next time so my poor poor husband didn't have to moore it and swim in. But, when I contacted the rental place, they said that pulling and leaving dinghies ashore was against park regulations. We saw this many times, so what's up?

Do some rental places allow it and others don't or is it a no-no across the board?

Where did you rent from Noahs lets you pull up their boats where it is legal there is only a couple of places you have to anchor off of

We rented from the place in Cruz Bay (the name escapes me!) and brought our dinghy to shore like Pia said - through the green and red bouys. There are some beaches where you are not allowed to do so and they showed us a detailed video before we set out for the day.

At Leinster Bay, I was yelled at for bringing the dinghy ashore and told I was going to get a major fine by the Park Service. This was from a (not so kind) tourist. We had rented a dinghy before and watched the video closely. There were other dinghies on the beach that day as well and I spoke to their owners to confirm that we could indeed park there. I knew we were not doing anything illegal!

Our dinghy day was a blast and I highly recommend it!

We rented from Calypso last time and were going to again this time, but were considering getting a non-center console from NOah's Arc if they let us pull it onto shore. Thanks for the help!

The center console needs 2 anchors. Keep the boat about 20'-30 from shore, bow in. Drop a hook off of the stern on a short scope and then carry the bow anchor to shore. Make sure the anchor lines are safely secured before heading out from Cruz bay.

In any kind of swell - waves or even a big wake -- anchoring by the stern may well flood the boat.

Correct - it's a bit more complicated with wind and waves, and keeping enough slack in the lines to accomodate the weather and tides...if conditions are too rough then drop folks near the beach and go tie off on a mooring.