USVI-On-Line

They all seem to be about the same price... Is someplace more convenient, easier access, easier parking or whatever?

Thanks!

We've always rented from Noah's Little Arks just because it's right below the Beach Bar and we like to get a bite to eat and a painkiller when we return. They do not have any center console dinghies and some people really like that. Noah's dinghies are in okay shape, but not great. Sometimes the help seems more than a little stoned, which is funny to me but then again we don't need much instruction any more.

I think next time we'll try a center console just for something different.

Thanks alw!

When you rent the dinghy without the center console (and this might be a Really Dumb Question but...)do you just sit on the floor of the boat? My husband has had a relatively recent knee replacement, and while he is in quite good shape and only 55 I wonder how he'll feel about sitting in that position...

THANKS again!

Keep in mind when you rent a dinghy with center console it cannot be beached. Laura

You sit on the yellow rubber inflatable part and hold on. Depending on how bumpy it is, it's usually not too hard to stay in. You definitely don't want to sit down in the dinghy.

What are your options as far as renting dinghys in Cruz Bay? There's Noah's and Calypso, yes? Are there others besides those 2?

FYI - for us, being able to beach the dinghy is important. We like to visit Honeymoon and/or Salomon and that's not possible unless you can bring the dinghy up onto the beach.

crasherino, I think the other option is at the Westin, but I could be wrong. Low Key and a couple of other places advertise rentals, but basically they just turn around and call either Calypso or Noah's Little Arks for you.

What are rental costs, ballpark. I think it might be a nice addition to our normal land-lubbing, rum-drubbing activities.

pmk

Noah's = $75/half day, $130/full day
Calypso = $130/half day, $195 full day

Prices may be off by $5 or $10. Plus, I know Noah's charges $25 for gas surcharge for 1/2 day rental.

We've only ever used the the half day rental. We've been to the island quite a few times, so we just take the dinghy all the way 'round to Waterlemon, snorkel, then go back along the North Shore and stop at a beach or two. Then, it's painkiller time.

Sounds like a fun (half) day! Thanks.

We usually rent from a guy that keeps his boats down the way from the beach bar towards the cemetary. They're gray in color. He is a little more flexible with where he'll allow you to take the dinghy and told us a few years ago to take a look around Lovango Key. It's a pretty good snorkel off the point by an old ruined dock. Lots of big fans and corals and a fair amoun of fish. WE rented through Every Ting at Gallows Point. Don't try to make this trip if the water's rough. We made that mistake last year and turned back before we got there. The wife kinda freaked out.

LauraD wrote:Keep in mind when you rent a dinghy with center console it cannot be beached. Laura

OOOPPPS beached ours...shhhhh

We, too, are looking forward to a "dinghy day" this May.
Can anyone clarify what I've heard...?-
There's just too much to see for 1/2 day, and was told to give a "full dinghy day" a whirl...
Any suggestions? Either way the prices look WAY groovy, and after 14 trips to STJ, I'm looking forward to exploring the island on our own from the water, and forsake a charter/daysail to other islands...
Thanks, and always
Smiles-
MJ

Jim, I guess it depends on your tolerance for being in the sun all day. Frankly, after four trips, I find a full day is just not necessary. After all, I've been to all of the beaches (as have you by this point). When we did rent the dinghy for a full day, we returned it over two hours early. Since then, we've done the half day and found it enough. But it's your choice. If it's your first time, the full day may be what you want.

For us, a full day is really tiring. We typically do the 9-1 (8-12?) rental and come back in time for lunch at the Beach Bar. You can certainly get to Waterlemon, snorkel around the cay, go to Francis (or any other North Shore beach) and lay out, then stop somewhere else to snorkel and be back in time. But a full day is great if you want to try it.