boat trip with kids?

krislbi · Post by **krislbi** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:16 pm

Hi all
We are heading down in February (!!

) and debating as to whether or not to do a boat trip w/the kids. We typically do a day but it is a different kind of day when there are no kids...i.e. Soggy Dollar, etc. Anyone with experience on this topic? Would love the honest opinion...save the $$ or do it and have a great trip memory? Ours are 8 and turning 6 while there...our travel companions will have a 5 and 7 year old. Thanks in advance!!

All are ok swimmers but never snorkeled...it is my dream for my girls to learn while there!

CHM · Post by **CHM** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 12:18 am

I would definitely do a boat day with kids. Our son went for the first time when he was two. It will be a great family day. We took him to the Soggy Dollar and other JVD spots, but we found a spot away from the crowd for him to play. He spent most of his afternoon dancing to Mr. Reuben down the beach. I try to be respectful of those vacationing without kids. But we still had a fun time all the way around. He is going again this year and he will be four. The bubbly pool would be so fun for older kids. And what a fun place to learn to snorkel!

Caw954s · Post by **Caw954s** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:59 am

I do not have personal experience for a boat trip with younger children on St. John. But I did ask Pam Gaffin about a charter to go snorkeling with different age groups that are beginners. She told me Phil chalker with the wayward sailor is great for novices because he will dive with you. I've contacted him and he offers half day tours as well as full day. Check out his website:
Www.waywardsailor.net/

Have a fun trip!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 7:16 am

How many people all together?

I second the Capt Phil suggestion but he can only take 6.

We started taking our son at 4yo. That trip we went out on Motor Yacht Cinnamon Bay and it was absolutely fantastic. The boat has since been sold and I don't know if it is still running or not.

Born to Rhumb can take 12 (I think) and we also like that boat, it is very roomy and stable.

Our son was 4yo when he started snorkeling. We did it off the beach. Most of the off the boat snorkels I have done are in rather deep water, which may intimidate some beginners.

needmesomesun · Post by **needmesomesun** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:42 am

I don't know how many people are in your party, or how many people he can take, but check out Spree (Captain Bob). We spent a half day with him and it was so relaxing. We were thinking about a snorkel, and Bob was going to take us, but just being on the water was so nice that we decided against it.

He has a small pup on board that is very sweet and friendly.

http://www.angelfire.com/ut2/sailing/index.html

I think the rates have gone up a smidge since this website was made, but they were very reasonable. It was a great time.

Bigcheeze · Post by **Bigcheeze** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 6:05 am

Our kids are now 16 and 13 and have been coming down for 11 years. We have done boat trips with them and also Dingy days. You will have to have a larger charter with your size group, which could mean you could be with other people. 6 people is MAX for a smaller boat.

We have done both kind of Dingys(Noahs and Calypso) and we like both( I prefer the center consol of Calypso). We load the dingy up with food and drink and explore the different beachs on the north shore as well as some of the outlying cays like Henly. If it were put up to a vote...I think our kids would vote for the dingy.

Either way, you'll have a blast.

usvi-on-line