USVI-On-Line

Instead of chartering some of the high price outfits on St John which we plan to do once or twice during our stay , is it possible to reach some of the beaches by rented dingy so you can explore on your own ?

The rental operations in Cruz Bay STJ only allow the dinghy to go to the N. shore beaches and Leinster bay -- all those beaches are accessable by car or on foot so you won't find any new places by water.
In most cases you will have to pick up a mooring ball, not beach the dinghy - if you rent the center console dinghies they are not allowed to be beached.
Being able to visit some of the off shore lying cays is a big advantage to renting a dinghy though.

You got a very good answer - I would add, if you do take a dinghy into any beach (that allows it), please, please, PLEASE follow the markers! One of my biggest pet peeves about dinghy operators around the beaches is their nonchalance of following the simple safety rules for people in the water.

And - the cays can be awesome - saw some of the biggest things I have ever seen were around the Durloe cays - 6 or 7 foot Nurse shark, lobster the size of a small dog, etc.

We love dinghy days and especially the center consoles...its fun to be on the water...one of our Favs is Henly Cay...shhhh. Great snorkel...a private island...and picnic table too (if it's still there)

Rented from Kim at Noah's Little Arks a couple of years ago, but have not done it since (in my past 2 visits). Was not a center console, and was a bit old/worn (i.e. no straps remaining on the dinghy). Had a great time, made our way all the way to Waterlemon Cay (convenient dinghy mooring balls close by), then made our way back, mooring in Francis, then eventually beaching the dinghy at Salomon. Although we had alot of fun, we haven't done it again...... Waterlemon is a long way to go with just a hand tiller (thought my arm would fall off by the time we got there!), and it is difficult getting back in when moored (with even stepping on the motor), and beached it too far onto the beach so difficult getting it back in the water at Salomon. I would definitely consider a center console in the future (I was not aware of beaching restrictions for center consoles).
Was there 3 weeks ago, and it looked like Kim had gotten some new dinghy's - grey one's, not the old faded yellow one's. Would consider that on our next trip in June (Noah's is a good outfit and Kim is great..... actually, if you look at the Beach Bar sunset view webcam you may see the new dinghy's!)