USVI-On-Line

What are your thoughts on doing a dingy rental for the day? We have done it in the past and have enjoyed it but at times the water can be fairly choppy. Is Noah's still the best place to rent them? I have seen some negative reviews on them in Trip Advisor.

I don't think they rent them anylonger

We rented a center console from Noah's in early April. We took it for a half day and really enjoyed ourselves. Last July we rented a smaller dinghy and didn't really enjoy the experience, it was a slow, bumpy, uncomfortable ride. I'd highly recommend spending the extra $$$ and get the larger dinghy.

Just got off the phone with Noah's, 105 for a half day and 175 for whole.

Where is Noah's, please? You gave me an idea for our Cinnamon Bay camping trip next March.

On the beach directly in front of beach bar in Cruz bay

We've rented dinghies from Calypso Charters 3 times, each time for a full day. They are near Mongoose Junction, by Margarita Phil's, and they have the center console dinghies which I find easy to drive. Have loved it every time (even in the rain but of course sun is better!) It's definitely been choppy at some points, like going around Mary Point to get to Waterlemon Cay. But if you take your time and not go too fast the bumps aren't so bad.

I suppose it's not for everyone, but it's been a highlight of the trip each of the times we have gone. FWIW we like to go straight to Waterlemon, do some snorkeling, then take our time stopping at various beaches to snorkel or have lunch on the way back. (We pick up lunch at Deli Grotto before we go.) We have also enjoyed stopping at Caneel for beverages on the way back. We always are hustling back at the end of a full day rental so I know a half day would be too short for us.

$1000 deposit on credit card, wow. We don't have much credit so we couldn't swing that..wonder if they work around that at all..

Quick question...what is the maximum number of people allowable on a dinghy? I want to say I read somewhere that it's four adults.

Is there a dinghy that would accommodate 4 adults and 3 kids? I know they have multiple sizes.

Thanks.

54b: I think you'd have to rent 2 dinghies and split up the adults and kids. I haven't seen one that would hold that many and there is probably a limit to the size boats that are allowed to use the dinghy mooring balls.

I know the center console ones from Calypso are max 4.

chicagoans is quite right-- you ay be able to get an extra kid on a dingy -- but really four is what they will hold (and i am not sure if it is legal, but they will tell you) ---and since the wind /waves are often down in the morning, (though not always the case..!) best to make your way ALL the way down first thing to water lemon (if that is a place you want to hit) and meander the way back.....--always check the marine forecast though since the channel can be brutal-- but if you hug the shore it can be ok..

loria was our inspiration for our first dinghy rental! Lori we had so much fun with you and your family that day. "Dinghy days" have been on the list ever since!

Ditto chicogoans re: the center console from Calypso. We rented a center console for a half day from them a few years ago. Thinking this year, we need to do so again, and perhaps extend it for a full day. We, too, started at Waterlemon and worked our way back. DON'T FORGET YOUR FINS! Getting in and out of the dinghy without fins was...well....interesting.....and UBER difficult, to say the least. And sunscreen! Seems that being on a boat ALWAYS brings on the sunburn more so than being on land. Have fun!