usvi-on-line
dinghy experiences, anyone?
dinghy experiences, anyone?
This looks like a lot of fun. We'll be on STJ for 10 days in late May-early June and would like to try this. Have operated a ski boat on local lakes for a number of years but not sure how this experience translates to navigating a dinghy around STJ.
So, can anyone provide me with rental recs, suggested itineraries, and overall general guides for a day's adventure exploring STJ?
thanks, jp
So, can anyone provide me with rental recs, suggested itineraries, and overall general guides for a day's adventure exploring STJ?
thanks, jp
Hi JP:
We've done dingy rentals from both Noah's and Calypso's and they are both terrific! We never complete our visit without a day on the water.
Noah's uses the typical small yellow type dingy's. They are easy to "drive" but not so easy to get into. The are also not the most comfortable boats to bounce around in. Calypso offers a bigger version with a steering wheel and two seats. This makes for a much more comfortable ride. Of course this luxury will cost more.
Both places give you a map of the island and show you (on the map) where you can and can't go. They tell you the laws of the water and your off. It really is very easy to navigate your way. We ususally start by going to Waterlemon. We spend the morning snorkeling from the dingy and then hit all the beaches going back towards Cruz Bay. It's an awesome day and you really get to see some different things looking from the water instead of the beach.
XOXO
Bug
We've done dingy rentals from both Noah's and Calypso's and they are both terrific! We never complete our visit without a day on the water.
Noah's uses the typical small yellow type dingy's. They are easy to "drive" but not so easy to get into. The are also not the most comfortable boats to bounce around in. Calypso offers a bigger version with a steering wheel and two seats. This makes for a much more comfortable ride. Of course this luxury will cost more.
Both places give you a map of the island and show you (on the map) where you can and can't go. They tell you the laws of the water and your off. It really is very easy to navigate your way. We ususally start by going to Waterlemon. We spend the morning snorkeling from the dingy and then hit all the beaches going back towards Cruz Bay. It's an awesome day and you really get to see some different things looking from the water instead of the beach.
XOXO
Bug
I agree with Bug, although I've only rented from Noah's. It is really worth the money.
Only problem I had was trying to get back in the boat because I was laughins so hard. They tell you you can step on part of the motor on the back, but I didn't feel comfortable with that.
Going out to Waterlemon was a little rough. We just slowed down and it was fine after that.
It's a great day and I highly recommend it. Totally worth the money.
Only problem I had was trying to get back in the boat because I was laughins so hard. They tell you you can step on part of the motor on the back, but I didn't feel comfortable with that.
Going out to Waterlemon was a little rough. We just slowed down and it was fine after that.
It's a great day and I highly recommend it. Totally worth the money.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
Haven't rented yet may try it this time sounds fun 
One observation I have made is if it's rough at a certain beach don't go in I've seen a couple Dingys take a beating when the surfs up. Seen one take on a ton of water at Trunk as they got beat to death trying to get it back out. You should have some great water that time of the year though.
One observation I have made is if it's rough at a certain beach don't go in I've seen a couple Dingys take a beating when the surfs up. Seen one take on a ton of water at Trunk as they got beat to death trying to get it back out. You should have some great water that time of the year though.
dinghy info
So how many people do these things hold? Do they come with anchors? Coral bay rental options? Do you get enough instruction as to what to stay away from?
thanks for the info, jp
thanks for the info, jp
We rented a dinghy for 1/2 day on our last trip and for the most part, we all had a riot. We're doing a full day this trip. I highly recommend a dinghy day, just pay close attention to where you are going and keep mind of the bouey (sp?) markers, and no boat zones.
I'm having a T-shirt made for Honey. "Captain of the Dinghy"
I'm having a T-shirt made for Honey. "Captain of the Dinghy"
I never operated anything on the water before my first rental. It's easy and you just figure it out as you gosasky wrote:This is on my list of things to do on my next trip. Although I'm a little nervous about it. Are they easy to operate even for people who have never operated anything more than a canoe/kayak?
XOXO
Bug
We rented from Calypso last week. Was a GREAT day. I think Calypso may be a bit more expensive than Noah's (around $230 and a deposit), but we liked having the center console and steering wheel with actual seats. Note - the front seat is extra bumpy. It can be a bit rough when you are out in open water, but it's fun. You can basically go to Waterlemon and back, visiting all the beaches on the way. There are 2 anchors on these dinghys, front and back - but you can only anchor at Cinnamon and Trunk (If I remember correctly). Most other places have little dinghy moorings. They told us you can't beach the dinghys, probably b/c these are a little bigger than others. We had a blast and thought it was totally worth it. Do the all day - the 1/2 isn't really enough time.
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sailorgirl
- Posts: 1644
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm
Ok, Im putting in my two cents! Bear with me friends.
The dingy rentals can be alot of fun, but if you have no boating expoerince I would be very careful about doing it. I know many people have taken them out with no problem, but when things start going wrong on the water, they can go from tricky to disaster quickly. At many points in the trip back and forth from Waterlemom you are in pretty open water and the sea state can change darn fast. Often the route takes you farther off shore than is swimable if something should go wrong. Large streches of the coast are very empty (that's why we love St. John so much right). You can't just hug the shore because of the reefs and no boat zones. No radios and limited cell phone service means you are on your own. Anchoring can be tricky if you've never done it, and you can be fooled into thinking you've set it only to be proven wrong in the most embarrsing way. Best always to dive on the anchor in the center console dinghys to insure a proper set.
I don't mean to be a kill joy, but a healthy respect for the water will keep you safe. And please don't drink and drive, never, ever not even one! I'm climbing down from my soap box now before I break my ankle.
The dingy rentals can be alot of fun, but if you have no boating expoerince I would be very careful about doing it. I know many people have taken them out with no problem, but when things start going wrong on the water, they can go from tricky to disaster quickly. At many points in the trip back and forth from Waterlemom you are in pretty open water and the sea state can change darn fast. Often the route takes you farther off shore than is swimable if something should go wrong. Large streches of the coast are very empty (that's why we love St. John so much right). You can't just hug the shore because of the reefs and no boat zones. No radios and limited cell phone service means you are on your own. Anchoring can be tricky if you've never done it, and you can be fooled into thinking you've set it only to be proven wrong in the most embarrsing way. Best always to dive on the anchor in the center console dinghys to insure a proper set.
I don't mean to be a kill joy, but a healthy respect for the water will keep you safe. And please don't drink and drive, never, ever not even one! I'm climbing down from my soap box now before I break my ankle.