usvi-on-line
dinghy or ocean runner?
dinghy or ocean runner?
Hi, We have a month to go until my son's wedding. Reading the forum just makes it so much more exciting.
We are thinking about a day of boat rental. It sounds like everyone has had a lot of fun renting the dinghy's and hitting the north shore beaches. We would need two dinghies for five of us. When I started looking into it a little more it seems like the cost for two dinghies would be almost the same as for an oceanrunner power boat. We are experienced boater's-I just got my master's license
, but I just wondered if anyone had any opinions between the two. We would plan on snorkeling a little and checking out various beaches. We do not have a passport so BVI is out. When comparing prices I might not have it right because the cost of gas in the powerboat wasn't factored in much. I'm more thinking of the fun and exploring factor than too much of the cost factor. Opinions? Thanks!
We are thinking about a day of boat rental. It sounds like everyone has had a lot of fun renting the dinghy's and hitting the north shore beaches. We would need two dinghies for five of us. When I started looking into it a little more it seems like the cost for two dinghies would be almost the same as for an oceanrunner power boat. We are experienced boater's-I just got my master's license
, but I just wondered if anyone had any opinions between the two. We would plan on snorkeling a little and checking out various beaches. We do not have a passport so BVI is out. When comparing prices I might not have it right because the cost of gas in the powerboat wasn't factored in much. I'm more thinking of the fun and exploring factor than too much of the cost factor. Opinions? Thanks!
One drawback is that you won't be able to beach an Ocean Runner boat. Dinghies are allowed on most of the beaches and there are red/green buoys to direct you through the swim buoys. Getting back in the dinghies after swimming can be a challenge for those without upper body strength. Either way, you'll love it.
Cheers, RickG
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
You do not need a Passport to go to the BVI's if you arrive by water.
Here is some info (from another forum) given by Josh of the boat charter "lion in da sun" - highly recommend him if you want a captained day cruise - fabulous
http://stjohntour.com/Charter-Boats/Lio ... Index.html
Pia
"It is perfectly fine to travel by boat between the USVI and the BVI with a raised seal birth certificate. I do this everyday for a living (charter boat captain). I use my birth certificate and Virgin Islands drivers license every single day. There is no gambling or luck involved with using a birth certificate. It is a completely safe and reasonable way to travel between the USVI and BVI by boat. Under 18 needs no photo ID, over 18 needs additional gov't issued phot ID.
You call the BVI Immagrations Office (1-284-494-3471) on Tortola or Jost van Dyke and then call the US Customs office on St. John (340-776-6741) and ask them personally. Honestly, I have a HUGE interest in giving people an excellent day while they are down here on vacation. It is my business and if I were ruining family vacations by telling them they could do a charter with us to the BVI and then turning the trip around I would be out of business pretty quickly based on my reputation.
-Josh"
Here is some info (from another forum) given by Josh of the boat charter "lion in da sun" - highly recommend him if you want a captained day cruise - fabulous
http://stjohntour.com/Charter-Boats/Lio ... Index.html
Pia
"It is perfectly fine to travel by boat between the USVI and the BVI with a raised seal birth certificate. I do this everyday for a living (charter boat captain). I use my birth certificate and Virgin Islands drivers license every single day. There is no gambling or luck involved with using a birth certificate. It is a completely safe and reasonable way to travel between the USVI and BVI by boat. Under 18 needs no photo ID, over 18 needs additional gov't issued phot ID.
You call the BVI Immagrations Office (1-284-494-3471) on Tortola or Jost van Dyke and then call the US Customs office on St. John (340-776-6741) and ask them personally. Honestly, I have a HUGE interest in giving people an excellent day while they are down here on vacation. It is my business and if I were ruining family vacations by telling them they could do a charter with us to the BVI and then turning the trip around I would be out of business pretty quickly based on my reputation.
-Josh"
-
Scott in BHM
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:51 pm
- Location: Birmingham, AL
Cinnyb,
RickG is right, "Either way, you'll love it". Back in 2005 we rented a 25' Mako with twin 150's from Ocean Runners for a group of 5 guys and had a blast. We hit Jost, Soper's Hole, the Indians & Willy T's in the BVI's. We also burned over 50gals of fuel (now @ $4+ / gal from the marina). In the past my wife and I have rented from Noah's and had a good time.
In January we rented a 13' dingy w/ a 50hp and center console from Calypso (866 820-6906) and found the perfect size/hp combo for 2 - 4 people in our opinion. We did see one group of 5 out in the same size boat from Calypso but it looked tight. The only downside to Calypso is that they don’t allow their boats into the BVI’s.
What ever you end up with, do yourself a favor and rent for a full day. We found that this takes the pressure off and lets you linger at unexpected fun spots.
Have fun, Scott
RickG is right, "Either way, you'll love it". Back in 2005 we rented a 25' Mako with twin 150's from Ocean Runners for a group of 5 guys and had a blast. We hit Jost, Soper's Hole, the Indians & Willy T's in the BVI's. We also burned over 50gals of fuel (now @ $4+ / gal from the marina). In the past my wife and I have rented from Noah's and had a good time.
In January we rented a 13' dingy w/ a 50hp and center console from Calypso (866 820-6906) and found the perfect size/hp combo for 2 - 4 people in our opinion. We did see one group of 5 out in the same size boat from Calypso but it looked tight. The only downside to Calypso is that they don’t allow their boats into the BVI’s.
What ever you end up with, do yourself a favor and rent for a full day. We found that this takes the pressure off and lets you linger at unexpected fun spots.
Have fun, Scott