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I am a magnet for bugs. So, just how bad are the bugs on STT? What are the best repellents that you suggest for adults and children?
Also, 16 of us (9 adults and 7 children-ranging from 1-12) will be there from 3/27 to 4/3, just wonder about a few things:
Best Day-sail on the Island?
Best Day-sail from Charlotte Amalie?
(Majority of us never snorkeled)
Besides shopping in Charlotte Amalie? Where else for great bargains?
Best beaches for family with young kids? Not too crowded, and calm waters please.
We are planning a day trip to St. John's. Is it better to leave from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie? Which ferry?
Best places to get local produce?
Besides beaches, day-sails, shopping and day-trips to STJ, what else should we not forget to experience?
Trying to avoid checking in my families' luggage at the airports, is it better to bring our own toiletries or just buy them at STT?
Last item...best restaurant to celebrate our parents 50th? Or should we just hire a chef for one day?
Okay, really the last question. Know any great photographers for a family picture?
Any advice and tips would really be appreciated. Thanks!
"Best beaches for family with young kids? Not too crowded, and calm waters please."
ANSWER: Honeymoon Beach, Water Island. Very close to the West End of STT. Go to Crown Bay Marina, take the Water Island people ferry to Water Island. If you look at the top of this site under "Extras!", You'll see "Colors of Paradise TV". Africah Harrigan video will show you the short walk from the Water Island ferry landing to Honeymoon Beach as well as all about what it's like at Honeymoon Beach.
Thank you so much. I will look into Honeymoon Beach.
Are you renting a villa? That's my guess, since you mention a chef. Blue Moon would be my choice to celebrate at!
Beaches: Bay for sure! Coki if it is a calm day out that way! Ck the cruise ship schedule though, don't want to go on a busy ship day!
Use regular bug repellent if they are bothering you. It depends on how much rain we have received as to how bad mosquitoes are. Sand flies (noseeums) can be bad on the beach late afternoon time.
Ferry to STJ: Go from Red Hook! $12 round trip
Photographers: Eric Johnson: http://www.paradisepictures.vi/
Hope this helps!
Thank you for all the advice. Yes, we are staying in a villa all the way west. I know it is quiet on the west end, but we are looking to be by ourselves. Coming from major cities, we do not mind the hour ride from end of the island to the other. My sister drives 1 hr and 15 minutes each way to and from work.
Any thoughts about charter boats for day sails?
Please keep the info coming. Want to make this trip memorable...parents 50th wedding anniverary.
Again, many thanks.
On the bug side of things.
I personally like Gin, but many of the bars recommend Vodka
It is not strange to ask for a shot of Gin or Vodka and paper towel for the noseeums
It smell better (or less) than all the sprays and works pretty well for a temporary fix.
Make it a Honeymoon adventure
Honeymoon Water Island
Honeymoon STJ
Enjoy
Remember a shot for you and shot for your legs
Try www.stjohndaysail.com for yacht Nightwind which is licensed to carry 18 passengers so will fit your family well.
Thank you everyone. Please keep the advice coming.
The best day sails? I know crew on many of them, and they are a blast! My personal favorites are Ondeck Ocean Racing for thrills (plan on heeling up vertical and hanging on for dear life as you "crew" the racing Farrs) and Castaway Girl for a sail and snorkel tour. CG sails out to Buck Island to Shipwreck Cove for snorkelling, often with sea turtles, then it's a "booze cruise" on the way back. Only problem is actually getting on CG, since they book through Cruise Ship Excursions. You might also look into Bones, Dancing Dolphin, and Doubloon. I believe Bones makes a stop at Honeymoon Beach, WI, but again, these day sails book through the cruise ships, so you might have to do a little homework beforehand to book a trip. Ondeck has their store in Port of Sale Mall in Havensight, and you can contact them directly.
