crabby will provide you with a map and suggestions and no, you can't leave coral bay. since we'd done lot of beach snoks, we tied to bouys and swam in lot of interesting places including several mangroves to checkout. you won't see any mangroves at the northshore beaches. crabby was honest too, and suggested half day would be plenty unless planning to hang out at some of the secluded beaches you can reach only by boat.

good luck
papabou

How much does it cost to rent a dinghy? That sounds like fun!!

This dinghy has oars right??

Jen

Maybe in case the motor craps out! ; )

The last time we rented one was from Noah's in Cruz Bay. I think it may have been $75 for 1/2 day. They have motors.

LOL My bad

Now I know how to surprise my soon to be husband while honeymooning in USVI - he's been looking at bay boats so I will make him Captain of our own dinghy. hehehehe

Maybe we can find one of those private beaches 🙂

Jen

Just returned from St John. We rented a dinghy from Calypso and paid $195 for the entire day. This particular dingly was larger than the others and had the steering in the middle of dinghy instead of steering by motor on rear. I highly recommend this as you get beat up (especially the one in front) in the water. We had a wonderful time!

CJ, where is Calypso located? We will be at the Westin for a couple of days this July. Thanks.

Calypso office was right across the street from Cruz Bay docks -- Sheree (the lady)met us at Magarita Phil's! I highly recommend them. I will get the webstie for you. We had a great time!

Thanks CJ. I found info at their website at calypsovi.com.

Are the prices any lower during the low season??

thanks

Jen

CJ and all, I agree with the assessment of "you get beat up (especially the one in the front)". The hubby likes to tour around in 12 ft hardbottom dinghy between WI, Saba, Flat Cay, STT, etc. Generally, I'm a human ping pong ball literally bouncing all over the place. Now.....I am a long time boater/sailor and have much experience in the "technique" to ride in a dinghy with as much grace as possible and avoid bumps & bruises. But, the seas in the USVI are a real test of endurance especially for a short girl who doesn't have enough length to sufficiently secure / leverage her feet, butt, and hands. Well.....the hubby's "need for speed" and continuous attempts to find the "sweet spot" are also contributing factors ....Arrrgh.

For me, I've accepted my fate (as this is the dinghy we own not rent) and have found my finely tuned and warped sense of humor is key to enjoying the adventure.

CJ,
Their website says you need some boating experience to rent a dinghy. Is that so? I figure they give you a map, but where do you go from the Calypso location? How many do you think could fit in the dinghy?

We rent from Crabby's. He will give you a walkie talkie in case of trouble, and he will tell you the limits you can go. If you are interested, try some mangrove snorkeling in Princess bay. I think it's princess any way. Way cool, and it's not dirty or gross at all. Lots of interesting fish and stuff to see!

They do require some "boating experience", but not much! You need to know how to lift the motor -- which on this dinghy was pushing a button. You also need to know basic boating -- meaning navigation -- just that you have no right-of-way -- you have to yield to all other vessels since you are so small. My husband and our friend had limited boating experience, but that qualified us! We had four people on the dinghy and I think that is the limit. We were able to go from Cruz Bay all the way to Waterlemon -- but will tell you the water was very rough! You are fairly close to land and have a map, so it was easy to find. Waterlemon was awesome! Some of the best snorkeling ever! I will tell you though that if you have more than 4 people -- just get a larger boat with a captain if you want to go that far. . The dinghy was great, but the sea was so rough -- I had some bruises on my body from the pounding. Plus -- it is smaller than most of the other crafts in the water. The ferries create some monster waves and I as not one to go for the speed. I preferred to glide over those waves instead of being airborne! It was a great day and we went to several other beaches including stopping at Caneel Bay for a late lunch and, of course, a rum punch! Good luck!