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Hello - We are coming to STT June 7-14. We are staying on Peterbourg Peninsula but are renting a car. We are traveling with 3 kids ages 15, 13 & 12. We would like to know the best beaches for beach bumming and snorkeling(does not need to be same beach). Also any fun activities or any suggestions are welcome. This is our first time to the islands. We all have passports and I saw something with some large rock sort of caves for snorkeling in the BVI's does anyone know where that is? Any info would be helpful - Restaurants, things to do, places to see, shopping - anything! Thanks!
I would say the large rocks are known as 'the Baths' in Virgin Gorda -- what is commonly called 'the Caves' are on Norman Island -- both can be visited in one day using a power boat - either a charter or self rented - and is usually a beautiful boating day - depending on the sea conditions.
Check ot the restaurant scene in Frenchtown , visit Yacht Haven Grand, drive up to Paradise Point, take at least a day trip to St John, shop downtown on a day with no cruise ships, drive all the way out to Botany Bay, Spend a day at Magens Bay - Hull Bay - some time at Coki Beach, visit Coral World.
Do NOT swim at the Northern far end of Peterborg in the rock pools no matter how Calm it Looks.
The 3 young ones will love it here and want to return every vacation from now on, sorry.
You and your children are going to have a great time. We brought my fiance's 14 year old son and 13 year old daughter to St. Thomas, and it was their best vacation ever. If you are staying on Peterborg Peninsula, I assume you'll be in a villa. Very good. Lots of room for all (and at those ages personal space can often be a big issue.)
You'll be close to Magen's Bay, a wonderful beach, but not if you want to snorkel. It's a super place people watch and the kids might get to meet others. There's a nice snack bar there as well. Don't pass by Udder Delight without stopping. It's right at the top of the road to Magen's Bay. Wonderful ice cream shakes.
For snorkeling I recommend Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour. Coki is lots of fun and was our kids' favorite. It's a small beach and can get very crowded if there are lots of ships in port. There are tons of fish to see and a lot of food/drink concessions. You can also do snuba there or take a scuba lesson. Right next door is Coral World, a lovely aquarium. If snorkeling is of great interest, be sure to take at least one day to go to St. John and snorkel at some North Shore beaches there, such as Trunk, Cinammon, or Hawksnest.
Dining with three teens. Can I assume that you will be looking for more casual places with the kids? I know we did. If that is the case you might find the Greenhouse in Charlotte Amalie, Tickles in Crown Bay, Hook, LIne and Sinker in Frenchtown, Wikked in Yacht Haven, Shipwreck Tavern and Deli Deck (breakfast and lunch only at DD) in Havensight, Iggies at Bolongo Bay, Caribbean Saloon, Duffies, and Molly Malone's in Red Hook to your liking. Our 14 year old conducted a personal "burgers in Paradise" survey and these restaurants all were able to accommodate. I'm not familiar with restaurants on the North Side, closer to Peterborg. Perhaps someone else can make recommendations for that area. One warning. Kids drink Cokes and such. Ours gulped them down in seconds. Refills are NOT free.
The Caves at Norman Island is a popular snorkeling spot. There are many day trips that can take you there. Another popular BVI excursion is to the Baths.
Have a wonderful time. We'd love to read a trip report when you return. I'd especially like to hear about the kids' experiences.
Gerie
cbethgo Good Morning.
We are flying in on the 7th- 14th with my 2 kids 12, and 8. We will be at Secret Harbor. We are going to St.Johns to the reefs over there one or two of the days. I think they will enjoy all there is on the islands.
Have a good one.
Rich
The teens might enjoy learning about Caribbean drumming at the new African Caribbean Drum Center in town. You can google them for more info. The family can take a lesson together and play as part of a drum circle. It's in town.
They might enjoy Coki Beach - plenty of local flavor there, and great snorkeling.
I'd go on the kayak tour with VI Eco Tours. It includes snorkeling in the mangroves. You can also kayak at other beaches like Secret Harbor.
You can do the moutain bike tour at Water Island, and then swim at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.
The Wed night Carnival show and buffet at Bolongo Bay Resort is always fun.
The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort has a bumper boat activity and miniature golf. Somethng to do other than beach.
If you want to go to some great beaches on STT...
For Snorkeling on STT try Secret Harbour's Beach and Coki
For relaxing on STT try Linquest (the best beach)
Also, St John has great beaches for snorkeling. It is very easy to get over there just take a ferry.
Try Trunk Bay, Waterlemon Kay (there are so many to choose from)!!!