Tthe most dangerous part is getting out of Cruz Bay. For the most part the north beaches are calm and no big deal. There are a couple reefs and shallow areas you have to pay attention to, but the rental agency will point those areas out. If you want to go around the point to Waterlemon, IMHO, you should be fairly comfortable handling boats on the water. Things can or can or may start happening pretty fast.

but do not let me discourage from getting a dinghy
Be smart - Know your limitations

I was the best day on my last trip. Not a prblem if it gets rough just remember to take it slow.

Please pay attention to the "No boat" zones! I have had to explain to Noahs Ark people more than once that a dinghy IS a boat and you have to tie up to the dinghy mooring at Waterlemon Cay- can't beach your boat.

I'm off that soap box...:P

Good Point - East Ender!
Plan on doing some swimming and a dry sack is a good thing

It's a great day on a dinghy. Just have to be aware and keep your eyes open and your head on straight. So much fun.

Is Noah's Little Arks teh only dinghy rental place left on STJ?
Do their C-14's have a center consol, or are they the same as the C-12s?

Do they have dingy rentals on St. Thomas? If so, where can I rent and how safe is it on St. Thomas? Thanks.

Dinghies are also available at Calypso in Cruz Bay, near the NPS dock. They have center consoles. All Noah's are tiller models. (steer by handle connected to motor)

They have dinghy rental at Sapphire Marina.

I use shoretrips.com for excursions all over for myself and my clients. I am a travel agent and I am trying to plan my upcoming vacation to St. Thomas. I am always too busy planning other peoples vacations to attend to mine so here I am at the last minute trying to line up a few things. We are arriving in STT on 3/25. Getting back to the topic. I looked into renting a dinghy in St. John going through shoretrips.com and I thought the prices were resonable. To those who have rented them, is it best to reserve in advance or are they available in abundance and does anyone know an approximate rental rate? We are there from 3/25 - 4/1. We are first time USVI visitors so I don't want to have too much of a schedule- I like flying by the seat of my pants!

Thank you all in advance who respond - Take care

Christie

Connie- I LOVE your motto. I want to wear flip flops for the rest of my life too. I wear them here as much as I can - sometimes even pushing the warmer months. I often have people say " You're wearing flip flops today? " (I'm in Charlotte NC)

Christie, don't take the chance on a dinghy rental on STJ at the last minute. I suggest that you make a reservation because you don't want to be disappointed.

The dinghy for a 1/2 day is about 85.00 and then they charge you a fuel charge (can't remember what it was). It wasn't much though and may be more now that gas prices have risen lately. 1/2 day is ok, but we were sorry that we didn't rent for a whole day because we felt rushed. In May, it will be a full day for us because we had so much fun and seriously, it was gorgeous.

Can't wait to get back into flip flops myself.....soon enough!

Connie