Hi Kris,
We will be taking our 3 kids (11, 8 & 5) in July. Did you snorkel with yours? Your 3 year old may have been too young but I wondered if some areas were better than others for kids. How was the Westin beach? We are staying in a villa near there. How did the kids do at the Baths? I was reluctant to take mine there because I didn't know how the access to that area was. Was that a boat trip with a bigger group? I've noticed several of the daysails only take 6 people. Was it too long a day for your kids? How big of a car did you rent? Sorry I have so many questions - I was just glad to see someone with 3 kids of similiar ages staying on St. John. It seems to be somewhat more of an adult-oriented kind of place, but my kids are pretty easily amused as long as there's a beach and a pool! Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

My oldest daughter did the Baths snorkel trip with me. My husband stayed at the Westin pool with the younger two kids. My 6 year old swims, but couldn't master the snorkel. At first, my 9 year old was a little bored with the long boat ride, but when we arrived she was so glad that she went. She loved clmbing the rocks at the Baths and seeing the fish at Norman Island. The boat was from the Westin. They provided a continental breakfast and lunch. There were about 30 people on the boat (if you want a seat up top arrive early). My daughter said she would love to do it again.
We stayed in a studio villa at the Westin. The beach was just OK. There were a lot of older teenagers on the water trampoline. We didn't rent a car, but took the taxi's to the North shore beaches (Trunk and Cinnamon). You have to see those beaches- incredible! The Westin taxi drivers usually charged us less than the drivers in town (many times they didn't charge us for the kids). I would not hesitate to take my kids again. It was safe and beautiful. The kids had fun just digging in the sand and swimming in the pool. If you have any other questions, just ask. PS. We only got a couple of bug bites. I thought the bugs would be worse.

You suggested Budget and I went online and it was a weekly rate of 333.00. How do I get 178.00, please?

Hmmm...I just went back and did it and it is now $225.99 per week. I guess it fluctuates a lot?

And I got $199 per week for STX.

We took our 5 year old to STJ in April. He had no problem snorkeling. He isn't a really strong swimmer so we had a snorkel vest on him. Its amazing how easy it is even for a weak swimmer to float in salt water. We had him practice in the bath tub and in the swimming pool before we went so that he would be comfortable with breathing with his face in the water. It really paid off. He had no fear of it whatsoever. His favorite was Honeymoon probably because of the soft sand and calm water. That was my favorite too!

Have a great time.

Hi there-

Can you tell me more about your trip to the baths? Where did you find this boat? Halfday full day?

KRIS,

I'll be taking my three boys soon. 4,6,10 Did your children find it very hot? Ours have been practicing the snorkeling on the lakes.

Rod