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Long story short, my 6 year old daughter is traveling with me to St John in a month. This is our first trip to the island and are staying in Battery Hill. She is an adventurous kid and loves the beach, so I was hoping someone could give me suggetions for kid-friendly activities. I also wanted to know if I could do a half-day snorkeling trip, she would not be snorkeling but I would, and she would be on the boat.
Also, I know Battery hill is walking distance to Cruz Bay, do you think its too much of a hike for a 6 year old or should I rent a jeep?
Any and all advice is needed.....Thank you!
Aside from the beach activities you both might enjoy the putt-putt at Pastory Garden. If she likes to hike, there are all kinds - you could ask for some assistance at the National Park Visitors Center. I would think you would want to rent a jeep regardless of the walk to Cruz Bay so you can get to all the different beaches - you don't want to be dependent on the taxi service especially if you have a child with you. Regarding the snorkeling excursion - if she is not snorkeling with you - who is going to be watching her on the boat while you are... ??? You should probably confirm this with the charter-I've never seen the captain/crew "baby-sit"...although she may be well minded - I would hesitate to leave a 6 year old unattended on a boat - you definitely would want to work this out with the charter. Hope you have a great time!!
I would suggest a powerboat charter to the BVI. Your daughter would enjoy roaming around the trails and boulders of the Baths in Virgin Gorda. New Horizons II Breakaway has a charter for $120/pp - - I imagine a 6 year old is less. You could hop the ferry to St. Thomas (about 20 min) for Coral World as well as the skyride in Charlotte Amalie. She'll have a ball at Trunk Bay, which also has snorkeling trails. My 7 year old was able to snorkel. It's a better option than going on a boat and leaving her on board. I also think the National Park in STJ has some sort of a "touch and feel" program for the local floral/wildlife - - maybe on Sundays? I've never been, but it looked intriguing.
Take the Reef Bay guided hike with the NPS (make reservations ahead of time). The rangers are great with kids and it's fun and informative for adults, too. Plus, you get a boat ride back to Cruz Bay at the end of the hike.
I think you will be able to snorkel all over the island with your daughter. My 8 year old did fine - just keep her within arms length of you while you snorkel. Caneel Bay was a good spot to begin - pretty well sheltered. Also fun (but no snorkeling) is to play on the water trampoline and such at the Westin.
