My opinion, with kids that age, you'll be better off near Cruz Bay, even within walking distance. The kids will want to take in the nightlife, and I use the term loosely.

Yup - I agree. I just hope they can find their way back at the end of the night! It's kind of tricky trying to find thr right mix, I want this to be special for everybody. I'm sure it will, we haven't been able to take many vacations and nothing close to a tropical island. Thanks - this thing is SO enlightening.

There are many pretty economical places to stay on STJ. Grab a Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. They have tons of ads for villas, etc. in the back. IMHO, you should rent a jeep to sightsee and hit all the beaches on STJ. You have got to try snorkeling...it's the greatest!! I think that you'll have so much to see on this trip to STJ that you won't have to spend the money on going to the BVI's. (Save that for a future trip.) There are nice calm beaches, (Francis) for swimming and beginner's snorkeling. Rougher spots (Drake's Passage?? side of Haulover) with cool snorkeling. Calmer on the other side of Haulover. Cinnamon is a beautiful beach with suprisingly good snorkeling, but can be rough when the wind is kicking up. Waterlemon is great to see starfish and a good long snorkel around the island. (and a good hike to!) There is lots of hiking to do. (Reef Bay). Brown Bay hike with a swim at the end. Johnny Horn Trail. Shopping at Cruz Bay. Rent a dingy at Crabby Dave's in Coral Bay and cruise the bays for an afternoon. Take a horseback ride at Carolina Coral. Eat, Eat, Eat!! Look at the scenery. There is so much to do for a first timer. You will have a great time, and, don't worry, snorkeling is easy and fun, as long as you stick together, and don't go out too far. Buy a snorel vest if it makes you feel safer. HINT buy a copy of FEET FINS & 4WDRIVE and ST. JOHN OFF THE BEATEN PATH. They have lots of useful info for you...even a written snorkeling lesson! Invaluable books..they will tell you where the beaches are, the conditions and snorkeling of each, hikes to go on, etc. Whatever you do, I know you will have fun!!!

I do think renting a jeep is really the answer, I love exploring. If I absolutely have to satisfy my oldest son's need-for-speed, I hope to find something on St Croix or St Thomas. Truthfully, I hope he forgets about it - I hate the buzzy things. This trip is my gift to myself for reaching the big 5-0 and to re-connect with my kids. I have told them we all have to stay open-minded and everyone gets to pick some of the activities. Well, I am kind of a scaredy-cat when it comes to swimming. But, you know what, it might be from all this murky water we have up here on the prairie. We don't have any documented account of some kind of Loch Ness, but I KNOW they are down there. So with that said, I am going to be open-minded and try that snorkeling stuff. Actually, I even feel excited to try, like a little kid. I love hiking, so maybe one or two them will come along AND maybe, the next day one or two more! Now, I just have to get this all put together, which might drive me nuts. But, this is the most time I have spent on the computer ever, I think. I used to be an old mainframe programmer - last thing I wanted to do after work, be on a computer. We don't get to STT until after 5 or 6, so it might get pretty tricky. I first have to get a place to stay finalized. Checking on Odessa, Casa Constant, Chocholate Hole or Mampoo Hill villas. Than hopefully the air arrangement, then jeep rental. Hopefully we can pick up that night, if we get there that night. Any tips on villas or car rental or ferries? I'm sure I can weed thru it, but Boy is this nice talking to people who have all ready done this. It also makes it seem like you've met new friends. This internet is weird stuff. Thanks.

Hi Deb-

Single mom who travels with teens here! (raising hand)

Actually, I have one teen (18) who brings crowds of friends with us on vacation! LOL My understanding re: St. John is that Jet Skis must be used as part of a guided tour, not random speeding around. This is probably not what your boys have in mind. But, there are options. While you're on STJ, daytrips should be considered, as you've suggested. If you daytrip to the BVI Island of Jost van Dyke (bring passports and or Drivers Licenses and Birth Certs) , you'll have the opportunity to rent a number of watersport items from Land and Sea Adventures. They have :

“Land and Sea” offers the following:
Equipment Price Time Price Time
Jet Boat $65.00 1/2 hr $120.00 1 hr
ATV Rally $40.00 1/2 hr $65.00 1 hr
Water Trampoline $5.00 3 hrs $10.00 All day
Water Ski Slalom or Double $60.00 1/2 hr
Paddle Boat $20.00 1 hr $30.00 3 hrs
Mountain Bike $15.00 3 hrs $25.00 All day
Water Bike $20.00 1 hr $30.00 3 hrs
Kayaks $20.00 1 hr $30.00 3 hrs
Banana Sled $15.00
Snorkeling $15.00 1/2 day $25.00 Full day
Windsurfing By Request
Sunfish Sailboats By Request

Sea & Land Adventure Sports | White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
In the US or USVI call Marj @ (340) 775-7292 or (340) 998-1277
In the BVI call Frank @ (284) 499-2269 or (284) 495-4966
Fax Number: (340) 774-5532
[email protected] | www.bviadventure.com
Hours :: 9am until 5pm

While on Jost, hike to the "Bubbly Pool" and enjoy a naturally forming jacuzzi for a truly surreal experience. . It is fabled that if you hike over via the goat path, you’ll meet a little red dog who will attempt to lead you astray. I've heard from real travelers that this is true!

Ivan Chinnery, a fixture in White Bay, is the proud owner of Ivan's Stress Free Bar, Restaurant and Campground. If Ivan is out, his bar operates on honor system. Ivan’s Bar is a well-kept secret amongst music celebrities, who show up on luxurious yachts to jam with locals in anonymity. The names are never mentioned. But, if you check out the pictures, you’ll see what I mean. The rule is that you’ll keep you mouth shut about who you saw at Ivan’s – and they’ll keep coming back.

Just down the beach form Ivan’s is the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. There is no dock to tie up, so you must swim or dinghy in. In fact the bar got its name because many boaters swim to shore and pay for their libations with soggy dollars.

The Soggy Dollar is really part of a little Caribbean compound on this beautiful expanse beach. It's been around for a long time, but changed hands almost six years ago. Now it and the adjacent restaurant and cottages, known as Sandcastles, are owned by Debby Pearse and her husband Bruce Donath. The environment can be described as ultra casual Caribbean. There’s a volleyball net, which is used quite a bit. There are also hammocks strung between palm trees on the beach in front of the bar, and the infamous “Soggy Dollar Ring Toss Game” (swinging a ring against a tree and hoping it catches on the nail. Most famous of all is the “official” BVI drink, which was created here at the Soggy Dollar, the “Painkiller”, made with rum, coconut extract, and secret seasoning, topped with fresh nutmeg. Ruben Chinnery strums on on his guitar, which you can count on every Sunday from 2 to 4 pm.

Also, if you daytrip to St Thomas, there are freestyle jetskis offered at Sapphire Beach Resort's Marina. Call the resort and ask the name of the operator for the rates.

Take a daytrip to Virgin Gorda and check out "The Baths". Simply, The Baths are the main draw to Virgin Gorda for visitors from around the world. They are massive granite boulders, grottoes, secret passages and hidden saltwater pools illuminated by shafts of light. That helps explain why this stretch of beach at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda is the most memorable mooring in the Virgin Islands. Often referred to as one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, the baths offer a chance to experience something completely different from anything you’ll find on other islands. There are numerous “rooms” found within the boulders. Some are easily accessible by simply walking through, while others require a climb (in some cases, there are ropes and primitive planks built to assist) or even an underwater swim through a short passage. It really is something out of Robinson Crusoe. Children and teens absolutely love this natural playground and can spend an entire day “discovering” the secret rooms and climbing around. You’ll have top see for yourself to believe it. It’s hard to describe.

Back to STJ : Rent a dinghy (or two) from Noah's Little Arks and make yor way out to some of the most amazing snorkelin spots and beaches best reached by boat. Waterlemon Cay is probably the best option for the dinghy renting snorkeler, as this location is said to be incredible and hard to reach via swim.

Frankly, my son and his friends always enjoyed the villa pool. I think they liked having a pool to themselves and opted to stay at home on some days when we adults went to the beach.

As far as going out at night goes, driving isn't an option for my crew, yet. Thus, I focused on villas with close proximity to the main roads and Cruz Bay for ease of taxi drop-off at night. They've always made it back in one piece and without a problem. Cruz Bay is an 18-25 yr old's dream! If your kids aren't the sort to designate a sober driver and stick with it, I would mandate that they taxi around at night. The steep and winding roads of STJ are no place to test your tipsy driving skills. 4 kids - 3 sons and 1 daughter? Sounds like you'll need a 3-4 bedroom villa. Do you have a budget in mind for the lodging? Since you're coming next month, you can take advanatge of last minute deals.

Hi Bluewater,
Do you know if Noah's Little Arks has a web site? We are planning on renting a dinghy when we are in St. John next month. I would like to get an idea on price/availability, etc

http://www.bookitvi.com/nla.htm

Hi Lopeka-
You have to get info on this site. The prices aren't listed. I really think they used to be, but they're not now. I guess you have to call.

Have fun!

Thanks! I really hope to get my race-car fanatic of a son away from the need-for-speed and to slow down, appreciate nature. I would really rather support the littler local guys. That's one of hobbies here on the Plains, visiting the little old towns - trying to see something from each one of them. Thanks again. Deb

I agree with everything Bluewater said. IMHO Jet Skiing is over priced and over rated. Noah's Little Arks for the Dinghy rental is $75 for a 12 footer w. a 15 HP motor (Upcoming trip report) for a half day (all you will need) Spend the extra $20 and get the 15 Ft. with the 30 Hp motor. (Your vacuum cleaner is more powerful than a 15 Hp Evinrude)...posting from NASCAR country!

Dear Tree,

I don't think you need to muss and fuss about your kids enjoying or not enjoying everything! Plan your time basically around what's going on during the day - the snorkelling, the new adventure of being in a new place, the beach thing and everything else. They'll be so pooped at the end of the day that even the oldest will probably be ready to hit the sack once the sun goes down!

The sun is already on its downward spiral and the days are getting shorter with sunset beginning now at 6:30PM. By the time you get here in October, the sun will probably be setting closer to 6PM.

Given that, if the kids want to continue on into the evening and night, then let them go into Cruz Bay or Coral Bay for some later evening fun. Just make sure that, if you rent a car, the older ones are listed as alternate drivers. Where the youngest is concerned, realize that the drinking age here in the USVI is 18. She may or may not be carded but better safe than sorry! And if you're nervous about them using the rental car then post and ask about a private taxi service who may be wiling to sclep them here or there after hours. Most bars whether on or off the beaten track have taxi drivers they can call when somebody's in a fix so I don't think you have too much to worry about.

To add to your planning, I would suggest Captain Nautica's BVI trip. Not only would it appeal to your son who has a "speed" drive but I think it would be a great family trip. As a 21 year resident of the USVI, I've had the pleasure of going on their trips a few times. both by myself and with family visitors and their professional attitude and service is tremendous. You can check them out at www.captain nautica.com. I wholeheartedly recommend their trip.

Personally I'm not into the jet ski routine. They're available at a few locations on St Thomas - but I find them extremely offensive. The horrible noise disturbs residents and, infinitely worse, their turmoil disturbs nesting grounds of indigenous sealife here.

Nelson Rockefeller deeded his purchase of a huge portion of St. John to the National Park Service with very strict clauses about future development. Mr. Rockefeller had a dream where St. John was concerned and he was absolutely right in what he did.

Tree - grab up that snorkel mask, snap it on your face, go paddle around and try everything out until you really brave up, lounge on the beach, get a tan and simply enjoy - you and your family will have a wonderful time here!

Cheers!

I personally hate jetskis. We seem to have lots of them on our midwest lakes - sounds like giant bugs swarming around. When I first started reseaching USVI I knew they looked beautiful and apparently they have stayed beautiful because of all the protection and appreciation of visitors and locals. Never having been to this type of setting, I didn't really think abount how detrimental those stupid things are to the environment. I KNOW how detrimental they are to my peace of mind! I think I'll just challenge him to try windsurfing! Unless he found something on STT, I guess I'll leave that up to him. Thanks Deb

Hey. You know I just can't get over that mother hen thing! We had kind of a disjointed family life after the divorce - hence my desire to "pull it all together". I really appreciate your point about the sun going down - it's weird, I never thoght about that since it will seem like summer all the time. Since my youngest is 17, I'm sure we'l be going out some at night and the older boys will probably be staying out. Sure glad someone pointed out that Cruz Bay would be best for that aspect. Just for the record, I HATE jetskis. AND, ta-da - I stopped at our 2 scuba shops after work today! I'm pretty sure I want to try it, don't know about the others. There must be places you can rent the gear if they don't want to purchase it beforehand. Thanks for your response. This has helped tremdously, especially with trying to put it together within such a short time frame.