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I'm a single mom considering a 10-day stay at Bolongo Bay with my son and daughter, 15 and 7, in early June. I've got a couple of questions that maybe someone could shed some light on for me.
General, I know, but...Will there be enough to keep my kids busy for 10 days? My son, 15, is mainly interested in fishing. Are there only chartered fishing trips, or are there large-group fishing trips? For example, in Florida last year he paid about $50 to go fish for half a day on a large boat with many other people. I don't mind paying for the three of us on a charter, but I could only afford to do that for one day - he'd love to fish every single day we're there, if possible. Any idea about fishing around the area or dock, or whatever, near Bolongo, just on his own?? I'm sure there are places to buy tackle there...
I'm actually not quite as worried about my 7-year-old daughter - I think she'll be happy hanging out with mom, whatever we do. She's very excited!!
One other thing I am a little bit concerned about, though, is feeling slightly out of place being a single parent. I know single-parent-families travel, but I just have this irrational fear that I'll be the only one there the whole time I'm there. Please tell me that there are usually at least SOME people like me there during the summer!
Thanks so much in advance for your help! I've learned a few tips already from this site.
Take care,
Sheri
I think its hard to guess whether or not there will be other single moms (or dads) in the vicinity when you are vacationing. I'm sure your daughter will meet other little kids for playmates around the pool or beach. If you can do this for your children (instead of leaving them home), to spend the quality time and give them a break from everyday life also, go ahead. All I see is benefits for you and your family. Go to the islands and have a wonderful vacation that they'll always remember.
Besides, I don't think that the island or the people around are like that. Nobody should be looking down on you for that anyways. How would people even know why your a single mom. Could be any number of reasons and many of them are not to frown down at somebody about.
There have plenty of rocks and a dock he can probably fish from!
Ronnie
My sister brought the kids down by herself and had a ball - the kids didn't want to leave Bolongo at all! I can help find you a fishing charter for him or maybe a day sail where he can fish also. Don't worry, you are not alone!
Sheri-
I am a single mom (divorced) and I travel all the time with my kids. So much so that I thought of starting a network for single parents who travel so that we can network to meet others who are single with kids and going othe same locations.
Anyway, this is such a coincidence. My kids are 6 (girl)and 16 (boy-will be 17 by the time we arrive in STT) in MID JUNE!! We're planning 2 weeks, so chances are that our vacations will overlap at some point.
I usually let my son bring a friend because he likes to get out and explore. You and I should talk!! I am from the states, but spent a good portion of my childhood living on STT as my dad was with the Gov't. I know a lot about the islands would be happy to, at minimum, meet up with you for dinner or a beach play date while on the islands.
Steff
email me at [email protected]
Pamela,
Your comment about the kids loving Bolongo makes me feel a lot better. Any help you have regarding the fishing would be very much appreciated. My son is really a great, easy-going, easy-to-please kid (I'm so lucky!), but I really really want him to have a good time. Of course I want both of my kids to have a great time, but he is, and has been, such a huge help to me at home since my divorce, and he'll be off on his own before I know it and...well, I won't get all mommy-emotional, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, and I'd love to learn anything you could share about fishing charters, day sails with fishing, etc.
Thanks, and take care,
Sheri
We will be there on the 17th for several days and if any of you are still there at that time, i would be glad to take your son/s fishing. Not on a boat but off a dock or a beach or a kayak. We stay at a private residence and have access to a vehicle so have no problems getting around. Email me if you are interested.
Patrick,
You are so very kind to offer! As my plans stand right now, we'll already be gone by then. Unfortunate for us. Your generosity overwhelms me - that you'd offer to take time from your own trip to do that for a perfect stranger. So refreshing...
Everyone is so nice on this board. I'm going to be sure to read it daily, at least before I go, and when I get back as well.
Thanks again so much, and I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Sheri
Patrick-
Thanks so much for the offer. My son isn't that much of a fisherman. But, if you're game for a one on one on the hoops, he's game:) LOL j/k My son is bringindg a friend down...
But you are extremely generous to offer! Island people (even visitors) really know how to live and enjoy:) Thanks!
Hi Steff,
Thanks SOOO much for the info in your email. Too bad our trips won't overlap - I'm sure we'd have had a lot to talk about. Guess I'm gonna have to try one of those painkiller things....
I see you found out the name of the restaurant you were trying to think of - Bryan's. That's just what I want to do - hang out, have a couple of drinks, enjoy a wonderful view. Can't wait for June!!!
Take care and have a great trip!
Sheri
We were at Bolongo last month with our ten year old son. He loves to fish, too, but he was very content snorkling and scuba diving after the fish! We got underwater disposable cameras and that's how we "caught" our fish. If your son is comfortable in the water, they have a learn to scuba course at Bolongo. The pool intoduction is free, and if he likes it, the two-tank boat dive is $110. The instructors are wonderful with kids and I was impressed with the safety. The teacher was never less than 6 feet from my son during all the dives. When you go on the sail trip over to St John, I hope your son will see the hound fish that hangs out there. He is a three and a half foot gar that cruises near the surface looking for hand outs Also, you can go over to Coki beach (next to Coral World) and feed the fish. Don't be shy: EMail Bolongo via their web site with the same question. They are great people, and you should get an answer in a day or two. All three of you will have a great time.
Steff,
The offer still stands for fishing. Son and friend is fine with me.
I am more than willing to let them use our kayak at Magens when we go. Or even to take them exploring around the island. I still remember when I was their age and did not have a mentor. Know what I mean? Not that I am saying they need one but... only for someone who kinda knows the island a bit.
Who knows... we may find a hoop or two. You never know. How about golf?
Hi there,
Thanks for the info. I read your trip report, review, on another site, I think...can't remember which one. Frankly, your review, and a couple of others, are what helped me decide on Bolongo. It sounded as if your family had a great time! I'm sure we will as well.
Thank your so much for your thoughts!
Sheri
I wanted to thank everybody for their responses, ideas, suggestions, etc., etc.....
This message board is great, and it's so wonderful to have a site where so many locals take the time to respond to so many visitors. Thanks a bunch to all!!!!!
Have a good one.....
Patrick-
Are you originally from STT or just a fan of the island? How long have you been going?
Sheri,
I'm in the midst of putting together a boatshow and moving my apartment so life is little crazy at the moment but if you email me at [email protected] the first part of next week and remind me, I'll find a fishing charter for you and the kids. Mommy emotional is cool - well, not to the kids .... 🙂
