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Hi-
we are taking our second trip to STJ in a few weeks. On our first trip we had our two kids with us (1.5 yrs and 3 yrs) and were fairly limited in what we could do- we mostly went to the beaches in the morning, the kids napped in the afternoon, and we ate most dinners at our villa because most nicer restaurants would not seat kids under 5 (even well behaved, well traveled kids with very conscientious parents!).
This time, the kids are older (4.5 and 6 yrs), our nanny is coming along to help, and we will stay 10 days.... so we are thinking that we might be able to try a day trip or two. I was thinking Jost or Virgin Gorda to see the baths. Has anyone done either of these with kids? I looked at the rates for the ferries and it seems to me at $50-65 per person that it might not be that more expensive to just charter a boat. Any suggestions in that regard? This also might allow more freedom for the plans and then the kids wouldn't bother any romancing couples on the boats.......
What happens with the charter if you have bad weather/choppy waters?
Also, any recs for nicer restaurants for me and DH to try? We will try at least one or two dinners out without the kids/nanny this time... ahhhh!!!
Thanks so much fpr any/all suggestions-
Melissa
I have taken my kids 2/5/7 last easter to jost and they loved it... I chartered a power boat for convience... like $500 w/ tip, gas and customs (4 aduluts and 3 kids) also i have chartered many boats ,sail and power and have always been given the option w/o penalty to opt out if the weather wasnt cooperating, but once you decide to go and leave the dock...if the sky opens up, too bad
Check out borntorhumb.com. Great boat, great Captain, great day!!
As far as the restaurants, I would highly recommend Zozo's for a romantic dinner for two.
I've done a power charter to Jost and Virgin Gorda with a 2 yr old. At Virgin Gorda, we decided to skip using the dock and use the "swim in" method. The 2 yr old was placed tummy down on a floating cushion and swam with fins holding onto the cushion like a paddle board and swam her in. She wore a life vest, so she was safe.
She was a little afriad on the power boat. It is a little noisy and gets really windy.
But, she was 2. Your kids are much older now and shouldn't have any problems. I think they'll love it at their current age!!
By the way, there are some really wonderful nannies to hire on the islands - in case you ever decide to come without yours again. If you're just bringing her so you can get a few nights out, ad hoc nannies in the VI are another option. Of course, there are also plenty of families who bring their nannies. I can always spot the kids in the pool or on the beach who are with nannies.
As for your question about Jost or Virgin Gorda, I would suggest Jost if you are going with the kids. It is a lot closer (20 minutes on a powerboat vs. 1hr 15 min powerboat ride) and might be more agreeable with the kids. Also, many private day charter boats have a captain and crew so you would be able to leave the kids on the beach in White Bay with the crew or your nanny while the two of you went to some of the bars/restaurants, or explored the beach alone. Yesterday we had a 1 year old and a 3 year old on the boat, the 3 year old actually went snorkeling while the one year old stayed on the boat with the crew and grandmother.
I would suggest having your own life vests that fit each child well. All the boats carry child life jackets of course, but the vests work best for enjoying the water, while the life jackets work best for emergency.
Capt. Josh
Capt. Josh,
How can i contact you to charter a trip?
Can't wait for vacation.
Here is a link to his website. http://www.lionindasun.com/index.html
One week ago we took our 6 year old to Jost Van Dyke via the STJ-JVD ferry. He had a fantastic day -- probably the best of our trip. The ferry left STJ at 8:30 am (actually a little late at about 8:45). We didn't have to go through customs on Tortola -- apparently there is a 'new' customs location in Great Harbor. We went straight there so the trip was shorter than we'd been advised. We took a taxi to Seddy's One Love beach bar. ($5 per adult, $3 for child; 5 minute ride) Our son had fun playing in Seddy & Raquel's front yard (the beach and ocean). Their children, Lily and Ivan, were super friendly and playful. We all watched Seddy's magic tricks for nearly an hour! We beach-bar-hopped down White Bay (gorgeous) to the Soggy Dollar Bar and Ivans. Then our taxi driver picked us up at Ivan's (about 1:00 pm) and took us back to Great Harbor where we spent our remaining time at Foxy's. Our son loved everyone and everything on Jost. He spent time lounging in one of Foxy's hammocks, danced to a blues band that was playing, ate late lunch, and had his photo taken with Foxy. We went back to STJ on the ferry at 3:00 pm. It was a perfect day!
