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We're planning to stay at the Maho camps in November with our two kids who will be 15 months and almost 4. This will be our first trip to St. John. We love to travel and camp and just can't wait until the kids are older to do this (although we'll probably have to come back when they're older since everyone seems to be planning a return trip as soon as they get home). The information on this message board is great and has been very helpful.
We are prepared for the steps and plan to use our Kelty backpack carrier for our daughter. Does anyone have any suggestions for sites to request that will minimize the steps for us? We're pretty early risers so somewhere that a little morning noise from the kids won't bother too many people would be great.
We're also trying to decide what to do about transportation. Should we rent a Jeep on STJ or on STT and take the car ferry? I think having a vehicle will be helpful for us and we'd like to see as much of the island as possible. We don't travel very light although I was thinking of packing up a couple of boxes and shipping them to Maho (if they'll let us) to cut down on our checked luggage. We will be bringing a large double stroller with us (big tires but will fit through a standard doorway). I figure we'll leave it in the Jeep at Maho but would we find it useful anywhere else?
We're planning on eating at the tent for breakfast and lunch but we will probably eat at the Maho restaurant most nights. A good recommendation for a dinner after the kids are asleep (hopefully snoozing in the stroller so not too fancy) would be great.
Is it possible to get some babysitting at Maho? It would be nice to go snorkeling together one afternoon.
Has anyone actually done this with young children before?
Thanks for you help, I'm sure I'll think of more questions later.
Well I can only answer your question about the Jeep, since I don't have kids. I would STRONGLY recommend renting a Jeep at the airport. With 4 people you will save tons of money on the taxi rates, at least $40 since I think its $10 a person to Red Hook.
While you are in St Thomas, stop at Food Center and stock up on your food for the week. It will be much cheaper than buying on St John, if you are really motivated stop at Cost U Less although its a bit out of the way driving from the airport. Food Center you will pass and can't miss it.
For babysitting I would contact Maho and see who the recommend or Cinnamon Bay campground to see if they know of one. If that doesn't work check with Caneel or the Westin, they HAVE to have someone they can call.
Good luck and have fun!
Thanks for your help. I was also wondering if there are any other message boards like this that would be good to post on. Anyone know of any?
Thanks,
Keri
Hi Keri, we've been to Maho Bay 3 times, twice with our kids so here we go.... plan to pack much lighter than usual. You won't need, and won't care about 70% of what you packed other than sunscreen and bug spray because its too damn hot to pack all the stuff in and out of the tents. This is an island of minimal "things" and you won't fit in with a truckload of stuff from home, its flip flops, water bottles, CASH, CASH, CASH, a bottle opener, t-shirts and the lotions. To minimize steps, you have to decide on one very important thing- which means more to you- the store/restaurant/desks/ info/ parking/companionship of other campers versus time on the beach. Maho is ALL steps and believe me, the little legs of your 4 year old are gonna wear out fast so be prepared to carry her/him too. Call Maho and ask for recommendations for either being close to the beach or close to the conveniences. There is no place that will cover both with minimal steps. If you ask for a tent way out near the Goat Trail, it might be quieter but for the most part the braying donkees will have most people awake by 6-7AM anyway. Sound carries VERY easily there which is why we switched to Concordia last Nov for our 4th visit to STJ. Also know that the slips are frequently very, very slippery due to the quickie rainshowers so you'll want to think twice about the stairs for that reason as your four year old may slip and slide and you will too. We loved our trips there and your four year old may too with the little lizards running around, the pelicans, etc. But families with tiny tots have some serious mind-set changes to make to prepare for the heat with a baby on your back. Also, don't bring marshmellow fluff, it will rise up out of the jar through the lid. Raisins are great though.
I hadn't thought of marshmallow fluff but will have to keep in mind the expansion properties of food in heat... Thanks for your help.
