Don't miss Coral World. After you can go next door to Coki Beach and snorkel. If you bring dog biscuits you can feed the fish. They will eat right out of your hand. Caribbean Night at Bolongo Beach Resort is great. I believe it is still on Wednesdays but call and check. At the top of the tram (Paradise Point) they have a bird show the kids will love. I think it is at 11AM but call on that one too.

Other things to try - Atlantis Submarine (my daughter love that). Limnos is a great day trip with kids. They treat them very nicely on the boat and the kids can walk around the boat, etc. Don't know if they need passports. When we went birth certificates were fine but that may have changed with the new passport law.

You should read Bluwater's trip report. It will answer most of your questions.

Hi

I own a unit at Sapphire and people renting our unit were always asking us for suggestions on things to do, trips, restaurants, etc. I therefore put together a document that I give people staying in our unit. If you would like a copy email [email protected].
Just so you know, there is now a number of ways to get meals at Sapphire. If you book through Antilles you get a free continental breakfast, it is available to non Antilles people for a small charge.
There is now a grill located between the B and C building that serves lunch ( burgers,fish, chicken, hot dogs, etc). Also the restaurant at Sapphire Village (Grapevine Grill) will deliver lunch if it exceeds $20 in cost, and Signor Pizza has people walking around on the beach and will deliver. The grill serves drinks as does the little shop ( Barefoot Trader).
For dinner, the Grapevine Grill is just a short walk, and Agave Restaurant from Point Pleasant will pick you up and drop you off.

With 5 people you definitely want to rent a car. I am going down in March and for the first time rented a cat through Hotwire ( http://www.hotwire.com/index.jsp?lid=car/passengers-guest.jsp:topNav:loc:5:home), I usually rent from Avis, and through hotwire I still will have an Avis car but at half the cost. A compact can be had for $15/day.

Birth certificates are fine for sea travel - I just tested that out last week. Went to BVI. Though, I saw plenty of boat literature that read that passports are required, they were not in my experience.

For small children:
I agree with all above advice.
-Coral World
-Iguana sightings at Sapphire Marina
-Caribbean Night / show at Bolongo

-my daughter has always loved that Molly Malone's restaurant puts plastic, colorful mermaids in her drinks...and other things like umbrellas and pinheels.

-we have not tired, but I have heard great things about Atlantis submarine and also the tram ride up to Paradise Point (as was previously suggested)

-some hotels have things for kids right on the beach - like Ritz - they have sand art and other crafts going on at small kids tables on the beach (near the pool).

-Sapphire used to have land crab races and a really cool show with a lady called "Madame Voodoo", but I guess that is over. If you can locate a Madame Voodoo show, it's worth a drive for small children - she walks on glass, eats fire, dances and teaches kids to dance, etc.

-At Wyndham Sugar Bay (on their property, but not exclusive to the resort) is a mini golf course and bumper boats (bumper boats may be too large for your 6 yr old - they shoot water out and operate in a large pool with fountains - so everyone is sure to get very wet).

-There's a playground by the airport - and a "waterpark"...the waterpark is like a playground with water spraying - good for really small children.

-Go to Magens Bay and to the far right side...then walk in the shallow water along those rocks - you might see starfish and you'll definitely see fish...but your kids can enjoy without masks and snorkels.

-Some people on this forum get upset about feeding the fish at Coki with dog biscuits, but we always did that and my daughter got a huge kick out of it. You'll have 50 fish around you in the shallow water within 1 minute - and they aren't tiny.

-There's another mini-golf place on STJ (Pastory Gardens) and they also have a lovely bar and restaurant on the grounds

On STJ - definitely stop into the store "St John Kids" at Wharfside Village- the first building on your right as you exit the ferry. They have a ton of kids things - clothing, toys, fun items.... Here's a link - scroll down to see photos of the store after it opened. http://www.stjohnspice.com/newkids.htm

And, best of all - lather them up with sunblock and give them a pail and shovel at the beach!!

Enjoy!

I keep reading that approx 50% of Coral World is closed for repairs (it may be finished now) but they are charging the same to get in - I would check before you pay to go in to see if it is "all" open.

Pia

thanks all for the great info...

how about daysails with kids - anyone every do it?

you must have passport to the BVI

Oh geesh, somebody is going to start banging their head against the wall again!

The government is not requiring passports to the BVI for travel by sea - for now, anyway. I think the change is due to come in Jan 2008.

If the charter company mandates it, that's their prerogative. But, they'll be out of order with the US Department of State.

Passports NOT needed to travel to BVI by sea - applies to both, children and adults.

Oh crap! Does anyone know how to get drywall out of my hair?

Richmond,
Too bad you have drywall, NOT good for a hurricane! I prefer concrete, but then you would be knocked out by now!
Passports will be mentioned many more times, that's ok, we are here to help, right? 🙂
Shadowflag, I have seen young children on day sails, tho I think it could be challenging for the 3 yr. olds. When and If you book, make sure they know the age of your children fist! The charter will be able to know if their boat is set up for young children! Have FUN!

Darn, Richmond. I had been busy making a "Caution" sign for this thread - to place outside the door, just for you. I knew if you came in here, we'd have a trauma case on our hands . Looks like I was too late.

Maybe we can all chip in and buy you one of those helmets. Then, whenever you visit this forum, you can strap it on and be safe.

I'm betting we haven't seen the last of the Passport posts - and the varied answers.

perhaps a mod can make a sticky thread for passports... and point people here - http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

of course that only addresses coming back to us territories... im sure BVI has a similar sight as well

ICE!

I need ice!!!!!