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Any reco on snorkeling, boat tours with very young kids (2 and 4 year olds) and mosquitoes?

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Any reco on snorkeling, boat tours with very young kids (2 and 4 year olds) and mosquitoes?

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(@parissian)
Posts: 9
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hi there,

I have been all over the sights but was not able to find an answer..

When we visit St Thomas in December and staying at the Saphire Beach Resort, we would like to take boat outing to BVI..perhaps Bath or Tortola..however, when I look at many boat operaits, like New Horizon, etc most of it seems for adults and many are booze boats.

With kids, 2 and 4, year old we want to find a safe, kid-friendly, non-booze boat tour -- can anyone recommend? My son has bad milk, egg, and nuts allergy so I was wondering if those sunset dinner tours (they said they can prepare Vegan dishes) really good?

Thanks..

Also..I brought these non-deet natural bug spray from the same company that makes "OFF" deet..because DEET can be quite toxic and being my kids are so young I prefer not to have to use it on them...has anyone have any luck on these non-deet products, partiducarly since my son is suspectible to bad eczema as well.

Thanks..

 
Posted : November 19, 2013 4:24 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 792
Prominent Member
 

This guy has gotten very good reviews so you many want to check him out:
http://www.swashbucklintours.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147404-d2043505-Reviews-Swashbucklin_Tours-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

 
Posted : November 24, 2013 10:49 am
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3318
Famed Member
 

Alana33 wrote:
This guy has gotten very good reviews so you many want to check him out:
http://www.swashbucklintours.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147404-d2043505-Reviews-Swashbucklin_Tours-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

Just FYI, this is a very small (22') runaround no-frills (and no bimini) boat. Not really suitable for a trip with a 2 year old and a 4 year old.

 
Posted : November 24, 2013 4:46 pm
(@parissian)
Posts: 9
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you STT Resident and Alan33...

I have to admit I get so confused with these boats as we are basically "dumb" and inexperienced with boating..we went snorkeling once when we were in Fiji and on small boats..I recall getting a little sea sick and dizzy at night after doing over 3 snorkel trips..so my husband thought it be because the boats were small..

..we looked into the 6 people boat that STT recommended..if its for only 6 people..my hubby concerned does it mean its small and easy to get seasick with bumpy waters vs a bigger boat like those Stormy Petrel/New Horizon less movement...also its less expensive with the boats with more people...cost sadly does play factor.

Question...we are arriving on a Sunday afternoon and the next Monday and Wednesday there are like 5 cruise ships those days...is St John very busy on cruise ship days as well? If weather permits, I thought we would visit the smaller beaches on those days like Lindquist and/or Secret Harbour (since it sounds like where we stay at Saphire would be very busy on cruise ship days)...I read on tripadvisor Lindquist is very pretty and quiet..we would be a bit apprehensive if its only us on the beach and parking so I don't mind a little more people..I am not one of those that need the beach all to ourselves but we don't like Overcrowded either.

And we thought that on cruise ship days we should take the car barge to St. John (Wednesday)..so not sure how busy St John is on days with lots of cruise ships...or we can book a sailing trip on that day..

There are so many excusrions and on tripadvisor almost all of them has 4-5 stars..amazing!.. so it sometimes become difficult to choose which one..and cost can help play factor in I guess..

Thanks.

 
Posted : November 25, 2013 2:51 pm
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3318
Famed Member
 

parissian wrote:
..we looked into the 6 people boat that STT recommended..if its for only 6 people..my hubby concerned does it mean its small and easy to get seasick with bumpy waters vs a bigger boat like those Stormy Petrel/New Horizon less movement...also its less expensive with the boats with more people...cost sadly does play factor.

S/V Independence is 44' - ample room for six people and two crew and a most comfortable, smooth ride!

 
Posted : November 25, 2013 4:50 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 792
Prominent Member
 

You might try looking into a catamaran/trimaran day sail since they provide a more stable sailing environment. Most day sail boats usually take 6 passengers plus their crew. New Horizons takes more as do others but easy to check. If you are coming here during our winter "high season" it may
be difficult to find beaches (Secret Harbor is a resort hotel and they get busy during winter) that are sparsely populated as that's when snowbirds are all looking for fun in the sun and our warmer waters. Possibly the concierge (if Sapphire has one) or the tour desk at your hotel can provide info you seek. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.

 
Posted : November 26, 2013 11:15 am
(@reepingway)
Posts: 23
Eminent Member
 

I've visited for years, and also camped (with an 8 year old) at Cinnamon once (mosquitos!) and Maho (no-see'ums). Skin so Soft works well, but it may just be who you are. My husband is darker skinned and can play on the beach in the sand all afternoon and evening in bathing trunks. I, fairer, have to put on long pants with socks to seal them, long sleeves, and still get bites. Of course, it may be the rum he drinks that helps, but I'd not suggest that for your little ones. Pick the right 6-pack (talk to them, they are all happy to make you happy) and they will get your little ones in the water and snorkeling as well!
We have loved day sailing on Nightwind, but it holds more than 6.
And there is Heavenly Days, a catamaran out of Bolongo Bay, again, big, but little ones can sit inside. Both will include alcohol.

 
Posted : December 5, 2013 3:27 pm
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