BVI with kids
 

We will be on St.John for five days at the end of January. Is there any compelling reason to go see the BVI's while we are there? Or should we just stay on St. John with a day trip to St. Thomas?

Hi jeffsch -

I've been doing a lot of research for our 12 night June Virgin Islands trip (our kids will be 12 and almost 16 at time of travel). This day sail trip was recommended highly to me (a few times) as a good way to see several of the BVIs:

http://newhorizonscharters.com/

We were originally planning to do this trip (back when our plans were to stay at the Marriott on St. Thomas the entire time, and island hop). Since then, we have decided to ferry over to the BVIs and stay a few nights there as well!

Carole

I have read your other posts as well. As much as I love day tripping to the BVI's, with only 5 days on STJ and 4 kids in tow. I would stay on St John.

New Horizon's II is a great day trip, but would cost you a small fortune for 6. I'm also not sure if it is appropriate for your youngest (2, I believe).

I have not personally been, but Pastory Gardens about a mile out of Cruz Bay has miniature golf for kids as well a a kid friendly restaurant. Have fun on your trip!

I agree wholeheartedly with the previous poster. In five days, you won't run out of wonderful things to do and see on St John. I'd skip the trip to St Thomas-- but I'm a total beach and snorkeling nut. (with no interest in shopping; St John does have some ok shopping though by the way).

Jeffsch: Add my vote to Brenandg's opinion to stick to St. John. 4 kids in tow? Wow. I bow to you. Just my one boy drains all my energy. :-)

I think the BVI's are great but I agree with the other posters that 5 days doesn't leave you a lot of time for island hopping. Our family did the New Horizons trip (boys were 13 and 9 years old) and we loved it. However, we were on St. John for 7 days and I still would have liked to stay longer. If you do want to go,you might have to pay extra to get your passports expediated. There are some day sail snorkle trips around St. John that you would not need a passport for.

http://stjohnlinks.com/Charters/White_Wing/index.htm

http://www.waywardsailor.net/

I think the BVI's are great but I agree with the other posters that 5 days doesn't leave you a lot of time for island hopping. Our family did the New Horizons trip (boys were 13 and 9 years old) and we loved it. However, we were on St. John for 7 days and I still would have liked to stay longer. If you do want to go,you might have to pay extra to get your passports expedited. There are some day sail snorkle trips around St. John that you would not need a passport for.

http://stjohnlinks.com/Charters/White_Wing/index.htm

http://www.waywardsailor.net/

I have to agree with poss about not bothering with a day trip to St Thomas. I don't see how their beaches could possibly be "better" for the hassle. We just discovered this on our last visit, the porters at the ferry dock in Charlotte Amalie will hold your bags if you wanted to leave a little early for the airport and have lunch and/or shop in Charlotte Amalie.