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St Thomas Boating Trips

Dolphin

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Doing some planning for ST Thomas at Frenchmen Cove... I would like to take a day trip over to the Baths and Caves at Virgin Gorda. Looking for some suggestions from others who might have done such an adventure, including some snorkeling while over there.

Thanks in advance.
 

Fasttr

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I posted about THIS one in a recent thread.
 

Palmtreelady1

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We rented a boat for the day and it was awesome! There were 8 of us and we could go where we wanted on our schedule. We asked the desk for some suggestions and they were great! I also looked up on tripadvisor as well for names of charters. It was cheaper and we had more options this way. You can do a half day or full day.
 

alexadeparis

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We rented a boat for the day and it was awesome! There were 8 of us and we could go where we wanted on our schedule. We asked the desk for some suggestions and they were great! I also looked up on tripadvisor as well for names of charters. It was cheaper and we had more options this way. You can do a half day or full day.

Who did you end up Using?
 

jme

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About 12 years ago we did a "one day" excursion (thru Frenchman's Reef Hotel's concierge) which hired a boat all to ourselves with captain and mate on a 50-ft Sea Ray, and we went wherever we wanted. We left from the docks at St. Thomas.

Since I'd been to VI before, I knew where I wanted to go----- St John, Tortola, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda. We visited the Baths, Cruz Bay, caves of Norman Island where we snorkeled, the shipwreck of The Rhone where we snorkeled, and other great beaches, Stanley's Welcome Bar in Cane Garden Bay (Tortola), and several other spots. They served a great brunch and a late afternoon dinner, and had drinks and snacks available all day. We left just after sunrise and rode back in just after sunset. We traveled from USVI, into BVI waters where we stopped to get legal passage, and back into USVI and St. Thomas.

We had "the best day our family has ever had", according to each member----(kids were teenagers then). To this day we still talk about "that day". It could not have been any nicer or more beautiful. We saw the Virgin Isles "the right way", and on our terms. I remember the captain's name was Tom and mate was Beth (whoa!). Our cost was $1600 but that's long forgotten and the memory was absolutely worth every penny. Cannot remember the name of the company. We elected to have "no alcohol", which was an option which cut the cost $200-300. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

(The only thing I'd compare it to would be our "day in Paris"-----a one-day excursion via the Eurostar from London to Paris----spending all day in Paris, seeing everything we wanted to---- did bus tour of entire city, walked to and lingered at Eiffel Tower, walked to Arc de Triomphe, walked along entire Champs Elysees, spent 4 hours in the Louvre, walked along the Seine a while----- then back to London. Another great day in our family's travels. Those 2 special days will forever stand out and will always be cherished.)




.
 
Last edited:

Fasttr

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About 12 years ago we did a "one day" excursion (thru Frenchman's Reef Hotel's concierge) which hired a boat all to ourselves with captain and mate on a 50-ft Sea Ray, and we went wherever we wanted. We left from the docks at St. Thomas.

Since I'd been to VI before, I knew where I wanted to go----- St John, Tortola, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda. We visited the Baths, Cruz Bay, caves of Norman Island where we snorkeled, the shipwreck of The Rhone where we snorkeled, and other great beaches, Stanley's Welcome Bar in Cane Garden Bay (Tortola), and several other spots. They served a great brunch and a late afternoon dinner, and had drinks and snacks available all day. We left just after sunrise and rode back in just after sunset. We traveled from USVI, into BVI waters where we stopped to get legal passage, and back into USVI and St. Thomas.

We had "the best day our family has ever had", according to each member----(kids were teenagers then). To this day we still talk about "that day". It could not have been any nicer or more beautiful. We saw the Virgin Isles the right way", and on our terms. I remember the captain's name was Tom and mate was Beth (whoa!). Our cost was $1600 but that's long forgotten and the memory was absolutely worth every penny. Cannot remember the name of the company. We elected to have "no alcohol", which was an option which cut the cost $200-300. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Marty...that's the way I would do it as well. Sounds similar to what our kids did, but without the other 10 people on the boat, which they actually enjoyed. :D My daughters boyfriend still texts a local he met on the boat that was a NY Football Giants hater (dd's boyfriend is a huge Giants fan) so they found "uncommon" ground to harass each other over. But I, like you, would go the private route. Either way, the sights would be awesome and it sounds like a great day!!!
 

Janette

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We had Captain Mike with Nauti Nymph in January. We were with our son, dIL, a two year old and a four year old. The kids were great and Mike took us any place we wished and had some suggestions.
 

josh1231

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In addition to these great suggestions, you should check out Privateer Charters. Great boat trip that won't break the bank. We've went with him several times, and its been great every time.
 

alexadeparis

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Does anyone have a good recommendation for a private charter for 8? Must have a bathroom.
 

SpikeMauler

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We used Pirates Penny a couple of years ago and they were great. That said, if money is not a factor I would charter my own boat with a captain, especially if you were traveling with more than four people.
 

californiagirl

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We have done charters with Pirate's Penny once and Big Blue twice. We really enjoyed both, but I think the edge goes to Big Blue. Each charter has been unique and wonderful. Absolutely worth the cost. Either company will take you wherever you want to go.
 
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