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Kidz Eye View of the Virgin Islands
“Man Overboard”
by John Wood
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St. John Harbor
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Once again, dear friends, I have sacrificed my personal safety and well-being for your benefit. I traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands on what's euphemistically called a "soft adventure trip," and man, did I have a blast! So, wherever you're planning your next vacation — forget it. Put another log on the fire, gather the children near, and I will tell you some really cool stuff to do.
First stop: St. John, smallest and most pristine of the islands — to say this island is beautiful is an understatement, so I will say, this island is really beautiful! Our hotel, The Westin Resort, overlooking the emerald waters of Great Cruz Bay, offers a full array of family water sports and great kids' club activities. If parents need some time out in nearby Cruz Bay, I recommend Ellington's and the Lime Inn for fair-priced victuals.
Johnny and the Night Snorklers
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Two fun and unique adventures to check out: Around St. John Snorkel Tour with Sandy West on her boat, Sadie Sea, and Snuba Excursions with Frank Cummings. Sandy gives a history of the island during the 6-hour tour (with frequent stops for snorkeling), and I was impressed with Frank's teaching ability in preparing the uninitiated for tethered Snuba diving.
The Westin Resort: Rates begin at $135 per night. Two kids under 18 stay with you for free. Westin Kids Club, 9:00AM to 10:00PM, Full day with lunch $50, Half day $30. (340) 693-8000 or www.westinresortstjohn.com. Snorkel Tour $50/per person, (340)776-6421; Snuba Excursions $49/per person 8-years and up, (340)693-8063 or www.visnuba.com.
Parasailing Johnny
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Second Stop: A 20-minute scenic ferry ride and boom — here's the island of St. Thomas, the Caribbean's most renowned shopping attraction, and the Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort, my new home away from home. Before you could say "Blackbeard," I was perched atop a kayak for the Guided Tour of Magens Bay. Children are welcome on this informative 1-1/2 hour watery trek. Recommended eateries: Blue Moon Café, Craig & Sally's, Tavern on the Waterfront and Lillian's Caribbean Grill (down-home local food). Since I was eating like a pig, I needed to stay active, so off to parasailing at the Renaissance Beach Resort. They strap you in real good, and yes, kids can do it, and yes, I did envision myself breaking free and ending up a political prisoner in Cuba, but it was a 20-minute rush! Then (believe it or not), I went night snorkeling with Chris Savage Diving, using a waterproof flashlight and a glow sticks on my mask. We stayed in the cove and saw tons of underwater nightlife including a young sea tortoise. Older kids will totally dig this, and Homer Calloway, our guide, was like the Crocodile Hunter: "I'll just reach into this dark hole. . ."
Marriott Frenchman's Reef: Rates begin at $135 per night. (800) 932-2198 or www.marriotthotels.com; Guided Kayak Tour of Magens Bay, $40/per person, (340)779-2155 ;Parasailing $55/per person, (340)775-9360; $35/per person. Chris Savage Diving Center(night snorkle), $35/per person, (800)882-2965 or www.sawyerdive.vi.
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Point Udall
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Third stop: A ferry trip to Water Island, population 128 and newest of the Virgin Islands. Water Island Adventures offers a bike trip around the island starting at Fort Segarra, a World War II army base. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride — but some steep pathways with no shoulders were not ideal for younger children. Teenagers will like it.
Water Island Adventures, $49/per person incl. ferry ride,(340) 714-9338 or Email: waterislandadv@att.net.
Beer-drinking pig (on the right!)
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Fourth stop: Seaborne Seaplane ride to St. Croix, largest of the islands (and my personal favorite). Here, I stayed at Divi Carina Bay Resort. On this leg of the trip, I met my first beer-guzzling pig (hopefully not my last), sat on the easternmost point of the U.S. (Point Udall), explored an underwater national park at Buck Island Reef National Monument, and lost money at the Divi Carina Bay Casino. A well-rounded finale to a fabulous trip. There are a million other activities on the Virgin Islands. These are but a few. Definitely four seals up!
Divi Carina Bay Resort: Rates begin at $175 per night. Children under age 16 stay free. (800) 554-2008 or www.divicarina.com. Seaborne Seaplane, $55 one-way (340) 773-6442. For more information on the United States Virgin Islands: www.usvi.net.
— John Wood
NOTE: The prices listed above were accurate as of posting; we suggest you call for current rates before your trip.
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