1st cat trip with kids, all boys...ideas for fun?

We've done lots of fun adult trips to the BVI's, both land and water based, but we are taking the kids this time for the 1st time in early July...catamaran for a week. We would love any trip advice or fun stops for kids (ages 9-15) Thanks in advance for any advice! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

We like to break up the trip with
Leverick
Scrub
Pirates
And cow wreck

If you want more on the grid than off

The baths are great, monkey point and diamond cay for turtles

We have a 9yo son. Most of his trips have been to STJ and we spent 10 days on VG in February. In no particular order, he really enjoyed -

Cow Wreck beach. He found a large conch (live) while swimming. We all enjoyed lunch.

Spring Bay and jumping off the rocks. The Baths were a "meh" for him. I think it was because it was so insanely crowded. He wanted to explore, not stand in line.

Top of the Baths for lunch and a dip in the pool.

Michael Bean show (don't know if that goes on in the summer)

Tarpoon feeding and tank talk at Saba Rock

Thanks for the advice guys! Great ideas! I was hoping the Baths would be do-able and not crowded based on time of year. Insanely crowded would not be fun!

The Baths is pretty crowded almost any time of year if you go around noon. As others have suggested, go early in the morning or later afternoon and it will be fine. We were there around December 29th (very busy season) a couple of years ago and in the last hour before sunset there may have been two or three other people there aside from our little group. It was incredible. And this is totally doable if you are going by car.

How long is the drive (car) from Leverick to the Baths?

Rick

We take an UNO doublenester hammock, a decent length of cord to make a noodle line and we havent done this but plan to take a blue light to put in the water at night, have seen this and its great! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

We went around 10am on a Sunday (in February, high season) and it was mobbed.

I thought we were being smart and getting there prior to the day trippers from STT, STJ and Tortola but what I didn't realize is that there were cruise ships right off of VG so they beat us to the Baths.

We have done the ride from Leverick to the baths with the kids.

Email Nick at Leverick [email]nick@surfbvi.com.[/email] He will set up the car for you!

Rick, to answer your question, I think the ride from Leverick to the Baths is about 20 minutes, but I am just guessing, really. We honestly had no idea how long it took as we were having so much fun with our many stops along the way, the incredible views and just checking out the various neighborhoods that we passed along the way.

Virgin Gorda is a MUCH easier island to drive on than Tortola. Less crowded and wider roads (at least it seemed that way to us). It is still windy and steep, but we found it very easy. Of course, we LOVE driving on Tortola as well.

Take a car, enjoy the ride and the scenery, don't worry about the time, just plan a couple of hours for the round trip. Stop at Hog Heaven and the Copper Mine. You won't regret it and I can almost guarantee the kids won't get bored.

We've taken our three boys, aged 9-14 and they love to snorkel, play in the sand, go on hikes and jump off the boat... Pirates is cool and the tarpon on Saba Rock is not to be missed. The pool at Leverick is a very popular stop, too. Our boys loved The Baths... they felt like explorers hiking through. We took a taxi from Leverick early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Thanks! Have to email him anyway for slip/dinner res. Sounds like a good plan!

Thanks! Saw that Hog Heaven on youtube...killer views and good food reviews too...love it!

When our kids were that age we did a scavenger hunt. My wife had the list prepared before we got there. Some kids on a near by boat joined in as well. We were at Marina Cay and they went from boat to boat gathering the items. Michael Beans was playing up on the hill and they came back with a bottle of Pussers. Of course, we had to confiscate that. They had a blast! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

I feel silly for asking but what does everyone mean when they simply say Pirates? Is that just referring to the place on the beach at the Bight/Norman or is there some place else I am not aware of involving pirates?

Also, is Spring Bay a place you can stay overnight or is it a day stop only like the Baths? Can you take a dinghy to shore in Spring Bay?

Just notice you guys live in GA to allirow. We live in Carrollton. You guys spend time on Lanier for sailing or mainly charter? We are taking a bunch of kids on our upcoming trip too so thanks for starting the thread.

Check this thread from about a year ago. At the end (page 5) is a dropbox link to a Grandkids Crew Manual your kids might like.

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/f...amp;postmarker=

If you rent a car on VG, consider a hike to the top of Gorda Peak.

My trip starts in a little over 2 weeks. We'll have 2 15 y.o.'s, 2 13 y.o.'s, and an 8 y.o. We're planning on doing the hike from the Bight to the top of Norman Island and 1 or two other hikes. We're looking at Great Harbour to SDB, Bitter End to an overlook, rambling on Fallen Jerusalem, and Salt Island. We're probably going to rent a kayak so that the kids can play on that while the parents kick back. We will snorkel the usual spots too. It is almost here!

White bay to the SDB is a very short hike! All kidding aside kids in the BVI are what I call self entertaining units. They will have a blast no matter where you take them. The entire trip is a big adventure for them.
George

oops, I meant Great Harbor to SDB. I'll edit, thanks.

By Pirates, I think all are referring to the restaurant on Norman... they have a huge Jenga game, the beach is nice and the hike up the hill is fun...

Dayhiker- we will be chartering from May 24 to June 2... three boys aged 9,12, and 14. What boat will you be on? We're on an Island Packet 440 (easy to spot)

Thanks for this! We plan on doing this...funny of all the times I've been to the baths, it's never ever been crowded...I'm a lucky girl, or have gotten good advice from previous captains...OK, both <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

We do go to LL a lot in the summer. We have a 23ft. Larson up there. Usually leave the sailing to the experts, LOL...always happy to help/deck hand, but we go with a captain. You have a sailboat up there? Pirates is "Pirate's Bight" on Norman I...big sign on the roof says Pirates...or at least when I was last there it did, but heard that building burned down. Spring Bay is close to the Baths, east of them and a beautiful beach with boulders...I'd imagine you can dinghy in there. Have fun on your trip...when are you going? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

05.29 to 06.09. We'll be on a Leopard 43 from ProValour. S/V Moonshine.

We too did our first kid trip about 3 years ago two boys 9 and 11 then. This was after a decade plus of adult trips. We are now on our 4th trip we leave 6/1/15.
A few things that our boys really enjoyed revolved around snorkeling and pirate booty (booty as in gold and jewels not the other kind). We also did a little more docking as to allow them a little more freedom to explore.

1. Baths are a must.

2. Scrub was great – we docked up so they could use the pool. I think you can still do that. I heard things may have changed a little.

3. We also docked up at BEYC, again to make it easier for the boys to explore and use of the facilities and equipment.

4. I’m not sure of your dates but keep in mind the full moon party at Trellis. They had an absolute blast!

Things to think about:

1. From one of our trips to the Northern Grenadines I had some EC coins left over. So when we were snorkeling the caves at Norman and were on shore near the opening with the moss hanging I dropped the coins on a rock. When they finally fell upon them they freaked out! They thought it was treasure. That is until the oldest said “hey this coin says 1987?” should have scratched off the date. Oh well it was still fun!

2. Geocaching – get the app, there are about a half a dozen geocaches in and around the islands. This is like a real treasure hunt.

3. Be sure to Treasure Island book after the caves they may want to read it.

4. I know many are anti-electronics on these trips and on this trip they are bringing their GoPro and making a video. They watch Delos and LaVagabond on you tube and want to make their own video. So I’m bringing a laptop.

5. Also, I’m not saying this is for everyone but we did and do allow them to bring their Nintendo DS and/or PSP. Sometimes a little down time for the Capt and 1st mate is needed. Besides this is 2015 electronics own us. It would be like our parents taking away our rocks and sticks!

6. We do bring travel games and cards. This trip we will learn to play GO.

You have no choice as this trip will be a BLAST!

Tim

These are all great ideas - thanks! We will be there in early July too with three kids ages 8-15. Have a wonderful trip!

Georgia Ting: I really enjoy La Vagabonde as well. Delos too, but it has a bit of nudity so I can't watch those at the office!

Never really been to LL but did hear there was quite a few sailors up there. I figured that's what everyone meant by Pirates but wanted to make sure. I know where Spring Bay is but wasn't sure if some people were over
nighting there or not.

Great ideas from everyone in this thread. We spent a night at Scrub in February but not sure if they will let you come in for a day stop or not. Nice pool area with slide which the kids would enjoy.

Never done the hike up Norman. May need to do that this time. My crew of 11, including 5 and 9 yo boys and 11 and 14 yo girls, leaves on May 28th coming back June 4th. 14 days away and cannot wait!

All their bits and pieces are blurred out. Unless my vision is bad? Besides you have to appear before the court of Neptune and admit your crimes to shed your Pollywog to become a shellback and a Son of Neptune. LOL

Beerman...this sounds cool and I was planning getting one of those hammocks anyway...is this to float in? Guess I'm not getting the "noodle line" part, Thanks!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Aarpskier, the link has been removed...I would love to see it if you post again, would consider doing this for our kids...from you previous post's description, sounds awesome! What a great Grandfather you are!

Enjoy your trip! If you come up with any additional ideas after your trip, please share! Always love a good trip report!

Sorry Aarpskier...found the link reposted on page 5, as you said <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Thanks!!

Thanks GeorgiaTing (Where r u in GA?) Awesome ideas. When you say dock up, do you mean pay for a slip, or rent a room? Did you do this as an advance res? I'm assuming if you rent a slip, you can have use of facilities? At BEYC, does this include water activities (SUP, kayak, Hobies, etc?) What's to do at scrub, besides pool? Is it a cool place to check out?

We will also bring a go pro and a drone this time...that should be entertaining for them! We did a week in the Exumas at Staniel Cay Yacht Club last year, brought the electronics, and were pleasantly surprised at how little they were used...they preferred ring toss, paddle boarding and the daily nurse shark encounters to their devices! Love it!

Love the geocaching/scavenger hunt and coins...will do these as well.

Missing the full moon by a few days...never have made that unfortunately!

They are dying to get scuba certified before the trip, but we may run out of time...they do love to snorkel!

Please shoot me a line here on TTOL after your trip if you encounter something fantastic we need to do! THANKS for ALL the tips!!

Have a great trip!
Allison <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Yes, we rented a slip at Scrub and BEYC. On Scrub it is basically just the resort that took the better part of 20 years to build. They do have some water toys in the little bay but it is mostly the pool with a slide. Keep an eye on the pool bar as many don't seem to leave for hours ( I wonder).

BEYC - you can use their showers if you dock and pool I think. Good news is that anyone can rent the water toys (hobies, SUP, etc.) whether you are docked, staying at the resort or on a ball in the bay. Plenty of places to explore, which is why we docked so the boys could come and go as they pleased.

On that trip I did plan ahead and reserved slips. I will say it was nice to have A/C as well. Although I've always avoided A/C as it shorten the trips because your not up all night opening and closing the hatches, listening for bumps in the night and listening to the crazies up all night partying! Ok, I've been that crazy boat a few times!LOL

And you are right the electronics are used a lot less then one might think.

We're in Woodstock.

Oops just to be clear on the water toys. Anyone who pays can use the toys.

Here are some vids with kids to help with DIF...(and a few BIG Kids)
PS the pay phone is not there anymore
1st vid is Nanny Cay

Pick from Dingy Poker run Leverick Bay


Anegada.. this was the most kids ever on a flotilla we participated in. Would be nice to get a group of families with kids together for a week in the future! The more kids the more fun they have

Jump click on the black box

very cool boatjunkie.

unfortunately, BEYC charges for the pool use even with a dock space, $10pp

Noodle Line, some marinas provide these or you can rent or buy foam pool noodles, you want the ones with a hole threw it, use some small cord and link several noodles together and tie off both ends the stern when moored/anchored, grab a drink and chill. Seems simple, but our gang uses this noodle line more than any kayak or windsurfer/SUP, they jump off the boat a lot and this is their place to rest and beg for snacks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Beerman...We will do that for sure, love a chill spot and like I said, we were planning on buying one of those hammocks for the trip anyway...thanks for the explanation! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Fun times for kids of all ages! Thanks for sharing...I can watch and pretend my trip is tomorrow;-) Heck, it will be here before I know it (July 6) and I'll have so many great tips from TTOL! Thanks again!

We have been lucky enough to have been able to take our kids down on several trips over the past 3 years and will be back in two weeks. I think most of our favorites have already been covered but we tend to have the following has must hit stops:

- Leverick (Friday night show plus rental car to baths and stop at Hog Heaven)
- Bitter End (Usually grab dock and use pool)
- Saba Rock (Kids love tarpan feeding)
- Scrub Island (Pricey but you should be able to get discount this time of year. I am not a big fan since I travel far too much but my family loves the place.)
- Peter Island (Pricey dock but absolutely love the facilities and the way we are treated by the staff. Probably the nicest resort in the VIs)
- Little Jost (Bubbly pool, Foxy's Taboo, + stop at B Line)
- White Bay (Great beach to play in the water)
- Indians, Monkey Point, and Dogs are good snorkling stops.
- Cane Garden (Nice beach plus our kids like to play with the local dogs)
- Norman Island (Really like Pirates.)

Couple of other things:
- We are always floored by how nice the staff are towards our kids. Night and day compared to how people treat them in the states. We have had construction workers at Peter Island stop work to help my kids crack coconuts and wait staff at Norman Island abandon their tables to help my kids find hermit grabs. Not sure how I would like having my server vanish but the kids sure had a great time.
- We bring down a portable hammock that we hang from the boat which is a lot of fun.
- We usually rent some water toys but have found one paddleboard is probably enough even when we have 4 kids with us.
- We tend to bring down some of their preferred foods since it is easier to feed them, a heck of lot cheaper, and they seem to eat constantly when they are burning up a lot of energy.
- You may want to bring some life jackets. We leave some with our charter company since we make regular trips but it is much more comfortable to have your own if you need them.
- My kids tend to hate the delays for customs so try to get to the front of the line if you have similar issues.

Lots of good info. The only thing I would add...
Take a waterproof flashlight to explore the cave at Norman Island.

dayhiker, we will be down May 31 - June 7. Girls 24, 18 & 18 and Boy 12

CDavis...thanks so much for this info! I just cut an pasted all into a word doc...we are 3 weeks out! DIF setting in strong! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />