Children aboard ISLAND SKIPPER


We are often asked if kids have fun and are active aboard Island Skipper.  The answer is an unqualified yes!

Fun Stuff

Stuff Parents Like to Know

Kid's Comments

                   

Children must be a minimum of 6 years old and able to follow instructions of the crew (and hopefully their parents).  We prefer that kids know how to swim, if they do not swim or are not strong swimmers they must wear a life jacket on deck. (see stuff parents like to know).

FUN STUFF

We encourage kids to help with sailing the boat.  Kids of all ages  will take the helm and steer us to our next destination.  Older kids, especially teenagers, will help handle the lines when we are tacking, pick up and drop moorings, help with the anchor, learn port from starboard, use the charts to navigate us to our next stop, and by the end of the week will be running the boat! (with a little supervision).

When we are not sailing there is plenty to do.  Snorkeling is great in the Virgin Islands.  We have plenty of protected coves with beautiful coral and cool fish to look at.  Everyone can learn to snorkel and have a lot of fun. 

Kayaking is easy to learn and kids can go off by themselves around the anchorage in  protected harbors.  Just swimming,  laying on the float mats, and jumping or diving off the boat is fun.   

Younger kids can go tubing behind the dinghy and older kids can use the kneeboard.  It is fun to learn to windsurf on the windglider which is a beginner windsurfer.  Most pre-teens and teens can get up on it right away and then take a couple of hours to make it go in the general direction they want it to sail. (We chase them in the dinghy if they have trouble)

Teenagers who are certified, enjoy SCUBA diving in the Virgin Islands.  The dive sites here are fairly shallow, typically 20 to 60 feet and there are many protected sites for the beginner diver.  If you need to become certified, we suggest you contact your local PADI dive center or Barefoot Adventures in St. Thomas.   Ask them about the "Scuba Diver"  or "Junior Scuba Diver" 2 day certification course.   

On land hiking and exploring is an adventure.  During the day or in the evening kids can fish.  And at night stargazing from the hammock is a popular activity.  Just like the adults, kids have happy hour with boat drinks (virgin) and can relax in the hammock, play cards, or swim. 

STUFF PARENTS LIKE TO KNOW

Kids aboard have a lot of fun but there are some safety precautions and rules.  We recommend that children be able to swim.  If they are not strong swimmers they must wear a life jacket on deck.  Kids under 70 pounds must bring a life jacket with them to wear on deck and in the dinghy.  For young kids and non-swimmers they must be worn any time they are on deck, in the dinghy, or anytime the crew deems necessary.  We recommend that you purchase a life vest that is comfortable for your child to wear and that you have him wear the jacket around the house before you arrive to get used to it.  

Although we have a television with DVD and VCR aboard, our usual rule is that television will not be watched during the day and we make an agreement with parents before sailing when movies/television will be allowed.  (Note to kids, the only broadcast tv station we get is PBS -  sorry, no cable.)

Kids should bring some CDs with them that they (and you) like to listen to.  Although we have a wide selection of music, we are over 16 and do not keep up on all of the latest hits.

Bring a couple of  books to read that your kids enjoy.

We have cards, card games like UNO and some board games aboard for your family to enjoy.  

Kids sailing aboard Island Skipper will have fun, not be bored and will learn a lot about sailing, fish, the islands, and more without even realizing it.  

COMMENTS FROM KIDS:

"I learned to snorkel, kayak and tube.  Thanks Island Skipper"

 New York, Age 10

"What a trip! I can honestly say that this has been the most fun trip I have ever been on, and I have had some experiences that will not be forgotten.  Rob and Michele are effectively cool."

Illinois, Age 16

"Thank you for letting me sail on your boat.  The spanikopita was great!!

New York, Age 6

"Fun & neat fish.  Nice crew and good food!"

Louisiana, Age 13

"I thought that the trip was great.  It was fun and meals and drinks were really good.  the snorkeling was great and I saw a lot of really great fish.  I had such a good time.  Thank you."

California, Age 16

"Best dives ever! Great food! Crew was superb! Made us feel at home!"

Louisiana, Age 15


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