Hello! We are headed on an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy with a stop in St. Thomas on June 5 (7:45-3:45). I believe the Icon of the Seas is also in port that day (arriving at 7 am) so I'm a bit worried that many areas/excursions will be super crowded.
Any recommendations for excursions/on your own adventures for a family of three (two adults in our 50s, one 12 year old boy, all moderately fit) that might be less crowded? We are likely doing a day sail/snorkel out of Tortola the day before (private booking not through cruise ship). I'm curious if the snorkeling in St. Thomas is similar/better (this will be our first time).
I had been considering the "Discover Scuba" excursion (Shipwreck Cove) through our cruise ship, but it requires age 14 and up. I'm assuming we could do this through a local outfit with a 12 year old (I believe PADI only requires age 10 and up). Is it worth it? If we did this, we'd probably try a Discover Scuba class at home in a pool first just to make sure the kid would be game for it.
As an alternative I was also looking at some of the 3 hour kayak/hike/snorkel trips - either Cas Cay mangrove area (could book through cruise ship or on our own) or St. John starting from Honeymoon beach (not through cruise ship). Has anyone done these and have recommendations? Will the "hike" part be too miserable in the summer heat? We enjoyed kayaking on our Alaska cruise, but the kid would not be up for a full day kayak adventure.
I know we could also ferry/taxi to a beach area and snorkel on our own. Recommendations? Not necessarily looking for crowded loungers/bar vibe.
I suppose in my ideal world we would have stunning views, lonely beaches, cool sea creatures (would love to see a sea turtle!) and of course make it back to the ship on time.