Top St. Thomas & St. John Snorkeling Review: A Helpful Guide
So, thinking about slipping into the turquoise water near St. Thomas and St. John with a snorkel? It’s almost paradise, for certain! We took a dip, explored quite a bit, and really got a feel for what these islands have available. This is our report on the top spots, the gear to consider, and what to reasonably anticipate. Consider this almost like your friend giving some tips, not like some stiff, proper tour guide blabbing away. Like your friendly, neighbor sort.
Why St. Thomas and St. John for Snorkeling?
Why these islands? Well, that’s something easy to cover, honestly! The water visibility tends to be pretty awesome, the sea life seems so varied, and it’s very simple to get to a load of snorkel spots. The bays there, such as Trunk Bay or Maho Bay, it seems, are practically made for beginner snorkelers because the water is usually calm. Even better, really, there are places like Waterlemon Cay in St. John where, so it is, you could find yourself swimming alongside sea turtles! It isn’t only viewing sea creatures; there are, too, just loads of various corals and underwater rock structures that you get the joy of exploring. That being said, for any person that adores being in the water, and desires to do a little discovering while you are at it, then those spots will really thrill.
Top Snorkeling Locations on St. Thomas
Alright, when it comes to St. Thomas, you’ll, likely your first stop is Coki Beach, really. Now, Coki it seems is close to Coral World Ocean Park, and tends to be loaded with activity. The fish appear very comfortable with visitors, and so might swim all around you, too. Plus, so too it’s very simple to grab a bite to eat or a cool beverage after your dip because there are snack stands, very simple. A short trip away appears to be Secret Harbour, and so it’s famed for its calm water and generally easy access. Honestly, this makes it, pretty awesome, the spot for beginners or for people who like some very relaxed snorkeling. Don’t even skip Sapphire Beach! Snorkeling tends to be very reliable there and the sights appear very gorgeous. A lot of these spots tend to be reached quite easily and present equipment rental nearby.
Snorkeling Hotspots on St. John
On St. John, however, get this: Waterlemon Cay will actually amaze. As I said before, that spot tends to be famous for sea turtles. When the current’s right, honestly you can float simply with all the turtles that munch on seagrass. It’s practically majestic! Then there tends to be Trunk Bay, a national park site, and the sands are perfect, the water is sort of crystalline, and the snorkeling path seems superb. It tends to be very popular, so, still, it tends to be typically worthwhile getting there early to keep away from crowds. Another choice, a little less known, is Maho Bay. It has clear, shallow water that’s very warm and grassy. You can explore it yourself. As a matter of fact it often makes for remarkable turtle recognizing opportunities, also!
Essential Gear for Snorkeling
Gear. It can basically, make it or break it. A great-fitting mask is everything; ensure it seals properly against the face. Dry snorkels are great as they actually block water from getting in if it goes all over the place! Think about some comfortable fins – full-foot fins might be very ideal for some warmer waters, as well, yet adjustable ones usually seem so great for sharing. Do not skip a buoyancy aid such as a snorkel vest, either. If you feel much less confident in water, and generally to conserve power to allow you some more time simply appreciating all the sea life, that’s really something great to think about. Basically you will find rentals across a load of beaches, even so bringing your personal gear means everything feels very comfortable and fit.
What to Look for in a Snorkeling Tour
Snorkeling tours? It seems they are usually worthwhile, and I recommend taking them sometimes. Discover a reputable operator. Reading some testimonials is worth your while, that seems like good practice. The best excursions usually appear to offer some guidance from knowledgeable experts on reef conservation, the aquatic world, or security in water. Further than this, of course, you’ll also want it seems to think about boat quality, how big the groups will probably be, and if the equipment tends to be well-maintained and safe to use. In general, tours usually take you further from beaches that are packed, usually at the top of most folks’s lists, where one can spot places generally bursting at the seams with untouched marine existence, far from common view.
Snorkeling Safety: Some Important Considerations
Okay, safety comes, well, first, actually. Before even heading outside, you will probably wish to get used to any or all your equipment while near the shallow waters, that seems a sound idea. Stay mindful about the weather too! If it seems kind of windy or there seem to be bad currents, just consider delaying. A very basic aspect that’s simple to disregard usually turns to sunscreen; reefs may be preserved by choosing reef-safe choices which are, generally, biodegradable and without oxybenzone and octinoxate. Keeping an eye on sea life too! Always consider, you are truly observing in their habitat; be mindful, be watchful, and actually don’t touch anything.
Respecting the Marine Environment
About respecting nature; everything seems so basic here! Steer clear of ever contacting coral. So basically, this protects your safety, but will save some rather sensitive beings. Pick-up isn’t what one does, by the way; instead you have the chance of simply enjoying them without changing all their surroundings. And a last thought on this subject matter: you may even assist! If, as a matter of fact, you end up getting any drifting trash close by, pick-up anything you get and toss correctly. Everything will help.
Snorkeling with Kids
Wanting some snorkeling alongside those kids of yours? First you must simply verify if each kid knows exactly what he’s supposed to do so, if you think of that. Start just from a beach where things tend to be, by far, extremely tranquil! When you start you want places much like the shores surrounding Maho Bay. Have the kids try on every piece, so, just perhaps, just inside a swimming pool just prior to their arrival and tell each what he’s to do; that way when his or her masks get saturated or even any dilemma takes place each seems to act very calmly! Take all of your pauses every so frequently! Small individuals might turn rapidly exhausted therefore by not stretching it for long intervals, they usually appreciate their adventures a bit more and stay comfortable generally!
Making the Most of Your Trip: Some Extra Tips
While basically out snorkeling do bring an underwater digital device and save any experiences! A handful of pics, with all your buddies near a certain spot or probably simply certain tropical fish swarming all around you. Also don’t fail in having those liquid refreshments packed so none of you guys turn out seriously dehydrated from all the day’s heat. And generally simply ask, generally by those from shops or native to it since frequently there would probably often become those hidden locations one’s local guy often frequents yet many don’t appreciate it a lot. All little preparations, really all come very handily just after any excursion comes around!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to snorkel in St. Thomas and St. John?
It seems anytime from about November to about May usually supplies probably most constant the very tranquil weather conditions when generally snorkeling tends at all situations probably is actually rather thrilling at times! You, like your greatest clarity happens just then, while the oceans frequently seems fairly quite calmer.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Probably; loads of beaches give anything regarding something one seems lacking at costs that at no instances become something extraordinary in totality.
Are there any age restrictions for snorkeling tours?
Typically none, however probably make all efforts just prior simply insuring all operator comes accepting youths while considering everything you know regarding yours plus ensure anything regarding everything falls somewhere from great toward impressive.
Can I snorkel if I’m not a strong swimmer?
When one seems hesitant probably utilize one personal flotation device for the length any of your explorations to aid. You also wants somebody or the other as probably any buddy.
How can I avoid fogging of my snorkel mask?
Some actually swear in something akin shampoo plus at those periods whenever spits operates one sees frequently something operates really remarkably but those one obtains as being sold as “de-foggers”; folks appreciate some to various amount!