If you are going to STJ, try Hawksnest. There is a small coral reef in the middle of the beach ~ 10-15 yards off shore in fairly shallow water. Make sure he does not stand on the coral (teach him right from the begining). He should be able to handle that and see enough to get hooked.

If on St. Thomas, most definitely Coki Beach. Shallow walk in and immediate fish sighting. Another great beach with walk in snorkeling is at Secret Harbour resort. If he's a brave fellow with some swimming/floating skills, get him a life vest and take him out a little deeper for more variety of fish. You'll find lots of variety at both places. He's going to love it.

Gerie

I would go to Salt Pond - very calm water there. Most of the beachs on the south side will be less active wave wise then the north shore beachs.

Trunk is nice but gets deep pretty fast if that is a worry. Although there ARE life guards.

The couple times I was at Hawksnest the waves were crashing accross that corel BUT I did see a stingray about 20 yards from shore.

Grinder-

I'm hoping by the end of April that things will be calm on the North shore. Last time I was there was in June and I didn't see a wave the whole time. But Salt Pond is definetly on my list.

Chris -

Yes we will be on STJ. Hawks nest was one that was recommended last time.

Gerie -

We will be on STJ to start but are spending the last few days at Secret Harbor.

I think that once he gets comfortable we will be able to take him anywhere. Just want to make sure we have a good start. We did get a snorkel vest for him.

I think you'll find getting him started will be easier than you think. The hard part will be keeping an eye on him once he gets going and getting him out of the water when you want to go!!

Make sure you get the sunscreen on the back of the legs especially up under the swim suit. Keep forgetting that one spot and pay for it every time.

I learned at Truck Bay...They have lifegaurds in kayaks stationed over the reef...nice if you are not a strong swimmer.

Dale -

Another spot you guys might enjoy is Francis Bay... lots of shallow areas, and teeming with large and small fish including large schools.

Enjoy!!

Thanks everyone. Last time I asked Hawksnest and Salt Pond got the most replys. If the water is calm, as I hope it will be in 3 weeks, I guess we will start at Hawksnest. If not its Salt Pond.

Any other suggestions?

Dale: Hawksnest and Salt Pond are on opposite sides of the island. Usually if it is rough on one side, it will be calm on the other.

I was just there with my 9 yo. Seems Maho beach was the calmest with plenty to see in the water. Salt pond was easy to snorkel too. I brought a flotation vest for me as well as my son, it made snorkling easy and relaxing. i just made my son hold on to a strap in my vest. I definately recommend vests!

Where is a good place to buy a snorkeling vest? Thanks!

I got ours from www.diversdirect.com. Dive shops should also carry them.