Not a dumb question at all. When we snorkel my husband takes his money (no wallet, just paper money), his driver's license and the car keys and double ziplock bags these items and sticks them in the zip pocket of his bathing suit. Some people use those waterproof thingies that look like cigarette cases that hang around your neck. We've never had good luck with them so we use plastic bags. The rest of your stuff is OK on the beach but be sure to either hang your cooler from a tree or someway prevent the mongoose from invading your food while you are in the water. They are clever little pests (think squirrels) and will try to get at any food that you bring.

You're going to have a great time. Be sure to write a trip report when you get back.

I don't think that's a dumb question!!
I think I would leave alot of that personal stuff locked in the trunk of our car...then put the cash & key on my body somehow....sounds like I'd use Diane's method & use plastic baggies!
I think it's OK to leave your towel on the beach!??!

Seems like a hassle to have to go to the car to get out the camera & stuff....but at least it would be there!

I've heard some beaches sometimes have no one there...but I still wouldn't trust that!

Thanks for your comments. We were planning on taking the ferry to STJ and then a taxi to Trunk Bay (or wherever we decide to go). Then we'd have to leave everything in our bag. But we'll bring as little as possible and use the plastic baggie idea. Thanks everyone for the ideas!

We bought one of the "cigerette case" things that go around your neck at one of the shops in Cruz Bay... wish I could remember which one! It worked out perfectly for both the guys in our group. They just wore them around their neck (they made a slip knot about half way up so it didn't come over their heads) the whole time we snorkled or were in the water for any reason. It was just big enough to hold a credit card, key and some cash and was completely waterproof. Leave your wallet, purse, etc at your hotel with only these few needed items with you. We took only our waterproof camera with us on snorkle days but otherwise left the digital in our beach bag and always positioned ourselves near a lovely family with small enough children that they were never far from their things and thus provided a little security for ours!!!

not a dumb ques. perhaps you have a local dive shop in your home town where you can purchase a small waterproof bag or look online. ive seen ones for around your neck, strap to upper arm and fanny pack style

We were lucky in that we had a trunk to lock any valuables that we had to take with us to the beach, but I did bring the disposable cameras with us in a beach bag and placed our car key in the sand underneath our cooler. I think the idea of bringing zip-lock bags and putting them in a zipped pocket is great, if your hubby or whoever has such a pocket, mine didn't. I also second the idea of parking your stuff near a family with kids. Bring only what you need, and try to leave the credit cards at your hotel. Another tip if you don't have a room-safe where you are staying: Hide your cash and credit cards in the freezer, inside of a frozen dinner box or something. If someone breaks into your condo or room, they are going to rush through the room and only look in the most obvious places because they will be scared of being caught. At one time at a hotel, I actually painted the inside of an empty mayo jar before the trip(to make it look like it was full of mayo) to keep my valuables in while we were gone. No one would think to look for valuables in a jar in the fridge! Good luck!

Sharon

I bought an inexpensive and small waterproof pouch from www.campmor.com that has a strap that goes around your waist. I put my keys, credit card, passport, drivers licence and money in two ziplocks and then into that pouch. Better than around the neck, in my opinion, because that's where my camera was. The pouch floated in back of me close to the small of my back, where it was secure but out of the way. Worked like a charm.

Erin - Not a dumb question, rather smart actually! We do the ziplock thing, only we bury it in the sand under our beach blanket. Never had a problem.
Have fun!
Lisa in CT

Man...I hope the thieves don't read these forums!!

Hey Erin

Are you getting excited?? Did you check out that day sail??

I am beyond excited!!!

hi Jen. i am excited but I'm trying not to let this threat of a hurricane ruin my enthusiasm. that and as the time comes closer to leaving, i'm sick about leaving my girls behind. BUT, i am stoked for the trip. we'll have an amazing time!! i haven't checked out the day sail yet. i have a bunch of stuff printed out for hubby to look at but he hasn't yet. we have a bunch of options for stuff to do but haven't scheduled anything or made any definite plans. have you planned everything out?

erinn

Not really - We have read la lot of books about the islands & searched online. We decided to wait until we got there to schedule any day sails - we might stumble upon something cheaper.

I made a list of the attractions/beaches/clubs that I thought would be cool. But we haven't made any definite plans.

My soon to be hubby called the Sugar Bay last night and found out that we do have Internet access in our room - I mention that because some things can be scheduled online at a lower price.

I know you will miss your girls - I'm going to try and pick something up each day for "his & hers" children. Even if its just something for a buck - they will know that we are thinking about them. 🙂

My Fiance keeps telling the puppies that they are going to be stashed in the luggage. LOL I said right along with the wedding party.

I hope we can grab a rum punch by the pool or on the beach sometime during our stay.

I CANT WAIT TO GET THERE!!!!

hugs
Jen

i can't wait either! we'll have an amazing time. have you read much about the dining at the wyndham? i was just looking at it again today and noticed that the only on-site dining place for breakfast is the Manor House and they have a dress code!!! No flip flops, no tank tops, men need collared shirts, etc... i couldn't believe that! so i have to get dressed up to eat breakfast??? i was fully prepared to go and eat with bed head and all! Wonder if anyone else can shed some light on the Wyndham's breakfast dress code?!

erinn

Is there a guy in your gropu with a bathing suti that has pockets? put everything in a plastic bag and inside the pocket --- but make sure the pocket closes with velcro or you risk losing everything.

Cheers,
Angel