We have friends that wade up to their knees, bend over and look at the fish. And then there is us. We hit the water in the early morning and don't get out until early afternoon. We swim out until we are about half spent and then turn around. If you don't want to go far out and still see fish go to Coki Beach - the fish will come right up to you (looking for dog treats).

Snorkeling is a MUST DO. Remember that salt water adds buoyance to your floatablity. If you want to really relax, just rent a life vest, like you wear to go boating and float to your hearts content. Rent a pair of fins so you can just paddle lasily along. You are not going to have to go very far from the beach, nor will the water be very deep for you to see the most amazing stuff.

Sea Treakkin' at Coral World is another option as it provides you with an oxygen feed so you don't have to worry about getting water into your air supply with the snorkle tube. Not really that big a deal....and I'd prefer to be free to follow a fish where he travels rather than to be tethered to a line.

Enjoy. It is an amazing world down there, you won't want to miss it.

Thanks for the feedback. This is a great site

Hello Michael,

Not sure which island you are visiting - but on St. Thomas and St. John there are spots with snorkeling fairly to very close to shore so you don't have to swim very far and as suggested you can use a float or life vest. On St. Croix there are also areas close to shore but some of the best spots are out further like Cane Bay and Buck Island - which you do by boat/charter. You can also do a sail/snorkel excursion and experience both sailing and snorkeling in one. Enjoy the water and underwater is a must do while visiting.

--Islander

Speacking of snokeling, my husband and I went to a beach that had makers underwater-like a path to follow underwater. Anyone know what beach that was?We were by St Thomas. Thanks Jacke

Hello Jacke,

A path to follow on St. Thomas - perhaps the Sea Trekkin Trail at Coral World - but you have to pay to do that, not beach accessiable. On St. John there is Trunk Bay. On St. Croix Buck Island.

--Islander

michael - My wife and I are in the same boat (so to speak) but after talkign to a number of people that DO snorkle here are some tips.

1. Spend some money and BUY equipment from a dealer that will fit you correctly. It makes a world of difference. Better to have GOOD equitment then rent stuff that fits poorly.

2. It's pretty easy - just floating basically

3. The people I have talked to said the learning curve is pretty short and almost to a person they said after the 1st day you will go out and think it's been 1/2 hour and find out it's more like 3 hours.

4. WEAR sunscreen on the back of your legs and back. Might want to wear a t-shirt the 1st day.

5. Depending on the Island - get a Beach book - they tell you where to go. From 20 yards off the shore to further - remember - the salt will keep you mostly afloat but you can get a waterproof belt (don't leave things on the beach that you do not want to lose) that will add bouyancy(sp).

6. Relax - it's all good and I have NEVER heard anyone say they could not do it.

Did you but the equipment there or bring it with you?
We are only going to be on St. Thomas for 1 day (on a cruise) should you take a taxi to the beach or go on a prearranged tour?
Which beach is best for this activity. First timers.

Hello Bonnie,

Some folks bring a mask and snorkel with them, buy it in the states. Some rent equipment at the beach (some beaches have rentals, keep in mind though you get what they have and they have been used many times) and others buy here. The good things about getting your own mask is when you go to the store you can look for one that is comfortable and fits well - and this really is key to a good snorkel experience - having good equipment.

Whether to do a beach trip on your own or with the cruise excursion - depends on the beach you choose. Beaches like Coki or Magens Bay even going to St. John can be done on your own. Which beach are you going to?

--Islander