Verna,

You must snorkle! I've gone to St. John for the last 5 or 6 years. One of the friends I travel with does not swim -- but she does snorkle. She wears an around the waist ski belt. They cost $10 to $15 and you can find them at water sport stores -- here in NC we go to Overtons. The belt will bring you safety and comfort -- and since it goes around your waist -- you will be able to easily put your face "down in the snorkeling position!"

Most of the close beaches are calm and safe. Try Trunk, Cinnamon, Hawksnest and Caneel.

Have fun -- and get the belt! Sunfish

Absolutely snorkel. Practive in shallow water or even in a pool to get use to it. The key to snorkeling is to relax, relax, relax...especially you're breathing.

We both swim, but husband is not the greatest. He decided to get a vest and he insisted I got one too. Worked out great..I was able to deflate it if I wanted to dive down to something and then blow it back up if i was just snorkeling on top of the water.

You'll love it!

"As long as I can touch bottom I am fine.....any advice???"

Please insure you follow the standard rule, "Only stand where you see sand". Coral damage is very easy and the coral is having a hard enough time right now due to thermal rise and general pollution.

Definitely snorkel and enjoy! 🙂

I second what Chris said...you won't be able to stand in the best snorkeling places (no sand), so don't count on being able to do that. Go for the flotation belt...I'm a fairly strong swimmer but use one anyway...that way I don't get tired and can snorkel for long periods of time.

Even just having a kickboard or boogie board to hold on to helps as well for the not so strong swimmers. I usually bring a life vest for people to hold on to.

Thanks fopr all the tips. I know I can't stand on the coral....wasn't sure how easy it was...definately will give it a try and post my results!

You can also rent a kayaking life vest (called a personal flotation device or pfd) at one of the watersports places and wear that snorkeling. Definitely more bulky to tote around than a belt, though. I've not used a belt, but I often wear a pfd while snorkeling, and it not only provides great flotation, it keeps your back from getting sunburned.

Hey Verna- I just read your comment on how easy it was to step/not step on coral- let me tell you this- when you look into the water, things underwater look VERY magnified in terms of the depth so since you're a poor swimmer like me, be very aware of this so that you don't panic like I did the first time I snorkeled (no belt or vest then)- I thought I had somehow suddenly floated out to 50 feet deep water and managed to SIT on fire coral. The rash on my thigh lasted close to 6 months, I kid you not. The coral is in water that is literally only a few inches to a couple of feet or so deep, and deeper but it starts as very shallow water, no sudden deep drops so you need to know that when you venture out. I wore a belt after that (yes, alot of places rent them) and later bought a snorkle vest- if you buy one of your own or even if you rent a vest, try it out first- my vest has a stupid mouthpiece that dangles and keeps wacking me on the face so I wish I hadn't bought it. Water shoes are a great idea too so you don't fall into the water because you've stubbed your toes on areas close to the coral. You MUST snorkle, its a new, wonderful world under the water and you will not regret it.

I find the folks at Hurricane Alley in Mongoose Junction very helpful. They fit you with the proper gear and make sure you're comfortable. I also like to rent their yellow, nylon-type vest. It's an easy, no-worries way to stay afloat and never risk damaging anything. I don't find it to be uncomfortable and it deflates to a very compact, lightweight size that is easy to take anywhere. They also give you a handy mesh gear bag to keep everything in and I've put my shoes, sunscreen, etc. inside and snorkeled around with the bag strapped on my back -- out to Waterlemon Cay, for instance.

Yes, definitely snorkel! It's an amazing experience you'll never forget.

Be sure to go to Leinster Bay/Watermelon Cay. Amazing snorkeling there..and you'll probably run into some donkeys on the beach as well. 🙂 And you'll also be right at the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins if you want to see those.

Have fun!

Thanks everyone! I am definately going to give snorkeling a try....nine more days and counting!!

Just a little side note that was really funny.

My mask is so good and so tight, that I had a hard time getting it off my face. The suction was really tight.

I left St. thomas with a huge hicky on the right side of my face...that's how tight it was.

Didn't bother me though...rather would have it tight then have it lose with water coming in.

I'm not a strong swimmer and prefer diving to snorkling. But when we went out this last weekend to the Caves at Norman Island, I just about got freaked when I realized that I was in 25 feet of water min. I forgot everything I know and started to hyperventilate. I had to calm down and remember - salt water is different than fresh water. You float in salt water. without trying.

I agree with the thought about a boogie/kickboard to use. When I went to Buck Island, STX I followed the trail with the leader's throw float (ring) to feel more comfortable.

You'll be fine. Just stand in sand.