hey Deb,

We just got back from STT on Thanksgiving. The hotel where we stayed had snorkeling equipment for guests to use. The only condition was that you had to check it out each day and return it by 4:30 pm. I believe that some of the beaches had places that rented equipement out for the day as well.

I'd suggest that you check with your hotel to see if they have equipement for you to use. If they do, they may offer a lesson or some tips for first time users.

We bought our own mask w/snorkels and borrowed fins. Also, the two tours we took had equipement available.

I'd stronly encourage you to give snorkeling a try. It's easy and there are so many wonderful things to see!

Enjoy and please let us know how it goes.

Marie

Thanks for your advise. How did you know what kind of mask to buy? I want to get a good one that won't leak (I guess!)

While snorkeling isn’t hard, there are a few basic techniques and do’s & don’ts that would lead to a more rewarding experience. You’ll have a lot more fun if you know how to do it right -- and safely. Basic gear isn’t very expensive, and any dive shop should offer some basic instruction. You could do this in Chicago or once you get to STJ. You could also go out on one of many organized snorkeling trips offered by local captains — they will take you to spots you’d never find on your own and many of them provide gear. Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, you’ll be hooked, and one of the nice things about STJ is that there is some very worthwhile snorkeling right off shore in very shallow water.

Hi Deb,
NOTHING... I repeat... NOTHING beats snorkling for a natural high. Check out http://www.snorkel-mart.com/
Even if you don't want to buy from them, there's a lot of good stuff on what you need... how to fit... etc. My wife and I are going to STJ in March and I just bought a buddy combo (2 of everything) from them. I wear glasses and for an extra $36.00, got my eye prescription added to my mask. I love it and can't wait to try it all out. I figured it was worth having my own stuff and it didn't cost that much more than renting equipment for the week.

crickett : )

If you choose to rent, Cruz Bay Watersports right in Cruz Bay rents snorkeling gear for $10 a day (at least as of last November). We used them and they worked out great.

tmax

hey Deb,

I purchased our mask & fins a few years back when we lined on a small lake in MI. Didn't use them much there because there wasn't much to see nor was the water very clear. Didn't bring our fins because they do tend to take quite a bit of space.

If I were you, I would rent at the Island rather than investing before hand. If you find that you love the sport you can always buy at a dive shop on the island or when you return home.

Btw the dive shop at Bolongo Beach Club had rx lens which worked for my Husband since he wears glasses. We rented that for $10 day. Also learned that there are cold vs warm water fins...who know! LOL Fins with straps are *cold* water; the straps are adjustable to accomodate booties (I think). The enclosed heels are warm water fins.

As for fitting a mask, find a local dive shop in your area. They will be happy to show you how to find the right mask (it involves holding the mask to your face without the strap on your head, then inhaling through your nose. If the mask stays on it's a good fit.) If you bring your own equipement also bring a wet bag or a net bag. It's great to lug your snorkel gear around getting to your snorkeling site and lets the water drain out afterwards.

hey Cricket, thanks for the great url!

Marie

You're welcome... great company to deal with too. After I figured what it would cost for both of us for a week (we want to be able to snorkel everyday if we want) it only cost a few more dollars to buy.

crickett : )

You need mask, skorkle, fins, and in my opinion a snorkle belt. The belt made it much easier to move around and stay out for hours.

Remember, heavy sunscreen!!

I rented for the week at Low Key Watersports in Cruz Bay on my first trip. I think it was $7/day (but this was off-season). I had never snorkeled, either, and I agree with MsMarie--rent first to see if you like it. Although gear isn't all that expensive, I'm more the type of person to "try before I buy". I didn't get the best gear but the one day I used it we were at Salt Pond and I had a blast (and a nasty sunburn afterward!). I was given my own gear for my birthday and used it on my second trip many more times! (fairly top of the line equipment was around $120 for very good mask, fins, snorkel, and mesh bag).

Of course, if you do find a good dive shop where you live and end up buying beforehand and not liking it, you can always sell it when you get back...just seems like a fairly large investment upfront...call me conservative.

A tip from a friend who dives; snorkel in a tee shirt, it will save you from that nasty sunburn.

Get one of those quick dry surf shirts aka "rash guard" for good SPF protection - much better than wet cotton T shirt. Surf shops, Eastern Mountain Sports, and LL Bean sell them.

I just got back last night. I'd very little experience with snorkeling and my wife had even less and WAS, to be honest, a little concerned. We booked a dail sail with the Wayward Sailor. He's a marine naturalist and a expert snorkeler and was OUTSTANDING!. He took the time to show us how to snorkel the right way. He was VERY patient and informative, and he took us to places that we couldn't have found on our own. My advice is to book him EARLY in your trip and then if you like snorkeling, you'll know how to do it and do it RIGHT. He's at www.waywardsailor.net, and his name is Captain Phil Chalker

Here's another tip that I've mentioned elsewhere- if you haven't snorkled before, you need to be aware that the underworld looks highly magnified for depth at least. My first snorkling experience years ago on STJ was a wonderful thing but a shock for the first couple of minutes- I can't swim worth beans and panicked big time when I started looking into the water- looked like we were at 10 feet deep when in reality it was more like 2-3. So be aware, newbies, and relax as its one fabulous experience.

One other tip...make sure you apply sunscreen to the back of your thighs, right where the suit starts (and a little higher). The Sun loves those areas we don't cover too often. 🙂

Thanks Jay!

Didn't know about rash guard shirts; quick dry is exactly what I'm looking for and an excellent Christmas gift for my beloved husband.

Good tip Chris. I wear aqua shorts so my thighs are covered but always remember sunscreen on the back of my neck often.

A rash guard is great. If you want to extend your time in the water, a dive skin is even better. It is a light lycra or other high tech fabric- with long legs and sleeves- that will keep you warm and protected from the sun and critters in the water.