You might try renting or buying a snorkel vest or flotation belt. Start off in shallow water (where she can stand) to let her get comfortable with the mechanics of snorkeling and build a bit of confidence. Move out from there. Definitely don't let her first experience be going off a boat in deep water.

Let me add that as a poor swimmer, the vests and belts are terrific- look at all the other messages where we discuss this in detail. Make sure she is prepared to see the underwater as a very magnified world- the underwater view distorts the depth you think you're in and its a bit terrifying for those of us who aren't comfortable. I panicked during my first look with my face in the water, threw my legs around and ended up sitting smack on some fire coral. If someone had prepared me to understand that you're only in a couple of feet of water (even when you know logically that yourself, it only looks like its 10 feet deep) I would have adjusted quicker. The belt or vest helps completely. The water is very salty so you're more buoyant anyway- don't forget the sunscreen or shirt on your back over your suits because you will burn, believe me. She MUST do this as its one of the most wonderful worlds you can imagine and usually the water is far calmer than elsewhere so you don't get pushed around by rough waters- especially on the beaches where you walk (very gently) into the water then just lay down. Good luck!

Just go to Coki beach next to Coral World and wade out in the water and put on a maks and have a ball. You do not need to swim. Of course the swimming belt is good if she just wants to float around with flippers on but I think that at first she can just wade out waist deep and have a ball. The best snorkling is on St. John but you should know how to swim to go there.

I always say that snorkeling in the waters around the Virgin Islands is like floating on clear Jello. I feel completely unsinkable. But, I can swim, so I can't relate to the fear a non-swimmer might have.

My immediate thought upon reading facey1's post was Coki Beach. If you don't have your own equipment, rent from the Coki Beach Dive Club which has a stand there. They are such nice folks, someone might even agree to get in the water and help your wife get started.

The beauty of Coki is that the water is crystal clear. There are at least a gazillion fish to see as soon as you take a few steps into the water. There are lots of people around so you never really have to feel isolated. There are plenty of kids usually, (well I go in summer when school's out) who are doing it, so it might help her to see them.

My first ever snorkel was at Coki years ago and I've been hooked ever since.

I hope you and your wife enjoy it.

Gerie