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We are planning on bringing our own snorkel gear to cut back on price. Is this smart or would it be better to rent on the island? We won't be returing to the VIs every year so this would be use for a week only. Two adults and two young kids.
If we bring our own what do we need to know as far as purchasing? I don't want to spend a ton of money and don't need the best gear only enough to enjoy the sights underwater.
Are you staying in a private villa, hotel, resort? You may want to check with whomever you are staying with some places provide snorkel gear. On our last trip (Feb) our villa had 4 sets of snorkel gear for our use.
Thanks Jill, we are staying in a villa, but I don't expect that they will have any. It's a thought though
If you won't be using the gear all the time I'd rent some here. I think its fairly cheap per day, $5 a day for the set or something. Although if you are going to snorkel everyday it might be cheaper to buy some at KMart. Since you are only using it for the week I'd just buy whatever is cheapest.
But I would definitely check in on the villa to see if they have sets, most do, although fins might be tricky but at least you would only have to rent fins rather than the whole set.
New England
Even though you intend to only use the gear for this one week, do not sell yourself short if you intend to snorkel the whole week. It is a very special experience and getting something 'on the cheap' does just that. Don't buy from Kmart or Walmart unless you plan on doing all of your snorkeling in the villa pool. If you only plan on doing this for one week, you are only geting one shot at it...don't blow it. It's costing a lot just to get there and stay so no time to save pennies and regret it later.
You can rent and the weekly fee will run about $60-70 per set. The negative to renting is you are on their clock for collecting and returning the gear so it is one more hassle to deal with while on vacation. The key to selection is getting a mask that fits your face properly. Gently press it to your face, close your mouth and inhale through nose to create vacuum with the mask. If the mask stays put, it is a good fit. The fins should be the shoe type and not the one'size fits all strap type. The lighter the better. Snorkel tubes are fairly common but the 'self seal' provide more confidence to some.
If you are still not sure, I would really recommend taking a day charter with a smaller boat. They have good gear and spend time teaching newbies. They also have access to off shore sights with more to offer (STJ sites are already great, but they expand the experience). I always suggest Wayward Sailor (Captain Phil Chalker). He is super with kids, newbies and experienced.
Thanks Chris, If I rent on the island where is the best place? Low Key?
I would invest in good mask & snorkel stateside. Get someone to help you make sure it fits - especially for the kids. Try a local scuba shop and even if you do not end up buying from them, you will know how to size the mask properly. If you wear glasses they even make pop ins that have been corrected for your vision.
If you have time find a pool and try them out.
Fins are a pain in the butt to carry. You may considering renting fins or we have bought cheap ones and just left them with island kids or just leave them at the villa as your donation. More room to carry fun things back.
I have no experience renting but have seen good reviews of Low Key posted here in the past. Have a wonderful time and treasure the time you will have with your family. It truly will be an experience you all will remember.
Ok yes go ahead and buy them if you want to save them forver, but a good set will cost you upwards of $100. I bought 2 sets for my nephews at Kmart that came in a little bag and they work fine and it was only $30 and they have worked fine. I did some more research for you and I saw a place that rents the sets for $40 a weeks so that will save you from lugging them down Aqua Action Dive Center out of Secret Harbour relatively near the ferry dock in Red Hook.
New England,
I would vote to purchase a set and bring them along. If you are traveling with your two children you shouldn't have a problem with the number of bags for the plane. Take a look at http://www.sportsmansguide.com and search for Snorkel - they have a US divers set for about $35.00 - US Divers is good, not great quality but better then you will get at Kmart. We have some US Divers stuff and it works great. Enjoy the trip - Eric
As others have said the most important part of a snorkel set is the mask. If it doesn't fit right, it lets in salt water. If your mask is constantly leaking, it will be a constant distraction and ruin your snorkeling completely. That is ESPECIALLY important if you plan to wear contact lenses with your mask, as I do. Salt water in the eyes -- OUCH. I would DEFINITELY buy good snorkel masks in the states before you go. The snorkel usually comes with the mask. The fins you can rent on-island.
Here's a snorkel set I purchased for a trip to Baja a few years ago; it's a snorkel that never lets water in, even when you dive down under the surface to get a closer look at something. I have one of these and LOVE IT.
Well since we only have KMart here on the island that is why I suggested it, but apparently Eric aka Midwest Blues doesn't have a KMart there, or is just a anti-KMart snob, but Kmart does sell US Divers sets for around $30. I suggested renting them since it seems it would be easier and cheaper to do that $40 a week to rent, multiple masks to choose from, and you don't have to lug an extra bag.
And yes the Herrington snorkel is excellent, I have a few myself, but way to costly for one week, but if you are rolling in dough get it because it makes snorkeling easier.
Can you comment in dry snorkel vs. the regular kind (not sure what you call them).
