There should be plenty of other snorkelers at Trunk Bay as well as lifeguards, both on the beach and in the water. Enjoy your trip.

Most of the main beaches on STJ have other snorkelers out in the water. Trunk and Hawksnest to name a few. I understand that you do not swim, but do you also have a general fear of the water? I ask this because the water around the islands is generally calm (with the exception of extreme windy days or a storm approaching), you could put on a life jacket and join him in the water. I don't have a problem with snorkeling alone, I would just make it a point to stay within a closer distance to shore and not wander off where you can't be seen from the beach.

Have a great trip!

Molly

Thanks! We're really looking forward to it. Everyone on this message board has been so nice and helpful. I appreciate all of your insights.

Molly,

I'm not afraid of the water. I've actually taken swim lessons a couple of times, but I've never been able to master the breathing for some reason. I can backstroke forever, but it's hard to see the fish that way!!!

Straycat,

I would still give snorkeling another try. First off, if you have a fancy snorkel pull the top portion off and use it like a straw sticking out of the water. Sometimes all of those fancy attatchments used for diving under the water can get in the way if you just want to skim the surface. The cheap snorkels are great for this. Make sure that you attatch the snorkel to your mask and have it positioned at the right angle or you will get a mouthful of water (that's what those fancy attatchments are meant for, but they do obstruct the airflow a little). Get a water noodle and wrap it around your chest and tuck it under your arms. Then float away and see all of the wonderful creatures under the sea!

Hope that you give snorkeling another try!

Molly

Based on your encouragement, I'll definitely think about it! Thanks Molly.

Straycat -

Another vote for giving snorkeling another try! So cool! When you say you couldn't "master the breathing" was that with a mask and snorkel? I have never loved "traditional swimming" with all of that coordination of breaths and strokes - and I don't like water near my nose - but I could snorkel all day. Not for everyone perhaps, but if you haven't tried it WITH the mask, it's definitely worth a shot. Just stay in shallow water until you decide if you are going to make it!!

I also agree with Molly that a foam noodle or snorkel vest or "floatie" can provide that little bit of support that will help you if you aren't a strong swimmer. Sometimes currents can push you, or your mask gets water, or you just need to get your head up for a minute - with something to float on, you don't have to worry about treading water (and avoiding kicking the reef - not good for you OR the reef).

Be sure to sunscreen your back well or wear a rash guard or shirt - once you are addicted :-), you may have your back up to the sun longer than you think!

Have fun!

If you get a mask and snorkel and try them out in a swimming pool before you leave, you will have a head start. The biggest complaint of new snorkelers is the mask leaking. So make sure it doesn't! 🙂

Swimming is over-rated. You really drift when you snorkel. You'll flip your fins a few times to propel yourself, but you don't have to "swim"? Have fun.

Make sure you use water proof sun block and have someone apply to your back, neck, legs and that spot just under your swimsuit around the legs or butt. Trust me, you can get a serious burn while your mesmerized in the water and it can ruin the rest of your stay.

The biggest reason for masks leaking is hair getting caught on the edge. be sure to push your hair back and pull away any that seems to be trapped under the mask.

Molly:
All the advice above is sweet, dont pass up this beautiful island and all it has to offer. You can see so much in 3 feet of water and gradually you will get more comfortable and venture to further sights, stay within your comfort zone and before you know it you will be passing your man by to get to the best sights first.. Just stay calm breath slow and enjoy all the island has to offer which is plenty. Most important things about snorkeling is stay relaxed. PS you will be great.

To miss snorkling would be a sin in the ultimate sense. I can't swim worth a d--- but use my snorkling vest and my own mask and cannot imagine not doing this. We've been all over the place on vacations and still the snorking in the VIs is the BEST. Take Chris at Work's advise (it was good years ago when I spent alot of time on this board) and be careful as those burns come on fast! Be aware that when you look at the undersea world, things will appear very magnified and much, much deeper than things really are so understand that if you think you only waded into about 3 feet of water, you did, it just looks like its 10 feet deep!

Wow everyone is so great on here! We also want to do snorkeling while we are in St. Thomas.- we are flying from Michigan, so should be bring masks and snorkels? It's not like we have any, but we could buy some here. Are there places to buy cheap ones there if you want to snorkel on your own? Do the snorkeling trips provide you with some during your trip? Is there someplace to rent them on a daily or weekly basis, while you are visiting? What do you suggest??
Thanks,
Nancy

We picked up a few extra sets at Kmart in Tutu Mall. They sell the US Divers brand, I think that we paid around $40 each for the set that included fins. You probably won't need fins unless you want to go way out in the water, I only use them sometimes and you can rent them on many of the beaches if you feel that you need them. I'd bet that you could find decent goggles and snorkels at home, they don't take up that much room. Although my family shares all of our snorkel gear, It would gross me out a bit to rent a snorkel from a stranger, like someone else said on an earlier post, It's like sharing a toothbrush with a stranger.

Molly

I can't swim well and my DH is a fish. He does the diving down stuff while I float on top of the water. Luckily, since I got older, I float much better. 😉 I love snorkeling and, since my eyesight leaves something to be desired, I went out and got a prescription mask. I just love it! Now I can actually see what's down there! And they really aren't that expensive. I highly recommend one to anyone who's as blind as I am.