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Hello. I understand that snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay is very good, but that the current there is "somewhat" stronger than at other places. Also, certainly currents can vary in strength. Is there a way to tell, or source for "current" (sorry, can't think of better word..."up to date") info about the daily current strength? You know how some beaches with lifeguards or other monitors post little flags or signs when the current is particularly strong? It doesn't sound at all like this is that sort of place. But, I wonder is there another good source for that info? Local park services people? Or Maho Bay Camps staff? Other? My husband and I (armed with the knowledge that the current may be strong, and wearing fins) should be fine, but if it is particularly strong one day, I may not want to get 2 ten-year-olds in there. Or may not want to try it with them anyway. These girls are good swimmers, but sounds like caution may be in order. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!
I'm not sure how to answer your primary question regarding "how" to find out about the current from external sources, but our experience at Waterlemon is that as long as you stay in the bay area and don't venture past the protected waters into the open ocean area, the current it not an issue. The Cay is great snorkeling (so I hear - never gone that far out myself), but you can see MUCH sea life staying close to the beach and along the rocky area to the right (looking from the beach to the open water). Make sure the kids have snorkel vests or other safety gear and they should be fine while in the bay area. I wouldn't personally take younger kids any further than I've described above - not safe and not worth it, in my opinion.
Good Luck - Have Fun!
I think they will be fine if they don't go beyond the cay. There is a deep trench between the shore and the cay but once at the cay, certainly not deep at all. Not a difficult swim at all.
Thanks for the thoughts...much better answers than my confusing question. Yes, we have snorkel vests, so will use those. Worst case scenario, the kids stay with our "extra" grownup (who doesn't want to snorkel anyway).
My wife and I went last March and there was a fairly strong current and a little bit of "chop" on the east side of the cay but it wasn't really that bad. Summer months would likely be alot less choppy. I would second the recommendation of a snorkel vest for the kids but the adults should be fine. My only recommendation is to go counter-clock wise around the cay so you aren't trying to swim against the current.
lbrlwyr
To my understanding the strength of the current depends on the phase of the moon. So you should try to avoid a full moon or a new moon. I have snorkeled Waterlemon out and around the Cay, it was one of the best places I have ever skorkeled.
I snorkelled out to and around Waterlemon in January using a vest. It was storming at the time (rain and wind) and I had no issues with the current. The snorkelling was actually rougher at Trunk than Waterlemon when we were there. The ground is rocky and it is shallow at points so you have to be careful to not get cut on the coral.
It is too gorgeous to miss. Take a flotation device and you will be fine.
Great tips everyone...thanks!
Bring fins! Holy cow, we forgot our fins and had a difficult time. I swam and swam and wasn't going anywhere. LOL I think if you have fins, you'll be good! Enjoy it! It's a nice place to be. If you get a chance, hike the trails first and see the ruins. Then go down to the beach and snorkel the cay, a great way to cool off after the hike. 🙂
waterlemon is too beautiful to miss. there is a trail to follow that goes out to a big tire, and if you are going to snorkle around the cay, that is the best place to start. go counterclockwise around the cay. You will see beautiful coral and lots of sea life. It was one of our best experiences! enjoy! Susan
Thanks Gari ANn ans Susan. I am looking forward to seeing this since everyone has raved about it. Thanks for the specfics - always like the details. Am adding to "The Master List"!
We spent half a day there I think, sat on the Cay for a while and loved it. From the beach on the way out if you stary 30' or so off the bank we saw huge starfish. On the east side if the Cay we say turtles, and a buch of other stuff. There were 2 other people there without belts but I cannot imagine swimming that much/far without fins and a belt...too far to take a chance on getting a cramp or somthing.
Take a belt nad fins and you and the kids should have a ball, I never noticed the current at all.
Don't forget to bring an underwater camera so we can see all of the cool sea life you come across!! 🙂
