Thread: Snorkeling St. Thomas, Mt. Maarten, Princess Cays

I read on another thread that, of all the private islands, Princess Cays has the best snorkeling.

I was at Princess Cays last January, and we went to the left after getting off the tender~ I never tried going down the other way. There wasn't much to see to the left. This fall when I am there, I will try going to the right! Sounds great! I also rented equipment and it was around $20-$25, I can't remember exactly. I have just gotten some because I figured in a few cruises it will pay for itself
Stephanie

Yes, it will!
And I am a big advocate of owning AT LEAST your own snorkel... for obvious reasons.

I rarely take my fins with me when cruising, however. They're just so BULKY! So, I goahead and use their fins and safety vest.

On St. Martin -- Pinel Island is wonderful. There is a boat that leaves from the french cul de sca for like $7. Snorkel over by the rocks away from the beach. Also, a day trip to Anguilla for snorkeling is awesome (although the area we snorkeled in was a good distance from where the boat was).

First, let me say I fully agree with canarymoon - it's best to own your gear instead of renting. Don't know about you, but I don't want to put a snorkel in my mouth that does not belong to me. The same holds true for a mask.

Being a scuba diver with over 150 dives and being open water, advance open water, and rescue diver certified, trust me when I say that it's very important to get a mask that fits you properly. There's nothing worse than having a mask that leaks because you will not enjoy your snorkeling experience and will have a miserable time.

I recommend going to a scuba diving shop and getting properly fitted for a mask. Yes, it cost more, but so well worth it. If their prices are high, then get the make and model and check online. The snorkel and fins are not as important. You can get a cheap snorkel and rent fins, but rule number one, do not skimp on a good mask.

As for where to go; Coki Beach in St. Thomas is a very nice spot for beginners. St. Maarten is good in some areas and not so good in others. Princess Cays has some very good snorkeling for beginners.

Bottom line is that snorkeling is best around coral reef and not very good around white sandy beaches. So, what's good for swimming is not necessarily good for snorkeling.

Pete

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

First, let me say I fully agree with canarymoon - it's best to own your gear instead of renting. Don't know about you, but I don't want to put a snorkel in my mouth that does not belong to me. The same holds true for a mask.

Being a scuba diver with over 150 dives and being open water, advance open water, and rescue diver certified, trust me when I say that it's very important to get a mask that fits you properly. There's nothing worse than having a mask that leaks because you will not enjoy your snorkeling experience and will have a miserable time.

I recommend going to a scuba diving shop and getting properly fitted for a mask. Yes, it cost more, but so well worth it. If their prices are high, then get the make and model and check online. The snorkel and fins are not as important. You can get a cheap snorkel and rent fins, but rule number one, do not skimp on a good mask.

As for where to go; Coki Beach in St. Thomas is a very nice spot for beginners. St. Maarten is good in some areas and not so good in others. Princess Cays has some very good snorkeling for beginners.

Bottom line is that snorkeling is best around coral reef and not very good around white sandy beaches. So, what's good for swimming is not necessarily good for snorkeling.

Pete

Pete is so right. Your own equipment-snorkel/mask-can make all the difference in your comfort level and enjoyment. We are divers too and I have a prescription mask so I don't have to wear contacts under water. It was quite an investment but it's paid off.

The first dive I did (an introductory resort dive) was at Coki beach at St. Thomas. From there on I was hooked (Hubby got hooked before that in Australia). The area is/was a marine preserve and there were tons of fish to see. Since then a hurricane ravaged the area but that was quite a few years ago. I'm sure it has rejuvenated since.

If you are traveling in the winter, you may run into weather problems at St. Martin. We've tried twice to dive there and had them canceled because of wind and seas.

Happy snorkeling!

Just an FYI in St Thomas a couple of years ago, we went to Coki Beach and the place that you can rent snorkel gear also sold snorkel vest for only 25.00 a piece. We bought 2 and they are still in the wrapper, waiting for our cruise in 2 months. I've looked online and elsewhere and that is a VERY good price for vests.