St John safety

David · Post by **David** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:06 am

My wife and I are coming to St John a week from Sat. We were there years ago when we were much younger. At the time we had small children with us so we didn't do a lot of snorkeling and other water activities. Mostly beach fun and playing in the shallows. This time we're coming by ourselves and want to snorkle etc. Are there any beaches we should stay away from or any other danger signs we should look for. If St John is like it used to be, some of the beaches can be pretty deserted. We're in our fifties and in pretty good shape but we are in our fifties so that's a relative term. Also are there any areas, places or situations we should stay from at night-----Thanks

sailorgirl · Post by **sailorgirl** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:17 am

Just use common sense. Don't bring valuables or lots of cash to the beach. Lock up your villa when you leave and at night. If there is a safe make use of it. As for nights in town, I never felt unsafe even when traveling without my husband with a group of women. I'm a NY'er though so Cruz Bay could never seem sinster to me

. I'm sure the places you and your wife would frequent would not present any issues.

loria · Post by **loria** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:26 am

i would add that you shouldn't leave stuff in the car--this is particularly true over by salt pond bay (though i have never had an issue)

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:13 am

I have not had any problems in St John...we took our daugther, who was five at the time, last year...of course we're not in town late...most nights back at the villa by 9 but we felt very comfortable. Lots of families out in the evenings. As stated from some of the others, use common sense like you would if you were anywhere...As far as rough waters...I've not encountered any...I felt relaxed with our little girl swimming and playing.

Pickle · Post by **Pickle** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:29 pm

David, how experienced snorkelers are you and your wife? If you are somewhat experienced or intermediate snorkelers, you don't need to worry too much about snorkeling at most of the major beaches on St. John. Even if you are not experienced snorkelers, there are beginner-friendly beaches like Maho or Trunk (with lifeguards on site) to build up your confidence. There are some beaches/spots that could be tricky or are not generally recommended for beginners because of currents or underwater topology.

A good bit of information is found here:
http://seestjohn.com/snorkeling.html

Have a fabulous trip to you both.

David · Post by **David** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:28 pm

Thanks for the info. We've snorkled some but would probably be considered beginners by most----Again, thanks

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:16 pm

Hi David - Welcome to the forum! My husband and I were definitely beginner snorkelers when we went to STT in '05 and STJ in '07. But after a week on the island (and some help from Capt. Phil of Wayward Sailor fame) we were snorkeling like pros before long! We didn't do anything that was too difficult, but we managed to snorkel all the way around Waterlemon Cay, so I'm sure you'd be able to do at least that much.

As to safety... never once did I not feel safe. Enjoy your time on my favorite island!

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:48 pm

David-- Welcome. The basics of snokeling are 1) have a buddy 2) don't touch the coral or sea life 3) have fun.

As for safety on island, I have never encountered a situation where I felt unsafe. That being said I always:

-lock my car,
-I never leave valuables visible,
-I lock or secure the villa (as best as I can),
-I keep any valuables in the safe at the villa, and
-I generally try to keep an eye on my stuff while at the beach.

But then again I do ALL of these things when I am at home so vacation is no different. To me these kinds of things are just common sense.

STJ is as safe as any place I've visited (and I've visited a lot of places!)

Just use your comon sense, be polite and respectful of the locals and have a wonderful time!!

FTC · Post by **FTC** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:47 pm

Like David we are getting older, only snorkle and I'm not a strong swimmer, though my better half is. Pickle would you elaborate on "There are some beaches/spots that could be tricky or are not generally recommended for beginners because of currents or underwater topology." or how we figure this out before trecking to a beach that we shouldn't attempt?

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:58 pm

FTC-- if you just stick to the North Shore beaches and salt pond you will be fine.

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:04 pm

DH and I consider ourselves strong snorkelers, but last year at Waterlemon, we had a difficult time with a tricky current. Many folks think Waterlemon has the best snorkeling on St John, and having never been anxious to walk over, we were excited to take a trip out by boat( not a dinghy).From what I did see the spot is beautiful, but if you are not a strong swimmer as well as an experienced snorkeler I would explore the other spots on this trip.

Pickle · Post by **Pickle** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:57 pm

Hi FTC,

You don't have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy snorkeling in the waters of St. John. If you stick to beaches like Hawksnest, Gibney, Honeymoon, Trunk, Maho (ideal for beginners), Francis, Salt Pond, etc., you'll be fine.
Actually, I feel a little tired after snorkeling at Francis (along the right walls towards Fungi Passage - we often see octopuses on the way) because we swim pretty far out. Swimming out is easy there but back seems to be usually against a mild current and, though it is mild, we are so far out that it's kind of tiring to swim all the way back against it.

Waterlemon Cay is a popular snorkeling spot, but it can be tricky especially for beginners depending on the current around the cay - some days you don't feel much of it and other days it is definitely stronger.

I would not recommend places like Haulover North or Blue Cobblestone for beginners.

If the water looks obviously choppy, I would snorkel somewhere else and come back some other day to see if it's calmer. Sometimes you notice currents after getting into the water. In that case, you just have to use your judgment how manageable they are for you.

But, again, if you stick to the major beaches mentioned above, you really won't have to worry much, especially if you'll have your better half with you. It is true about snorkeling - the more you experience, the more you feel confident/comfortable. Have fun seeing all the sea creatures

.

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:02 am

I'm with Gromit on this one,- no brainer.
The island isn't , by any means, crime-ridden, but just use common sense.
Anywhere you are, it's better to be safe,than sorry.
Smiles-
Mj

Maryanne · Post by **Maryanne** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:43 am

just fyi,

We had two separate, frightening experiences at Waterlemon. The current can be very strong. We witnessed a woman being carried away out to sea; a boat had to rescue her.

Tracy in WI · Post by **Tracy in WI** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 9:14 am

You will have an awesome trip! In regards to snorkeling, I would invest in a snorkel vest for safety.

I was rescued once by Captain Phil due to a strong current and also had to help someone once out at Waterlemon. This past summer, the current became pretty strong out around the little island at Cinnamon and I wished I had my snorkel vest - I was stupid. They are pretty inexpensive and fold flat for packing. I am a good swimmer, but you never know...

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St John safety

St John safety

St John safety