New snorkel suggestions

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:31 pm

Looking for some new snorkel suggestions from the experts, for our second trip to St. John! I'm newer to snorkeling...still a beginner I'd say. Easier access.
We're planning on re-visiting Soloman/Honeymoon, Waterlemon Cay and Salt Pond, and taking a kayak to Whistling Cay. Need a few more options. I'm thinking Haulover South, Francis Bay, Vies/Pelican Rock... Any other suggestions? We didn't do Hawksnest or Trunk. Are we missing something awesome?
Gosh! No matter what we pick, we'll miss something awesome, I know. What other snorkels would you consider?
...and Thanks! You guys have been instrumental in helping us come to love our common paradise!

MIke · Post by **MIke** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:21 pm

Pelican Rock is a good choice.From there keep left over to the shore past the large beach and snorkel out towards the point.really awesome with small walls and channels.

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:23 pm

Might as well try Snorkeling Ditleff Point if you can get in there - it will be gated and closed to all but the owners and guests soon and the reef is pristine now before the runoff from construction starts. You can probably access it from Klein Bay still if the chains are up.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:04 pm

I didn't go, but my husband and daughter did Hawksnest for the first time this year, after visiting the island probably 10 times...

I was really impressed by the coral photos they took-gorgeous elkhorn coral and large schools of fish. This was facing the water way on the left side.

Probably worth it since it is so easy to access.

But I didn't do it myself so don't know for sure.

Diana2 · Post by **Diana2** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:18 pm

A little mentioned but good snorkle is at Oppenheimer. Straight out from the yellow building there's a shallow reef, much like the one found at Hawksnest. Then going to the right toward Denis it's also pretty nice clear out around the point at Peace Hill.

Good snorkling from Big Maho around to Little Maho too.

jayseadee · Post by **jayseadee** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:25 pm

Trunk is a favorite of ours and great for beginning; don't just snorkel the trail, but on the otherside as well.

Maho along the beach is easy and great for turtles and rays; around the point to little Maho is also good snorkeling and not too difficult.

Hawksnest is good when calm.

Lots of options for that new camera.

caribechris · Post by **caribechris** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:56 pm

Big Maho if you like to see Hawksbill turtles. Go to the right facing the bay for the turtles. I have seen eels and octopus there as well. We have seen a spotted ray there too. It is an easy snorkel too.

cptnkirk · Post by **cptnkirk** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:58 am

Ok I have said this a hundred times but do Hawksnest. There are three reefs, the center is the best, go all the way to the end for spectaculer elkhorn formations. Leave your fins on shore if ya want to really get in there its shallow.

Haulover South is a great snorkel you won't be dissapointed. Go right all the way to the point.
Since your allready there hop over to North if conditions are good check it out.. Awesome snorkel to the left,tons of coral and fish in prestine condition. Haven't went right yet maybe next time.

Personally if ya do Trunk I would do the far left at the end of the beach. Super easy entry and better than the island I think, plus ya get it to yourself.

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 7:51 am

Thanks for the advice. Hubby grew up in Hawaii and hated Maho...said it was boring. I liked the turtles, though. It would be lovely to just hang out at, but we like to be active.

Can anyone tell me where to park and how to get to Ditliff? Will need point of reference for newbie.

And we'll add Hawksnest...that'd be a convenient morning snorkel. Thanks again!

hoosierdaddy · Post by **hoosierdaddy** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 9:56 am

In March we did Ditliff. We drove through the gate and parked along the road where the walk way goes down to the beach. We were there for several hours. Saw alot of fish and rays.

AnyTing · Post by **AnyTing** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:03 am

I recommend Vie's. Great reef around the area where the rocks stick up. I always see lots of turtles in the middle too!

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:16 am

I like chocolate hole

parafins · Post by **parafins** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 1:10 pm

If hubby thinks Maho is a bit boring ,try a night snorkel there! The night life is full of suprises!P.S. Remember to keep the Jaws theme song in mind when trying a night snorkel-it adds a little spice to it! Parafins

*Sunnie* · Post by ***Sunnie*** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 1:16 pm

night snorkeling is fun and creepy! we did salt pond at night last year during the full moon.

btw- nov 3rd is the next full moon!

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 1:51 pm

Plenty of pictures and a map for a Ditleff adventure at : the sales website ---- www.ditleffpoint.com - you should be able to figure the directions --- and parking will depend on what gates and chains are there.

usvi-on-line