Barracuda Snorkeling

[BRY1105]

My wife and I love snorkeling on our STJ trips. In fact, thats the primary reason we go. Anyway, we have seen a few barracudas and we are kind of afraid of them. Not having much knowledge on them, Im wondering how dangerous are they really? How likely is someone to get attacked? What to do/not to do when you see one? Are they more likely to be found in certain areas? Thanks everyone!

[augie]

Bryan, they may look scary, but I don't consider them a threat at all. A lot of people have said over the years to avoid wearing shiny jewelry that may look like a fish when the sun hits it, and there are *a few* documented reports of attacks, worldwide, over many years, but we spend a lot of time in the water, and know a lot of other folks that do as well, and I've never heard of any of them being bothered by a barracuda.

[Barb Y]

Hey BRY check out this link from On-stjohn.com maybe it will help
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2010/07/21/fea ... a-chasing/

Happy snorkeling!

[LauraD]

I second Augie, never had a problem. I had one come and check me out with gapping mouth(thats how they breath)which was alittle unsettling, but that was it. I also do not wear any jewelry in the water, I don't want to be mistaken for a fishing lure or a yummy, shiney bait fish. Laura

[CariBert]

One of the benefits of snorkeling in crystal clear waters is, the fish can see you as well as you can see them (relatively speaking). A lot of "bites" or so called "attacks" occur in not so clear waters where a fish can mistake you for something else. Like a food.

Just enjoy the views underwater..they are spectacular! And remember, if you think a barracuda looks menacing to us, just think what we must look like to them!!

-Bert

[BuffaloGal]

Just remember, you're a lot bigger than the food they eat! The worst I've ever seen was a large barracuda chewing away on another fish. It wasn't pretty, but both the barracuda and prey were still pretty small compared with me. They can be a little disconcerting, but I've never had one come at me or even take much interest in me.

[BRY1105]

Hey BRY check out this link from On-stjohn.com maybe it will help
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2010/07/21/fea ... a-chasing/

I remember watching that video the day it was posted. That guy is nuts.

I found this online: "Barracuda attacks usually take place under certain circumstances, including: (1) when the water is very murky; (2) when a diver is carrying a shiny reflecting object, like jewelry; (3) when the barracuda is provoked; or (4) when a diver is carrying a wounded fish. Attacks can also be caused by excessive splashing or other irregular movements in the water, especially in murky conditions."

[SOonthebeach]

We saw a big guy twice at salt pond in Aug- I was snorkeling with my 10 year old and 6 year old- the little one's very first snorkel!! I directed them to calmly swim away and we left each other alone. The kids though it was cooooooool. I was a little nervous but he didn't threaten us at all- just stared us us, which apparently they do. He hung out in the same area close to shore so the second time we saw him we made a wider berth. Was excitement for sure and the kids can't wait to see another one

[sapphirecat]

The barracudas just want a little love. Once you start to scuba you will notice that there is always a barracuda hanging out by the boat just watching the divers go down and come back up again after their dive. Pretty cool!

[lawmom]

I saw one twice during our snorkeling adventures. Once I remember was on Lameshur. Both places they just sat still, motionless, didn't ever move a bit. Just lurked. Of course, when I saw it, I moved....a lot...quickly.....

[Muhaha]

There is a 5 footer that swims around Francis Bay. I am told his name is "Charlie" and about the most you can say about him is that he is photogenic.

[liamsaunt]

Muhaha, I have seen that barracuda! He is HUGE!

I saw the biggest barracuda of my life this past trip. We were at Leinster following an eagle ray around when out of the depths came the biggest, thickest barracuda I have ever seen! It chased the eagle ray away! It was not at all interested in us though. Barracuda don't frighten me, I just keep my distance.

Many years ago, someone on this forum posted an awesome picture they took at Gallows Point of a woman lying on their floating dock in a bikini. Underneath the dock, there was a huge barracuda! I wish I could remember whose photo that was, it was so cool.

[Tracy in WI]

I have never had a problem with Barracuda but they are a bit unsettling - with the overbite and those eyes that seem to stalk you!

But, a t Gallow's this summer, another guest reported that one tried to attack him and he thought it was because he had a diamond earring. Now whether or not I believe that guest is another story!

[sapphirecat]

Tracy, I'd like to hear deets about that. Did the guest say anything further? I have never heard the true story of a barracuda attacking a person.

[Barb Y]

I am by no means an expert on barracudas but my thought is that if one wanted to "try" and attack someone, chances are it would succeed. But ya never know I guess!