night snorkeling -- on-island dive light rental?

Travel discussion for St. John
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lark22
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night snorkeling -- on-island dive light rental?

Post by lark22 »

After five trips, we're going to try to cross night snorkeling off of our must-do list! Because it probably won't be something we'll be doing very frequently, I'm hesitant to buy any expensive dive lights that we may not re-use.

Does anyone have any idea if the dive shops on-island rent flashlights or dive lights? Thanks!!
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Chet
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Post by Chet »

Get the UK SL4 Dive Light. Not only is it good for night diving, but it doubles as the best flashlight for your home. It lights up the back yard like a used car lot...

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.a ... T_ID=UKSL4
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.

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jimg20
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Post by jimg20 »

Low Key rents dive lights.

JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....

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mje113
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Post by mje113 »

I've done a night dive but never a night snorkel... any suggestions on what snorkel spots would be best (considering getting there at night and whatnot).

My first inclination would be to stumble (crawl) out of the beach bar and into Cruz Bay ;)
jimg20
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Post by jimg20 »

mje113 wrote:I've done a night dive but never a night snorkel... any suggestions on what snorkel spots would be best (considering getting there at night and whatnot).

My first inclination would be to stumble (crawl) out of the beach bar and into Cruz Bay ;)
I heard that this is how night snorkeling was invented. :lol:

I've heard that both Maho and Hawksnest are good sites. They have abundant sea life and are easy to get into and out of. The best way might be to go at dusk and get orineted before it is totally dark.

JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....

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loria
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Post by loria »

we did a nice night snorkel at leinster several years back--
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>
parafins
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Post by parafins »

jimg20 wrote:
mje113 wrote:I've done a night dive but never a night snorkel... any suggestions on what snorkel spots would be best (considering getting there at night and whatnot).

My first inclination would be to stumble (crawl) out of the beach bar and into Cruz Bay ;)
I heard that this is how night snorkeling was invented. :lol:

I've heard that both Maho and Hawksnest are good sites. They have abundant sea life and are easy to get into and out of. The best way might be to go at dusk and get orineted before it is totally dark.

JIM
Couln't have said it better myself!Both beaches are great for this.The first time I night snorkeled I tried Hawksnest,but didn't no the reef layout..NOT a good idea!I found myself over a shallow reef {to the left as you enter the water.}and had a hard time getting out of it.I think I was more concerned about damaging the reef than getting cut up.
HELLO FROM MICHIGAN...
MIke
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Post by MIke »

Chet wrote:

Get the UK SL4 Dive Light. Not only is it good for night diving, but it doubles as the best flashlight for your home. It lights up the back yard like a used car lot...

A funny story about the SL4.
The first time I took mine down,brand new,about 30 feet down,the battery exploded with a huge bang that drew the attention of divers 50 feet below.I thought I had lost my leg.Scared me to death.
You are right that they are great dive lights and will light up the world.
Mike
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lark22
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Post by lark22 »

Thanks for info, everyone!! I think we may end up renting the lights from Low Key for one night, then if we really like it, we'll invest in lights for our next trip.
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RickG
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Post by RickG »

We like Hawksnest and Maho for night snorkeling. Maho has an easier entry and is less prone to swell, but check the weather. We also like to night snorkel on Devers Bay when we are staying on the bay.

FYI, Sweet Christine gets a bit icked out at some of the tiny flea-like critters that get attracted by the lights. Her first night snorkel was, well, abbreviated.

Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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