A few more questions for first timers?

[Hawaii]

Hi again- You guys will have to put up with me until July with all my questions, but I am grateful to everyone for answering them!


1)This will be our first time snorkeling and everyone talks about the coral and to be careful. Is the coral out further in the water, down deep or out in the middle?

2)What is a good first beach to go to on our first day? I know we will be the closest to Maho as we are staying on Bordeaux Mt. The kids ages are 13 and 10 and good swimmers.

3)My husband is getting a little thin on the top of his head and also takes blood pressure and diabetic medicine so do not want him to burn. Is there any kind of sunscreen you can use for the scalp, I guess for our son too since his hair is short?

4)I know this has been answered but do we buy the ticket to the ferry right at the dock and also just get one way ticket?


5)I have seen some talk about Sloop Jones and have seen his website. I am sure my daughter would probably love to shop there for a cute dress - Is it easy to find from Bordeaux Mountain?


Thanks so much for your help again!

[waterguy]

Coral is where there is rocks can go from the surface to deeper then you can dive.

Maho would be a great place for your first snorkle as it is easy entry to the water the right side as you look out is great along the rocks only stand on sand

I'm hair challenged also I just splapp water proof sunscreen up there and every where else don't forget the bottoms of your feet. Some where dew rags.

People ferry right at the dock in the new terminal car ferry once you back on, one way only.

[mkb]

I would also suggest Trunk Bay for a first snorkel. There is a snorkeling trail there, with underwater signs/markers that I think would be good for kids snorkeling for the first time. Just plan to go early before the parking is gone and cruise ship crowds appear.

For first timers -- I strongly suggest the book, St John Feet, Fins and Four-Wheel Drive, by Pam Gaffin. It will answer a lot of questions (including your coral questions) and describe various beaches, trails, etc, so you can make decisions about which ones are the best fit for you. I believe it also includes directions to Sloop Jones.

I have not been to Sloop Jones, but might be able to answer that question for you in a few weeks when I return from my second trip to STJ.

[Hawaii]

Mkb - Yes, I do have the book but should go thru it again. I also have another one just can not remember the name. I have been researching now for well over a year as we were suppose to go last summer but it did not work out. I hope you have a great vacation and yes let me know if you make it to Sloop Jones.

[CariBert]

1,2, and 4 have been answered quite well. I would like to address #3. Invest in rash guards, Scuba-Do rags and plenty of high SPF sunblock and use it often. I too am follickly challenged, fair complexioned, and burn easily. You cannot be too careful when it comes to avoiding things like skin cancer and hide tanning sunshine!

Just follow you head and heart, and you will be fine! Have fun in July, great time of year to go!

-Bert

[lazylane]

My hubby is bald and always wears his hat, yes even when snorkeling! Sloop Jones is very easy to find! When you come to Coral Bay, you will see a sign at the "triangle". You will bear to the left towards Skinny Legs (Sloop Jones sign is also posted) and keep going to East End until you can't go any farther! You will pass Miss Vie's snack shack and beach also. You will see his sign at the driveway. Watch for donkeys and goats!

[Iluvstjohn]

One of our favorite beaches is Francis (along with Maho)...Trunk is also good but could be crowded if it's a cruise ship day or depending on what time of day you are going.

For the head.....try these....another forumite recommended these..and now my whole family has one!
http://planetbuff.com/