Easiest snorkeling spot for newbies?
Easiest snorkeling spot for newbies?
I'm thinking Hawksnest? I've been to Francis-is Maho just around on the left from it? What about there?
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My suggestion to virgin snorkelers, those who have NEVER snorkeled previously, is Trunk Bay. The reason being that Trunk is the only beach with lifeguards on StJ, there is a snorkel trail to educate the snorkeler in what to look for, the bay is wind protected and usually calm and it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the caribbean. It provides a very comfortable environment to snorkel the very first time.
Hawksnest is a great snorkel spot except for two things to watch for, the wind can pick up on Hawksnest under the right conditions. The coral is close in near the beach in shallow water. While being so close in makes access easy you can easily find yourself directly on top of the coral with little water to float in. This can be dangerous for the snorkeler and the coral. A snorkeler at Hawksnest should be either with an experienced snorkeler or have a bit of experience to recognize the possible hazzard.
Yes, Maho is to the left of Francis as you look out from the beach.
Hawksnest is a great snorkel spot except for two things to watch for, the wind can pick up on Hawksnest under the right conditions. The coral is close in near the beach in shallow water. While being so close in makes access easy you can easily find yourself directly on top of the coral with little water to float in. This can be dangerous for the snorkeler and the coral. A snorkeler at Hawksnest should be either with an experienced snorkeler or have a bit of experience to recognize the possible hazzard.
Yes, Maho is to the left of Francis as you look out from the beach.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"
I would recommend Francis. Both Maho and Francis are similar in that they are very easy entry, but Francis has a lot to see when you swim off to the right (when facing the water), all of it close to shore. You can swim all the way to the end of the point and still be in shallow water and close proximity to the shoreline.
- Need2GetAway
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- Backtotheislands
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Maho is so calm I've seen people snorkeling on noodles. I've seen tons of fish - up to 4+ ft. tarpon, turtles, barracuda, octopus, conch,and even a tiny baby turtle last year, maybe the size of my palm, who kept hiding in the shallow water in the sand. I really enjoy Maho, to the right and around the point. It's very calm there. Last summer it was probably my 2nd favorite after Waterlemon. The trip before, though I enjoyed Trunk more, so it all depends! There are no lifeguards at Maho, though. Wherever you go, enjoy! I'm addicted and it wears my poor hubby out. Perfect vacation HAS to include snorkeling now! ![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
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- toes in the sand
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I don't want to disuade anyone from snorkeling Hawksnest. I just think that it is best to be prepared and do Hawksnest on a calm day. I have had some of my best/laziest snorkels at Hawksnest but I have found it rough and shallow other times. No one wants to damage the coral or come away with their chest, arms or legs cut up from being pushed into the coral by a wave.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"