Renting Snorkel gear

[Beachnut513]

How's the rental gear? Where's the best place to rent from? I'm just a bit skeptical about renting a snorkel.

[lpowmacback]

We've rented LOTS of times after using equipment we'd bought and brought- which ended up not fitting properly and ruining the entire snorkel experience. We've used Cruz Bay Water Sports several times and they were great- great equipment- lots of shapes & sizes to accommodate any shape & sized face - and if there's a problem - you can simply go back & exchange it! We've also used Crabby's (Coral Bay) and they were great too. In 3 days we are going back to the rock and are planning on renting from Low Key- I found their prices to be better than Cruz Bay - and from what I've read, they have a great equipment as well.

As for the cleanliness - hey- we all go to restaurants and use forks & spoons & drink out of glasses that others use. The equipment is cleaned & sanitized - so I have no concerns whatsoever. Even one's own personal equipment can have bacteria and germs on it from touching a multitude of things... no worries mon.

[Beachnut513]

Thanks Lisa! Good point about the sanitizing of the equipment. I guess renting is better than carrying your own stuff. Have a WONDERFUL trip!!

[lpowmacback]

Thanks Beachnut- YOU TOO!!!

If you go on Low Key's website and select snorkel rental- you can fill out & submit a form that will get you a 15% discount on the equipment. Their rate for renting a snorkel set (snorkel, mask & fins) for a week is $10 lower than Cruz Bay - and note that Cruz Bay's week is only 5 days - whereas Low Key's is 7 days- (technically, it's 5 days plus 2 free days) PLUS that 15% off... making it a very sweet deal.

[conchman]

Until we purchased our own, we always rented from Cruz Bay. Always real nice, helpful and prices seemed fair. The time of year we go Crabby's is usually closed. However for the cost of a weekly rental you can just about buy a pretty decent set. Next time you go = "free rental"...one of best investment's we made regarding going to St. John.

Enjoy...

[lpowmacback]

We only snorkel on vacation - and that means a week or so once a year, maybe every other year. For us, renting is best- no taking up valuable space & weight in our luggage, and the ability to exchange if a problem arises. The time we'd bought the equipment - I'd purchased snorkels & masks (no fins) that were $55-$60 - and that was in 2000 - so it was fairly decent... They seemed to fit great- but once we were away, there were some issues - but at that point it was too late.

If you do decide to buy - get properly fitting masks... really test them out well before you pack them!!!

[Teresa_Rae]

As for the cleanliness - hey- we all go to restaurants and use forks & spoons & drink out of glasses that others use. The equipment is cleaned & sanitized - so I have no concerns whatsoever. Even one's own personal equipment can have bacteria and germs on it from touching a multitude of things... no worries mon.

As someone who has done a lot of work in the field of microbiology, I am much more comfortable with the ability of the smooth, metal or glass surface of an eating/drinking utensil to be properly cleaned than the rubber surface of a snorkel mouthpiece with its teeth marks that make great little niches for bacteria to thrive. Just sayin'...

[lpowmacback]

I can see that point Teresa . My husband actually was skeeved out and was able to purchase the mouth piece alone for under $3... although I think he forgot it last trip and didn't seem to care.