Best Snorkling on SJ

Travel discussion for St. John
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MIke
Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:38 am
Location: Jackson MS

Best Snorkling on SJ

Post by MIke »

Not being a typist,I have never posted a trip report.But I really enjoy reading others.It always makes me feel like I'm there with you because I can visualize everything you write.
We went down to SJ two weeks ago and let my oldest daughter take her best friend from Virginia for a graduation present.It ended up being my present.
Her friend has an aunt who has lived on SJ for 35 years and manages some old beach houses for the neighborhood assoc. past the end of the road on the east end.
She invited us out one day to snorkel off the beach and it was by far the most outstanding snorkeling I have ever experienced on the island.The reefs and change of elevation underwater was spectacular and the marine life was unmatched.
I felt compelled to report this to everyone because all you SJ nuts like me will really appreciate the beauty of this spot.If you ever get a chance,put Long Bay on your must do list.You won't regret it.
California Girl

Post by California Girl »

Sounds great Mike! Thanks for posting! I know, from your description, that Long Bay is at East End, but where do you enter it?
UF Prof
Posts: 111
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2007 12:22 pm
Location: Gainesville, FL

Post by UF Prof »

Good to know! Thanks for the information, have never snorkeled that area but will give it a try in Nov.
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Gromit
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Joined: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:11 pm
Location: Northern Virginia

Post by Gromit »

I will put that spot on my "To Snorkel" list!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
jmq
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Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:32 am
Location: NJ

Post by jmq »

Re snorkeling Long Bay
I assume you are talking about the bay off that rocky beach near the turn around below Sloop Jones where Pelican Rock is off to your right as you look at the water? Or is Long Bay around the point to the left of this rocky beach, if so, is there more direct land access for that bay?
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
MIke
Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 6:38 am
Location: Jackson MS

Post by MIke »

jmq

Exactly right,Pelican rock is right off the beach.The snorkeling around Pelican Rock is full of little canyons and outside it the depth drops to about 25-30 feet.
We went past the little cut thru but I sure you could park in the circle area and walk to the beach.I'm sure that is private property but it really looks deserted.If they mind you cutting across their land you KNOW they will tell you.
We never got around the left of the beach toward the point but Angie said it was great too.Can't wait to get back and see that stretch.
The really neat thing was sitting there listening to Angie talk about SJ 20-30 years ago and stories about it and the locals.
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Steve S
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Location: Southern Adirondacks

Post by Steve S »

Is it possible to get a Lat/Long?
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sloopjones
Posts: 77
Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:48 am
Location: East End

beach access

Post by sloopjones »

park at the end of the road. Walk to the beach along the fence. The family taht lives in the house/trailer
has kindly maintained that path as a public access.
For an aerial photo of Long Bay go to www.eastendstjohn.com

The east end is the lower piece of land in the photo. The snorkeling area on this post is on the bayside.
Sloop
do you believe what you see or see what you believe
California Girl

Post by California Girl »

Mike, thanks for starting this thread, it's really great information. I'm printing this one out!

Sloop, thanks for adding your very valuable "local" tips. It's nice to know you can use that path without being concerned you are "that ugly tourist trespassing on someone's yard."

In my opinion, this kind of exchange of information, the nitty gritty stuff you don't get in a Frommer's book, or whatever, is what this forum's all about. It's what makes a trip to STJ truly magic!
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RickG
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Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:06 pm
Location: Coral Bay, St. John

Post by RickG »

Good stuff, it's great to have another spot to check out.

Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
jmq
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Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:32 am
Location: NJ

Post by jmq »

Here is a photo of Long Bay and Pelican Rock taken from Cameron Cove villa which is like 2 lots over from Sloop Jones.

Image
I suppose that boat in the photo may technically be in Hansen Bay being it is on the other side of Pelican Rock.


Underwater near Pelican Rock.
Image
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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