#1 Snorkel Spot

[parafins]

Number one snorkel spot? The rocky outcrop that separates Little Maho from Big Maho.Both times I have seen Queen and Black Angel Fish there.This place "rocks" Parafins...

[shoemak38]

Xislandgirl thanks for the topic.

[sea-nile]

I think that actually depends on the conditions and time of year. In June it was Trunk (I am probably the only one that said that) and in Nov I think it was Maho.

[AnyTing]

I really liked the snorkel by the rocks at Vie's.

[jenrale]

OK - nobody has mentioned this one, and although we haven't done it yet, we did go by it last time we rented from Crabby's..... there is a beautiful looking reef just off shore from Johnson's Bay. If I remember correctly, you can pull up on a small beach and swim out a few yards to the reef. Even from the surface, the colors looked excellent! Jenrale

[liamsaunt]

Hi Pickle,

At Blue Cobblestone, the snorkeling is on the right side of the beach, beyond and around the point.

I think the currents would vary by day. When we were there, it was not bad. I think I would describe it as an intermediate/advanced ability snorkel. Have you read Gerald Singer's description of the snorkel? Here's a link if you are interested:

http://www.seestjohn.com/snorkeling_blu ... stone.html


If you get cold while swimming, maybe you should look into buying or renting a light wetsuit--even a shortie might make it possible to stay in for quite a bit longer.

[Pickle]

Thank you for the information, liamsaunt. I would say we are intermediate snorkelers and we'll try and see Blue Cobblestone in May/June.

I started wearing a dark-colored rashguard a few years back and that has kept me from getting cold in the water a little bit. Still, I can almost never last over 2 hours. I guess wetsuits will help me more...

[augie]

Between Hansen bay and Long Bay,at the end of the road.Really awesome.Plan to go back end of May.Be nice,you have to go thru private property.

I really liked this spot as well. Feet, Fins, and 4WD just said to take the road to East End until it, well, ends - and don't block the private driveways. We parked next to the dumpster there, and didn't see anything that looked like a trail to the beach, so we just kind of crept along, staying as far away from the house there as possible.

We were the only ones in the water when we got in, and when we got out - it was incredible to have a place like that all to ourselves!

[lark22]

I really thought that Tektite/Beehive Cove was really worth it...pretty exciting and varied snorkeling. Kind of a hike to get there, though...

[Jamestown]

Pickle,
Liamsaunt is correct....a wetsuit will make all the difference in the world. I certified in 42 degree water and my body stayed fairly warm at that temperature. If your hands and feet get cold, use gloves and booties.
Jamestown

[Pickle]

Jamestown,
I use booties and open heel fins so my feet never get cold, which is GOOD. I'll look into those women

[jimg20]

Thanks Liamsaunt for the link to the beach descriptions. That was great. I have the book, but this on-line link is excellent.

Thanks to the rest of you for your sage advice. We are heading down ther for our first full week - ever- and this will be a great asset. I would probably not found all of these places without you. I marked up a map with the areas you recommended. There is something almost everywhere around the island.

Although you've heard it before, it's worth repeating. I am certain that you will make a big difference in the quality of our trip along with many others who lurk and post.

JIM

[GaryLC]

I think both of the Lameshur Bays, and Salt Pond Pay all have incredible snorkeling! We've always seen turtles, rays, tarpon, etc. at Salt Pond. And that part of St. John is just so damn beautiful!!

[augie]

NOT here!

[Ksea]

Too funny Steve!