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Newbie snorkle trip
Newbie snorkle trip
My wife and I are set to arrive in a couple of weeks. Neither of us have ever snorkled. Where are the best places to snorkle for newbs?
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California Girl
If you were traveling with us we'd probably take you to Maho or Francis. We'd suggest you start off just getting comfortable with the gear. Just head out in the middle maybe waist deep. Don't even take the fins, just the mask and snorkel. Float around a bit getting a feel for the mechanics of snorkeling. Adjust the masks to get a good seal. Don't rush, get comfortable, you'll have days to do this.
Next, the fins. Experiment with putting them on in the water. When you're ready, start working your way out along the right side of the beach (this applies if it's Maho or Francis). You'll start seeing fish and coral and it'll be clear to you why people like to snorkel. Stay off the coral. It's made up of fragile living organisms and stepping or standing on it destroys it. You might practice floating on your back to rest.
If you're not feeling safe or comfortable, you may want to rent a flotation belt or vest to use while you're building your confidence.
Next, the fins. Experiment with putting them on in the water. When you're ready, start working your way out along the right side of the beach (this applies if it's Maho or Francis). You'll start seeing fish and coral and it'll be clear to you why people like to snorkel. Stay off the coral. It's made up of fragile living organisms and stepping or standing on it destroys it. You might practice floating on your back to rest.
If you're not feeling safe or comfortable, you may want to rent a flotation belt or vest to use while you're building your confidence.
I'm not as familiar with the various beaches as the rest (yet 
) but I was a newbie to snorkeling on STJ not too long ago, and here's what I learned...
I agree about Maho. We got there pretty early in the morning, and there wasn't another sole in sight. This made us feel a little more comfortable, since we weren't sure what we were doing. The water was nice and clear and we just stayed in the shallow sandy area while we adjusted everything.
This may sound like a given, but when you do go ahead with the fins, put them on in the water. They really are kind of awkward at first, I found it easiest to sit down in the water, put them on, then continue in backwards (on my back) until I was in deeper water.
After a couple of times of "gearing up" it will seem like old hat to you!
Have fun!
) but I was a newbie to snorkeling on STJ not too long ago, and here's what I learned...I agree about Maho. We got there pretty early in the morning, and there wasn't another sole in sight. This made us feel a little more comfortable, since we weren't sure what we were doing. The water was nice and clear and we just stayed in the shallow sandy area while we adjusted everything.
This may sound like a given, but when you do go ahead with the fins, put them on in the water. They really are kind of awkward at first, I found it easiest to sit down in the water, put them on, then continue in backwards (on my back) until I was in deeper water.
After a couple of times of "gearing up" it will seem like old hat to you!
Have fun!
We just took newbies and first time snorklers in May and our first beach was Frances because it's shallow and calm (Maho is also shallow and calm). They took to it immediately. Either Frances or Maho would be perfect to start out. It's good advise to start with tube and mask and then add the fins once you are sure that your mask fits right and you are comfortable breathing through the tube. Once you add the fins you are ready to take off and discover the underwater world.
I agree with everything written so far. I would add Hawksnest to the mix. We found it to be very calm, and most of the area is shallow enough to stand. The coral and marine life have always been good. There are sandy and grassy areas in which one can start. The parking lot is close and there are restroom facilities.
The mask fit is key to having a successful swim. Check with a dive shop in your area to learn how to fit a mask to your face. You can either buy a mask there or wait to get one on the island. The prices and selection on STJ are pretty good. I got a very good Mares mask for about $60. You can work out the fit and experience the use of the mask in a pool at home or in the shallow water of a beautiful STJ beach.
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy this. It is not rocket science.
Have a great trip.
JIM
The mask fit is key to having a successful swim. Check with a dive shop in your area to learn how to fit a mask to your face. You can either buy a mask there or wait to get one on the island. The prices and selection on STJ are pretty good. I got a very good Mares mask for about $60. You can work out the fit and experience the use of the mask in a pool at home or in the shallow water of a beautiful STJ beach.
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy this. It is not rocket science.
Have a great trip.
JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
Maho or Francis because they are normally so calm. Agree with Hawksnest if it's nice and calm. One of the best and easiest snorkels if it's calm. There are 3 reefs in the center of Hawksnest Beach as soon as you get there grab a primo spot under a Seagrape tree. Go early no later than ten, nine thirty is better and you will get a good spot it tends to get busier as the day goes on. You can see the reefs if its calm the center is the best. Go along the side and all the way to the end of the reef you won't be dissapointed huge healthy elkhorn forest withn lots of fish all right off the beach as soon as you get in. You can go as shallow as you feel comfortable with as you get better at snorkeling. At low tide the coral will actually be showing above water in places. Heres a preview look for the school of Tangs they are always there 
Oh yea get some of the anti fog stuff for your mask makes a huge difference on fogging mask problem.
Oh yea get some of the anti fog stuff for your mask makes a huge difference on fogging mask problem.Wow, we love this forum!! Everyone is so helpful and the responses are very prompt. Looks like we will go to Maho first to figure things out. It sounds like it's best to bring your own mask or what about renting equipment on STJ? I understand that you want it to fit correctly so there isn't any leaking around the mask, but how is the rental equipment on the island.
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Wow, we love this forum!! Everyone is so helpful and the responses are very prompt. Looks like we will go to Maho first to figure things out. It sounds like it's best to bring your own mask or what about renting equipment on STJ? I understand that you want it to fit correctly so there isn't any leaking around the mask, but how is the rental equipment on the island.
I bought my mask and snorkel at a local dive shop back home (felt kind of weirded out by using a rental snorkel, so this suited me best). I stayed on the Coral Bay side, and the first full morning, I stopped by Crabby's and rented my fins ($20/week). They fit well, and worked great. He helped me adjust my mask, and gave me some tips to keep it from leaking.
I bought my mask and snorkel at a local dive shop back home (felt kind of weirded out by using a rental snorkel, so this suited me best). I stayed on the Coral Bay side, and the first full morning, I stopped by Crabby's and rented my fins ($20/week). They fit well, and worked great. He helped me adjust my mask, and gave me some tips to keep it from leaking.
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nothintolose
- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:36 pm
- Location: New Orleans, LA
I find the far right of Hawksnest is the easiest snorkel for newbies as the water is shallow the whole way around the point and it's a short snorkel.
I would say Maho as a second. The only thing with Francis is that if it's windy, there can be a stronger current coming back in. No big deal really, just have to put forth a bit more effort than the ease of Maho or Hawksnest.
nothintolose
I would say Maho as a second. The only thing with Francis is that if it's windy, there can be a stronger current coming back in. No big deal really, just have to put forth a bit more effort than the ease of Maho or Hawksnest.
nothintolose