USVI-On-Line

We loved Denis bay,,,great for snorkeling...here's a couple pics from 2008...

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/13693565

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/11627260

I checked out Dennis last trip. Pretty easy hike I thought but it is narrow, so might be tough to bring alot of stuff. Since people have confirmed good snorkeling I will back. It's very exposed out on that point, looks as Djmom had a calm day, it was surfs up when I checked it out. I would say if snorkeling is a priority check Hawknest out, if it's calm there Dennis should be a go for snorkeling. It is a very pretty beach and you should get it mostly to yourselves.

I have never been...but more than one'local' has mentioned that Denis is their fav beach with a bit of reverance.

We really liked Denis after visiting our firt time this November. The surf was calm but the island had just received "torential" rains. The elkhorn coral was wonderful but the fans were a bit silted over and the sea life was thin as it was at all the beaches we visited this trip. ( I think the rains played a part).
The trail was easy enough. It was dry when we walked it. I was able to bring two beach chairs a small cooler and beach bag with us, so the trail is not bad. It is narrower than the Salomon trail. The switchbacks made the grade easier and we didn't have the problems mentioned about having to climb large rocks. I agree that the exit from the Perkins Cay snorkel was shallow over a rocky bottom. We liked Denis because it was not crowded at all when we were there.
Here is a link to our last trip photos. There is a group of shots of Denis.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44939534@N05/sets/

Thanks for your help. Denis looks great, but I must admit, the snorkeling is our #1 consideration. I'd rather head to Salomon or Hawksnest if the snorkeling is the same or not as good

I would list Denis above Hawksnest and certainly above Saloman for the snorkeling. Perkins Cay was an easy snorkel. The entry and exit are the challenge and it only a bit of thought to find the right entry point (between the exposed rocks on the left) and checking out the exit (find the deeper water to the right) before entering the water. We loved the beach and spent the whole day there. Had the whole beach to ourselves most of the day. The trail is a bit narrow but not a problem. It was relatively dry though (torential rains the day prior).
If you haven't been there I would recommend it. We will definately return there on our next trip.

My favorite thing to do is put in at Jumbie and take a long, slow snorkel over to Denis, get out and lounge at Denis, then head back to Jumbie. LOTS of great stuff to see.

Thanks, Toes in the Sand. I think you just made my mind up for me!