USVI-On-Line

One thing about Waterlemon Cay, if the current is flowing out towards northeast between the cay and the shore, you will have no choice but swim against it to get to the shore, where you can safely get out of the water. Unlike some other beaches, there are limited entrances to/exits from the water at the rocky point (the closest shore to the cay) due to the reef around it, and safe entrances/exits are on the west side of the point.

I remember reading a report on another USVI forum a few years ago. A woman got caught in the same current that we did between the cay and the shore. She swam and swam but came to the point that she could no longer swim. She did get to the shore but ended up on the east side of the point where there is no safe exit. Since she couldn't swim any more, she had no choice but to go over the corals to get out of the water (I imagine she couldn't have cared less about the well being of the corals at that moment), got out on the rock bleeding (cuts from the corals), and from there, she scrambled along the rocky shore to finally get back to where she came from. She sounded traumatized.

I'm not trying to scare anyone here. Just wanted to remind you of the possibilities of danger out there. You may not experience it - perhaps, ever. But you never know.

The current at Waterlemon can be tough--I think it is worst around the full moon? We had a time there where the same thing happened to us that happened to Pickle. The current was so strong that we were being pushed out to sea no matter how hard we swam. It was awful and the only time I have felt uncomfortable while snorkeling. We were able to fight our way back but it took a very long time and was a real chore.

If you are not experienced I do not recommend snorkeling at Yawzi Point. There's only one safe entry/exit point, and the area has lots of surges. For something a little less challenging but still exciting, perhaps consider Blue Cobblestone instead.

jimg20 wrote: I don't know anyone foolish enough to get into sea urchins while snorkling.
JIM

Me either. That would be hard to imagine

In addition everything previous posters have said regarding current and going out too far, snokeling can be enjoyable even if you're not a strong swimmer. You can wear a vest or float on a noodle. Remember, there are a lot of interesting things to see in the shallow water close to the shore. Just watch out for those pesky urchins

ccasebolt wrote:

jimg20 wrote: I don't know anyone foolish enough to get into sea urchins while snorkling.
JIM

Me either. That would be hard to imagine

In addition everything previous posters have said regarding current and going out too far, snokeling can be enjoyable even if you're not a strong swimmer. You can wear a vest or float on a noodle. Remember, there are a lot of interesting things to see in the shallow water close to the shore. Just watch out for those pesky urchins

JIM