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Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:56 am
by Chickadee
Definitely ask the people you pass on the trail how the current is. We have found it strongest on the upper right (as you're looking at the cay from the beach) in the past, but it does change.

If you're uncertain, you can tell what the currents are doing by looking at the soft coral. Watch it, is is waving gently? That'd be little current. Is it laying flat over like it's in a big wind? That'd be big current. The direction it's laying over will tell you which way the current is moving. If you choose to make the snorkel around, choose the direction you swim to be with the current for as much of the circuit as you can, and choose your starting place so that you do the hardest swimming in the beginning (so you don't hit the hard stuff when you're already worn out).

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:43 pm
by ScubaGirl
I agree with both Teddy Salad and Steve S on where the current is most strong.

We snorkel,and or dive there every time we are there, and I think it is one of the best places in the Islands for seeing a variety of things.

This past December we saw a reef shark there, as well as the regular nurse shark, and don't forget about the dolphin last May, right Margo?

I don't think I posted anything on the forum, about this, but on our trip in December, I actually saved a guy, who thought he was drowning. He was caught in the current, and didn't have fins on. All I really did was talk to him, calm him down, and pull him, by him hanging onto my fin. I guess all those summers of Lifeguard training in High School finally paid off. He was very grateful, and actually tried to pay me, when I got him ashore. I didn't take it, in case you were wondering.

As for landing a boat on the Cay, don't even think about it. There is a Harbour host there, who will chase after you. The entire Cay is marked as a swimming area, but I've seen many people try to do it, only to get yelled at. :wink:

Sydney

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:04 pm
by jmq
Another reason the fins/no fins question is always a head scratcher for me if you plan on snorkeling for any length of time a decent distance from shore.
There are many shorter light weight fins now to choose that would fit in carry on, or you can rent fins on island.
I even used a water ski belt one time in strong current around Waterlemon and was glad I did because I got a bad foot cramp and was able to just lean back and relax, take the fin off and work it out.