USVI-On-Line

Okay, now that I'm completely upset about my plans for going in January - (do to the fact that everyone is talking about how rough the water is, how the snorkeling is not great & how COLD the water is), I better get myself a wetsuit. SO, what kind is best? Seems to me a pair of neoprene shorts & a separate top - but most are one piece - is that a pain to get in and out of?

Thanks folks.

For what it is worth, the water temp in the winter never bothered me or my husband. While it isn't bath water warm like in July, it isn't cold like the NJ shore in early summer.

Our friend won't get in her own pool unless it is 86 degrees or higher. She is the one that generally does not get in the water.

My mom wears some sort of high tech long underwear to snorkel. It looks odd but it keeps her warm.

You can just get a 2mm "shorty" wet suit. This gives you short sleves and short pants. The water temperature variation is about 5 degrees cooler in January than in August or September, so not really that much. I like the one piece and have not had a problem getting in or out of it. I never had a problem diving in the winter vs the summer. You will love it there in January. Yes, the water will be a little more choppy for snorkeling, but it sounds like you will be doing some diving too.

haha- John... not sure what gave you the impression I'd be diving...I'm no diver for sure... just a snorkeler who is a wuss when it comes to cold water. (I live on the Jersey shore and NEVER go in higher than my ankles here)!!

Thanks... I'll start looking into the 2mm suit

Hi Lisa---I've personally never thought I needed a wetsuit when I traveled to STJ in late January/early February. In fact, the thought never even occurred to me. Just another opinion. I would say that I'm not a diver and I do not usually snorkel for more than 30-45 minutes at a time.

No need to be upset. We specifically go to STJ in Jan/Feb to escape the cold weather in PA. I find STJ simply gorgeous at that time of year. I cannot compare January to any other time of year as we've only gone during the winter, however, I would certainly not categorize the water as cold. To me, the ocean at the Jersey Shore in June at 58-60 degrees is COLD.

We've always enjoyed warm weather and comfortable water temps. I think it's all what you're used to. Even though I'm the type of person who likes our backyard pool water to be 86 degrees, I still find the water on STJ to be comfortable for snorkeling. I may not be able to jump right in as it feels a bit cool at first, but I have no problem gradually wading in and staying in to snorkel for several hours at a time. I only remember one trip where the water was a bit churned up on the north shore and there were big waves at Cinnamon, but it didn't last longer than a day or two. We've typically had clear, calm water.
You'll be fine!

I think you are a little more worried than you need to be. Get the wetsuit if you want-if you do get really cold.

It wouldn't be "high season" if it was a miserable situation! It will probably be perfect.

But there are ways to work around the water. If you happen to be there during the northern swells-just go to a beach that isn't on the North shore for snorkeling or "flat" water. You will be fine and never know there are waves on the north shore.

Those beaches: Vies, Salt Pond, Lameshure can someone name some others-I am having a brain fart....but even Francis seemed to be better than other North shore beaches during the times we hit the Northern swells.

And someone can correct me if I am wrong...but chances are you will not even hit them. It is just when they happen it is memorable and worth posting about.

Yes I prefer the summer too, but I would say I am an exception. I like being HOT. You will find hiking, sunbathing, hanging out much more pleasant in the winter.

Since you are not diving, you do not have to worry about thermoclines. That is where the deeper you go, you will hit colder water.

The water temp in January should be about 78 to 79 degrees at the surface. Most can stay at that temp for quite some time with no problem. If you are still concerned and just want to be in the water for long periods of time, then that 2mm shorty would work.

Thanks everyone!! you've put my mind to ease!

I will go get myself a short 2mm wetsuit - just in case

nothing worse than being a bit chilly while snorkeling or diving. i hate it.

no matter where i dive whether its the cold oceans of california, lakes in nevada, or the tropics, i wear at least a 2mm full wetsuit. if anything, it protects the skin from being cut. it has helped in other locations when we unexpectedly hit a school of jelly fish. plus no getting chilly on a long dive.

I think the temp of the water in January is just fine.

Speaking of Jelly fish though, I "ran" into a school of small jelly fish one time and didn't seem to get stung. The other people we were snorkeling with said the small ones will not sting you, it's the larger ones you have to worry about. Anyone else know this to be true?

Only the larger ones sting? Not true. There is actually a real real small species in Australia that can actually kill you with the poison. NO need to worry, that kind is no where near St. John, but that said, there are over 1,500 different species of jelly fish. I have never been stung, but I have only heard stories of mild irritation from anyone who has in the VI's.

Ok I must admit after moving here I have to have a thin 3 ml wet suit to dive in the the winter. I used to come down in Feb every year and do sixty feet with no wet suit. Now I do us a skin in the winter to snorkle. I would think worst case you will need a skin or a rash guard. I wouldn't buy one ahead of time. If you get here and realy decide you want one you can rent or buy from one of the local dive shops, the prices aren't any worse than the states.
Jay

We always visit StJ between November and January. I have never had a problem with water temps. My wife did get chills our last trip down in December (that threw cold water on my plans to snorkel Little Lamshur ) I think it was the overcast afternoon and slight breeze that did it. I have a 2mm shorty and I love it but I don't use the luggage space to bring it to StJ. The wet suit will be comfortable in the water but uncomfortable once you are out unless it is cloudy and windy. Expect to have to change into and out of the suit as often as you get in and out of the water. I have invested in a heavy rashguard for my honey. I use UnderArmor type shirts for warmth and sun protection. On cloudy or windy days I have to cover up with a towel when I am on the beach until the shirt dries.

As far as rough water, We found some days it is just best to visit Lamshurs & Salt Pond. Most days North shore is fine especially bays with leeward protection like Francis, Maho, Cinnamon and even Trunk. We had to skip our usual Waterlemon snorkel because of wind.