Best place to snorkel for people who are not good swimmers?

[susan & herb]

Well, my husband and I, actually I mean me, are not good swimmers. I have mentioned this before on the board. Last year I used a belt which was fantastic, now to get him to try it too would be fun.
I noticed that the best places to snorkel according to the poll on the board are pretty far out, like Watermelon. Can anyone suggest some that will give us some great sightseeing in the H20 as well be easier to get to and closer inland. Did Trunk, Cinnamon and Hawks Nest last year but was wondering if there were others that you could recommend.

[Anthony]

Francis is a bit of a drive, but you can usually park very close (same with Maho) and they are both usually very calm, with a lot to see in shallow water.

[susan & herb]

Thanks Anthony,
Think we did them also last year.

[Jumbiegirl]

I have to agree about Frances. There's a lot to see in only 3 feet of water. You might even have a turtle encounter if you're willing to get in 10 feet of water.

[Teresa_Rae]

Did you snorkel around the cay at Cinnamon? If so, I think you can handle Waterlemon. They're about the same, except you have to be careful when you're getting in the water at Waterlemon because there is coral and other sea life right along the rocky shore.

There is also a sandbar at Watermelon that you can rest on mid-snorkel.

[mia]

What is the snorkeling like at Vie's little beach?

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

I'm a bit of wimp when it comes to swimming, too. We have enjoyed (as others have suggested) Francis and Maho. Love the turtles at Francis! You can also snorkel easily at Salt Pond Bay. It gets deep but you can go out as far as you want and we didn't experience any current to make getting back to shore difficult. There were interesting things to see on the right side of Salt Pond (as you face the water). I always use a swim belt; it helps me if I start to panic.

Marcia

[Tracy in WI]

I agree with Marcia (mrs. Pete) The snorkeling at Salt Pond was very good and very calm. We started along the right hand shore and could go along that side and see quite a bit in water that wasn't too deep. The coral reef in the middle is a bit further out and quite deep, but worth the swim if you become more adventurous. You can also try the left hand side and swim along that shoreline - cut across through the shallow area in the middle and you might see a turtle or a stingray.

Have fun!

[RickG]

What is the snorkeling like at Vie's little beach?

I was going to chime in and mention Vie's beach. One of our friends is very badly water phobic. On the left side of Vie's beach at the point there is a small patch of coral that you can look at in waist deep water. Over the years our water phobic friend has gotten better, but he credits this little patch as getting him interested in snorkeling.

For the more advanced snorkeler, Pelican Rock is swimmable and has serious soft corals and some nice hard coral.

Check out http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-64 ... at=18.3444 (Thanks to the person who introduced us to Topozone!)

Cheers, RickG

[Teresa_Rae]

RickG, do you swim to Pelican Rock from Vie's beach?

Would you say that it's a farther swim than Waterlemon from the shore?

Thanks

[Pia]

We were at Pelican Roack a few days ago and saw some huge jellyfish Have not seen any before at this time of year so we moved on and took the boat to Flannagan and the next day to the Indians, Jost etc and saw none. We did not see any at any "normal" beach either....so who know's what was up with that !!!

Pia

[RickG]

Swimming to Pelican Rock from Vie's is about the same length of swim, but it's much more protected. Also, there is a cobble stone beach around the point from Vie's beach if you need a rest.

Pia, was that a moon jelly? I've never had one sting me I think they're pretty cool.



Cheers, Rick

[Pia]

Yup that was it/them. I was just researching them and apparently they do not sting (and if they do it is very very mild) but you know what, when you see one the size of a very large dinner plate heading right at you, you tend to leave really quick, but you are right they are really beautiful to look at - from the safety of the boat

Pia

[Teresa_Rae]

This summer will be my husband and my 5th annual trip to STJ, but we've never been to Vie's beach. Where exactly is it on the East End? She charges admission, correct? And she's only open some days?

Thanks

[RickG]

This summer will be my husband and my 5th annual trip to STJ, but we've never been to Vie's beach. Where exactly is it on the East End? She charges admission, correct? And she's only open some days?

Thanks

Vie's is down the East End Road. You'll see her snack shack on the left in the valley before the last hill. While her snack shack is closed on Tuesday (last I check) there is a cash box at the gate to the beach you can use when she is not there. I beleive that it is $2.50 per person.

We like Vie's beach a good bit. It's hot, so bring some water. There is some shade up and down the beach. There's also a cistern with a hose hooked to it. I routinely use that to rinse off before heading out to dinner.

Cheers, Rick