USVI-On-Line

I'd like to try snorkeling for the first time. Where can I rent equipment? Is it sanitized?
Where do you recommend trying this for the first time...Trunk Bay?

Also--In going to The Baths/Virgin Gorda, you recommend NH II or Stormy Petrel. How can I reach NH II to learn more. Anyone know a "Captain Bob" who operates out of Coral Bay?

Thank you!!!!!

We rented equipment at Cruz Bay WaterSports and were very happy - their equipment is clean (they're all supposed to sanitize), well maintained maintained & seems to be of good quality. I have a little narrow face and have always had trouble finding masks to fit - but they found one that was perfect!

http://www.divestjohn.com/snorkel.html

As for going to The Baths - we've gone two times - both with the ferry - and loved that mode.

i can't help with the Baths trips since we have done either of those yet, but there are a couple of places in Cruz Bay where you can rent snorkeling gear and I'm pretty sure that you can rent gear at Trunk Bay but someone will correct me on that if I'm wrong. Here's a place in Cruz Bay...

http://www.divestjohn.com/snorkel.html

Also, Cabby's in Coral Bay rents snorkeling gear.

http://crabbyswatersports.com/

Here is the New Horizons II contact info:

http://www.newhorizonscharters.com/

Here's a question and my personal opinion (for what it's worth)...

Question:If you were in a restaurant, sat down and saw a used straw on the table would you use it? Even if someone had cleaned it off?

Opinion: Here's the deal, most people who try snorkeling LOVE it and if you have Costco nearby, they usually sell a VERY decent Scubapro set starting right around this time of year and it's cheap!

Personally, I would never rent a snorkle. After you've snorkled you'll know why. Lots of slobbering, some occasional snot (sorry guys I know its early!) and for $29 bucks you can get a good mask and snorkel and not have to worry about renting, returning etc.

I just did a Costco search and they are showing the kids set on line now, which means the adult sets are probably in stores.

That being said you can also check around on line, the Scubapro starter sets are good quality, well priced and don't come with "cooties"

BTW the dive shop mentioned above is excellent if you do decide to rent. And if you've got long or thick hair, do stop into the shop to pick up a slap strap to cover the band on the mask. It keeps your hair from getting all tangled!

We did the NHII trip last February when we were there. We loved this trip. You start on St. John, then to Virgin gorda to take in the Baths, then to Marina Cay for lunch - then snorkling - then White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. It is a wonderful trip. The only downside is that you do not stay very long at one destination. So if you really wanted alot of time at the Baths, this would not be the trip to take. If you want a nice overview of several of the islands of th BVI then this is perfect.

For the record - the snorkeling equipment - could - and should be properly sanitized - no different than drinking or eating out at a restaurant where other slobbering -and possibly worse - may occur

Also, I have purchased several masks - (not cheap ones - but not professional quality either) and have not had good success with them - they started out alright, only to start leaking after one or two uses -NOT FUN WHILE ON A SNORKELING-PARADISE VACATION! So for me, renting was great - the people at Cruz Bay Water Sports were helpful in finding a mask for my narrow little head - and if I had a problem after using it for a day -I would have been able to exchange it easily.

Hubby has had mask issues as well. SO I totally understand. I on the other had have never had a problem with off the shelf masks.

Just curious. What does it cost to rent for the day, week?

The original poster might want to factor this cost in as well.

We went on a chartered trip to the Baths first time. Then we rented a boat from Ocean Runners and went on our own. Since then, we've gone over on the ferry because we get to spend more time and it's a lot cheaper. Just our personal preference.

You're probably referring to Cpt. Bob of Spree (http://www.angelfire.com/ut2/sailing/index.html). My husband and I went out with him on one trip to the BVI. It was just us. His boat is nice enough, although nothing fancy, and he's a pretty neat guy. Good prices.

The rental fee quoted online at Cruz Bay Watersports is as follows: snorkel, mask & fins is $10 per day or $50 for a week (5-7 days). Mask & snorkel - no fins, is $7 per day/$35 for a week...

http://www.divestjohn.com/snorkel.html