USVI-On-Line

Snorkeled both Haulovers and Vies beach today. Yesterday did Trunk and Soloman. Would like to try a beach with a good chance of seeing some of the more unusual guys squid, octopus, turtles, etc. I remember salt pond from a few trips back and saw squid , its a short walk if I remember. Now waterlemon is a much longer walk but cannot remember if the good snorkeling is only around the cay. I dont think I am going to try that this trip. We did Maho and Francis already any suggestions? Only 2 days left.
Nancy

I think the best place to see turtles is Waterlemon, also big orange starfish.
As far as seeing more unusual guys, I think it's random. Did see a giant ball of bait fish being attacked by tarpon at Salt Pond. And squid at Hawksnest, and francis.

Happy looking.

I enjoy snorkeling from the beach at Leinster and along the shoreline towards Waterlemon Cay - no squid, but lots of interesting little sea creatures, including flounder and even a Lemon Shark one year.

I haven't seen many squid, but I am usually lucky at Hawksnest as well.

Salt...spotted eagle ray...only time I have seen a eel...found him on the rocks on the right side. Lemon is ok....southern rays...had better luck doing the short hike and entering in about 1/2 way out the path. Saves walking all the way around...[/list]

The only place we saw squid this past february was Salt Pond. Waterlemon is wonderful because of the variety of creatures you can see.

There is excellent snorkeling off Leinster Bay, not nearly as far a walk as Waterlemon. Walk out like you are going to Waterlemon and watch for a rocky beach area with three mooring balls. Get in to the far right as you are looking at the water, then drift snorkel to the left as far as the point (shallow, don't kick your fins!), then push out to the deeper water and swim back along the ridge to your entry point. John and I found turtles, nurse shark, huge tang school, squid, porcupinefish, spotted drum, and tarpon here in February. The prior Janaury, we snorkeled with wild dolphins off the sandy Leinster beach! You don't have to go all the way out to the cay for cool sightings.

We had a fantastic snorkel at Waterlemon. Start from the beach and snorkel the right side out to the cay.
Last time was saw probable over 300 huge starfish. Seems like there is no reason or rhyme at to what days the starfish are there. Also saw about 6 stingrays and numerous juvenile turtles. Have fun.

Saw Octopus at Waterlemon, squid, very large sharks, but it was very early in the morning. I have not had luck at Salt Pond and I don't see the attraction to that beach. That's just my opinion.

I love Waterlemon! I don't think I've seen squid there, but there's so much to see. The sea stars were amazing last time we were there. And it's a nice clear snorkel most days. I've never had a really good snorkel at Salt Pond and must agree with sea-nile, that beach is one we only go to when the North Shore beaches are rough. Another thought... we often see squid at Little Lameshur not far off shore. There's also a lot to see at Francis as already noted.