USVI-On-Line

I'm thinking Hawksnest? I've been to Francis-is Maho just around on the left from it? What about there?

Maho is a great spot for first time snorkelers... Keep going down the North Shore Rd, past Cinnamon, Trunk, and you'll hit Maho.

My suggestion to virgin snorkelers, those who have NEVER snorkeled previously, is Trunk Bay. The reason being that Trunk is the only beach with lifeguards on StJ, there is a snorkel trail to educate the snorkeler in what to look for, the bay is wind protected and usually calm and it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the caribbean. It provides a very comfortable environment to snorkel the very first time.

Hawksnest is a great snorkel spot except for two things to watch for, the wind can pick up on Hawksnest under the right conditions. The coral is close in near the beach in shallow water. While being so close in makes access easy you can easily find yourself directly on top of the coral with little water to float in. This can be dangerous for the snorkeler and the coral. A snorkeler at Hawksnest should be either with an experienced snorkeler or have a bit of experience to recognize the possible hazzard.

Yes, Maho is to the left of Francis as you look out from the beach.

Can you walk from Francis to Maho or can you drive right up to Maho?

Maho sits right next to the road probaly the shortest walk to a beach on STJ

I would recommend Francis. Both Maho and Francis are similar in that they are very easy entry, but Francis has a lot to see when you swim off to the right (when facing the water), all of it close to shore. You can swim all the way to the end of the point and still be in shallow water and close proximity to the shoreline.

I'm a fan of Maho with lots of shallow water but good chance to see turtles, rays, tarpon etc. Would agree with comment about Trunk with lifeguards and amenities plus good coral and at least when we were there a big group tarpon.

Hawksnest or Maho but if you feel you need a lifeguard, then Trunk. They are all great!

Can anybody describe where off Maho you go? Thanks!

We like to start off in the center of Maho where the turtles, sea stars and rays like to hang out. Then we head for the rocks on the right side and go around the point. We've never had a lot of luck on the left side.

JIM

Thanks everyone for your advice! I honestly have never snorkeled Maho - not sure why after reading the great report about it! But am definitely going to do it next week!! Happy New Year!

Maho is so calm I've seen people snorkeling on noodles. I've seen tons of fish - up to 4+ ft. tarpon, turtles, barracuda, octopus, conch,and even a tiny baby turtle last year, maybe the size of my palm, who kept hiding in the shallow water in the sand. I really enjoy Maho, to the right and around the point. It's very calm there. Last summer it was probably my 2nd favorite after Waterlemon. The trip before, though I enjoyed Trunk more, so it all depends! There are no lifeguards at Maho, though. Wherever you go, enjoy! I'm addicted and it wears my poor hubby out. Perfect vacation HAS to include snorkeling now!

Don't do Hawksnest, it can get pretty rough out there, I would have to say Honeymoon or Francis.

I don't want to disuade anyone from snorkeling Hawksnest. I just think that it is best to be prepared and do Hawksnest on a calm day. I have had some of my best/laziest snorkels at Hawksnest but I have found it rough and shallow other times. No one wants to damage the coral or come away with their chest, arms or legs cut up from being pushed into the coral by a wave.

I would definately not do hawksnest right now. We were there yesterday and the Christmas winds were generating VERY rough water. Breaking waves up to 5 feet and in many instances there was no water over the coral. Very dangerous in my opinion.