USVI-On-Line

I noticed that many of you have been to the BVIs, in addition to STJ, so I have a question for you. After reading some of the reports about Anegada (including Anthony's) and Cooper Island, we are thinking about spending some time on one of them before we come to STJ next time. We are avid snorkelers and are always in search of the fantastic coral and sealife that we saw in Bonaire, Honduras and Grand Cayman in the 80s and early 90s. I realize that the conditions today (bleaching, warming, pollution, hurricane damage) have severely impacted Caribbean reefs. Can any of you who have been to both STJ and one of these other islands compare the snorkeling for me? I am curious if the snorkeling is better, worse or about the same as STJ.
This forum is always so helpful and I appreciate everyone taking the time to post. Part of the fun of traveling for me is the research and planning.
Thanks!

We've been to STJ & Virgin Gorda and there are some really excellent places off Gorda, but they aren't marked or in any book that we've come across. We coughed up a few dollars to treat ourselves for a few days to stay at Little Dix Bay and they have a complimentary drift snorkel 3x per week. We did it twice and I think we did Long Bay (best reached by boat, or driving out to it and climbing a bunch of stairs to get down to it) and the cove right after Little Dix heading toward the North Shore. I heard the snorkeling off Prickly Pear is excellent too.

The corals were amazing and tons of fish. I saw a huge channel clinging crab. I'm sure if you went to Gorda and did a snorkel trip they'd know of all the amazing places to go. I think Bitter End Yacht Club did complimentary snorkel tours for guests too.

I've only been to STJ, Gorda and the Bahamas, so I don't know how Gorda would compare to other places you listed. From what we saw, Gorda's reefs were much more untouched and pristine than STJ.

Anegada has good snorkeling at Loblolly Bay. There is a big reef that protects the bay. If things are calm you can swim over the reef into deeper water. There are also a LOT of wrecks around Anegada, some in shallow water. If you pick up a guide they can show you the best sites.

Where are you staying on Anegada? If you are Neptune's Treasure Randy will set you up.

Cheers, RickG

We snorkeled Loblolly Bay on Anegada a few years ago and found it to be quite impressive. Loblolly is a large bay - similar in size to Trunk or Francis - maybe even larger. The coral lies throughout the bay, not just at either end, so you can see quite a bit at just about any entry point. Many of the coral formations are very large, especially the brain coral; some approaching the size of a small room. The current (which can be quite strong!) runs from east to west (right to left), so we walked to the point at the far right side of the beach and snorkeled with the current across the bay. I can't stress the existance of this current enough! Friends of ours lost a member of their sailing party (and close friend) last spring while snorkeling Loblolly. He was a very experienced snorkeler who had separated from the group and had a heart attack. Whether the current was the cause, no one knows for sure. The bottom line is to NEVER snorkel alone!!! And be especially careful in an area where the current can be strong.