Where to buy snorkel gear before trip?

melmd · Post by **melmd** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:07 am

I have looked at a couple of places on-line and found what seems to be pretty good deals on combos: mask, snorkel, and fins. However, I am a little old school and I am nervous to buy on-line. I'd also like to be able to try the mask on.

I only make it to STJ every couple of years so I don't need an expensixe set, just something that works and doesn't leak.

Any ideas for on-line shopping or for retail stores.

Thanks!

Here's my getto ticker, since I can't seem to figure out how to make one

49 Days to Paradise

Ksea · Post by **Ksea** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:19 am

We are beginners in snorkeling so I purchased three sets from Amazon.com and they worked well for my SO. The other two of us chickened out! The brand we got was US Diver. Bill loves the set and also got a gear bag from Amazon to tote everything around in. His whole set was about $60.00 (snorkel, mask, fins & bag).

cubsfanone · Post by **cubsfanone** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:39 am

I'm far from an expert on snorkel gear, but my wife and I purchased snorkel gear from Amazon and it worked great for us. We bought the U.S. Divers Cozumel snorkel set, found here: http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Divers-Cozume ... 103&sr=1-1

We were glad that we purchased snorkel gear instead of renting because we used it pretty much every day. We initially were concerned about fitting the fins in our luggage, but didn't have a problem with it afterall. From what I understand the fit of a mask will vary from person to person based on the shape of his/her face, but these worked well for both of us. No leaking or fogging and it was realatively comfortable. For $30 and free shipping I'd say give it a shot and if it doesn't fit I believe that Amazon takes returns.

Hope this helps,
Brian

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:40 am

You can go cheap. When you get the gear check and make sure that you can get a good seal with the mask. Just hold it to your face, no strap, and inhale through your nose. If it fits you are good. My kids have the cheap US Diver sets.

Worst case, replace crappy gear on island. The dive shops are no more expensive on STJ than on the continent.

Our gang snorkels every year, so we have scuba quality gear. I actually dive every couple of years!

Cheers, RickG

nothintolose · Post by **nothintolose** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:41 am

We have the Body Glove set that comes with snorkel, fins and mask and a back pack.

My mask fits really well. SO's didn't and this year he went to a local dive shop and bought a mask. Funny thing is that he spent more at the dive shop here than he would have if he had bought them on STJ.

I think it was Cruz Bay Watersports, the one under Chilly Billy's that had them for a lot less than he paid for his.

Anyway, we got our Body Glove sets years ago at Sports Authority and I also got an extra set of the same at Sam's one year (for back up I guess).

We also got our Body Glove rash guard at Sports Authority this past summer.

nothintolose

sapphirecat · Post by **sapphirecat** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:51 am

The cheapest, but apparently good, mask and snorkel sets I've seen have been at the chandler's over at Redhook. They were probably half the dive shop costs (the dive shop at Redhook).

I wouldn't be surprised if Kmart has these kinds of sets now.

Of course the chandler is nice and close to the ferry.

Cat

Nic in KC · Post by **Nic in KC** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:53 am

I purchased mine from Dick's sporting goods, however, my mask broke during this second trip using it. I ended up going to the shop under Chilly Billy's too and bought a mask there. Very nice staff and affordable prices. Highly recommend buying from them. One of our waiters on island sent us there for the best prices and from my comparison shopping, he was right!

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:09 am

Nic in KC wrote:Chilly Billy's too and bought a mask

Cruz Bay Water Sports

Cheers, RickG

melmd · Post by **melmd** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:19 am

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will look at Amazon.com, check out a local dive store and if nothing else, buy when I get on island.

Does Cruz Bay Water Sports have the snorkel sets (mask, fins, etc.)?

Thanks Again
mel

Lex · Post by **Lex** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:54 am

I'd sugest buying your mask at a dive shop. It's probably worth your while to go to an actual dive shop rather than to a general sporting goods store. A really good-fitting mask makes all the difference in the world. It may not be the cheapest way to go, but it's worth every penny. Every head and face is different and each mask fits differently. Talk about masks with the people in the dive shop, let them help to fit you and try on every mask that they stock. One will usually stand out as a far better fit than any of the others.

The mask is crucial, but most any snorkel and set of fins will probably do. We spent a little money on our snorkels, but don't even have our own fins. We just rent fins wherever we're going so that we don't have to deal with them in our luggage.

captainjay · Post by **captainjay** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:24 pm

I'm with Lex. A cheap mask isn't cheap at all if it ruins a snorkle trip. You just spent thousands of dollars and lots of valuable time to get to paradise fity to a hundred bucks for a good mask is just a drop in the bucket. A leaky fogged up mask will make you miserable in the water. Find a local dive shop or go to Cruz Bay watersports when you get there and get properly fitted for a mask. Clean the lens a couple times with a gritty toothpaste then apply a good defog from the dive shop when you snorkle. If you are concerned about their selection or inventory then I would give them a call.
http://www.divestjohn.com/

Jay

MrB · Post by **MrB** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:31 pm

Another vote for your local dive shop. Not only can you try the stuff on, but maybe get a good pointer or 2 if you have beginner snorkelers with you. It may seem easy and just like floating in a pool, but for the beginner that is not comfortable in the water, it can be a bit intimidating, and even snorkeling, the last thing you want to do is panic, and that can happen if your mask, tube, watever is not tip top. Another good idea would be to look at some floats....vest or whatever.

GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!
ONE MORE DAY!!!!!

nothintolose · Post by **nothintolose** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:33 pm

SO paid about $100 bucks for his mask in New Orleans and saw the same mask at Cruz Bay Watersports (under Chilly Billy's) for $50.

Chickadee · Post by **Chickadee** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:57 am

Whatever you decide to do, give due consideration to getting a "dry snorkel". There are several different styles available, but basically they all have some sort of valve at the top of the tube that keep water from sloshing down the tube (like if a wave breaks over your head or if you turn your head just so and submerge the top of your snorkel).

Even if you only snorkel once in a while, I think this piece of equipment makes a world of difference.

onthelake · Post by **onthelake** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:13 am

I agree with everyone. Get a mask fitted to you. I went to dive shop and got a great mask and snorkel.
Not too expensive ... and worth every penny.

Have a great trip !

usvi-on-line

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Where to buy snorkel gear before trip?

Where to buy snorkel gear before trip?