USVI-On-Line

Do people wear life vests, or is that for wussies?

I'm actually a certified diver (not that many dives - only about 40), however I don't feel like my swimming is that great. Hubby says I don't give myself enough credit. I don't know. I just wondered how deep and far out the snorkeling would generally be.

The snorkel spots/beaches I'm most interested in are:

salt pond
watermelon (I think that's quite a swim out or a hike to get there?)
trunk bay
honeymoon

Thank you (finally started packing).

Some do some don't. I don't you realy need to get in the water and float face down and see how comfortable you are in the water without. It is much easier to swim without one in my opinion. But if you aren't comfortable you won't enjoy it.
Jay

Neeners
If you are comfortable in the water which I guess you are since your a diver I would say no plus as previously mentioned it is much easier without one.
Just try to relax and kick very calm and you will be fine.

Hi Neeners -

We actually bought the inflatable type snorkel vests for our trip this past June. I am a good swimmer, but thought I'd be smart this time (not that any of you aren't just as smart or more!).

I didn't use it all the time, but did have it on at Salt Pond and also at Waterlemon. To me, Salt Pond is really deep and I like to go pretty far out - always forgetting that I still have to make it back to shore.

At Waterlemon, I liked having it in case the currents were strong. We went on a snorkel excursion once with a group and one lady had a particularly hard time getting back to the boat at Waterlemon. I also liked having it because I was snorkeling with my 8 year old and even with his life vest, he would sometimes grab on to me.

It is definitely a preference thing.

JMHO!

Tracy

Neeners.

I consider myself a good swimmer and very comfortable in the water.

I was really glad that I had it last time when one person in our group got really tired and had a tough time getting in. I ripped it of myself and swam to him.

Also, one time my husband panicked and grabbed onto me.

Since then, unless we're in water where we can stand, I wear it. May look wierd or feel uncomfortable sometimes, but in deep water I wear it.

The thing with the water there is that if you get tired, just roll onto your back and float. It is so boyant that you won't sink. I think people tend to panic and don't realize they can take a break.

As for Salt Pond, I can warn you, don't swim too far out by the point on the right side without being really careful. SO did it our first trip and had to let the current take him do the beach a bit then had to hike through cactus laiden terrain in his barefeet and sometimes flippers to get back. Longer story, but needless to say, he is more careful now AND we use the buddy system better

nothintolose

Neeners, vests are not for wussies. I personally don't wear one because I like to free dive, but if you are even thinking a little bit that you might need/want one, you should bring it. You are not going to look stupid. Lots of people wear them. It could be very helpful for you, and it's not like it takes up a lot of room in your suitcase.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I am going to take it and then play it by ear when I get there.