5 Star St John Trunk Bay Excursion-Your thoughts

[john59]

(ST-04) 5 STAR ST JOHN SNORKEL & BEACH ADVENTURE

This past February my DW and I signed up for the 5 Star Snorkel and Beach Adventure, on the Leylon Sneed, to Trunk Bay.
We have heard a lot about Trunk Bay and really wanted to snorkel there. We love snorkling.
We were a tad disappointed.
We got off the Magic and boarded the Leylon Sneed. This was just about a 1 hour run (2 hrs round trip) to Trunk Bay. Sightseeing along the way was OK.
The Leylon achored about 100 to 150 yds off the beach. They provided power boats to get you onto the beach. My DW and I chose to swim (snorkel) towards the beach.
Finding fish was tough. I had to get in very close to a rock wall and right on top of the reef and did find nice fish. Most people, to include my wife, could not do this. The currents were challenging and I would not recommend this for novice swimmers.
After about 1 to 1 1/2 hours it was time to pull anchor and head back. I talked to one Mom who told me it took half of her time, to get her kids suited up. Shoot !!!! For us it was over before we got our feet wet and my DW saw very few fish.
My fault. Next time I will do more homework.
Hopefully you gals & guys who have done this excursion, had a good time. This was just not our cup of tea.
john59

 

[randytenn]

We didn't do the 5 star, we did the other St. John snorkle excursion, and had a blast. We were taken to the island by boat, boarded a bus, and driven to Trunk Bay, where we had plenty of snorkle time. There were great fish, beautiful coral, and a gorgeous view from the water back to shore.

Ahhhh, now your making me want to go back!

 

[AnnMorin]

What a shame for you! Our experience on the 5 star was just wonderful! Fish a plenty, no current to speak of, gorgeous private area we moored at. I am so sorry fo ryou that you were dissapointed. I loved it so much I may do it again this year.

 

[shirley 38]

I have to agree with John. The trip to trunk bay was a disappointment for me.
I thought we were going to the TRUNK BAY. Not so it was a little cove.
The water was not the greatest quality. I saw about 10 fish.
I think if we ever go on a disney cruise again I would just rent a car and try different beaches.

 

[RellingTwin]

I've done both, the 5 Star and "on our own". I would recomend going on your own. Much more time there, fewer people (once the tours leave) and cheaper. We did it with 2 children, my DH and myself. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be. Cab to Red Hook, ferry to St John, cab to Trunk Bay. Pleanty of cabs waiting at every leg of the trip. Just be sure to get the 2pm ferry back to St Thomas, to allow travel time, and for traffic!

 

[TootyJane]

I'm sorry you were disappointed. We went last May and had a lovely time. There were plenty of fish and no current at all. My middle ds who didn't even want to snorkel ending up doing so and had a blast. 1-1/2 hours was plenty of time for my 3 kids to snorkel and from the number of sleepy kids on the way back I think it was plenty of time for them too.

 

[tchalene]

We did this excursion last week...March 12th. We were a little disappointed in that the time at Trunk Bay was very short....barely 1 hour. The boat ride over there was nice but a bit rough due to high winds. The currents in the water while snorkeling were pretty strong and I was trying to help my DD 6 and DGM 67. DD decided that she needed to snorkel straight from the boat...while I suggested that we start from the beach. We went from the boat and she really had a hard time with the currents. Needless to say, my snorkeling was not too much fun as I spent about 25 minutes towing her to the beach. Finally one of the power boats picked her and grandma up and took them the rest of the way to the beach. This snorkeling excursion is not for beginners! It is a beautiful place and the people who opted only for the beach time, really enjoyed it!