Best Eastern Excursions

[Medina's]

Wow, looking at the excursions guide of Dave's, I'm dizzy. I for sure want to do parasailing tandum with my DD, but that just about blows the budget. DS will be 7, so no parasailing for him. Need to make it up to him somehow. What is everyone's opinion of most worthwile activities on St.Tom's and Mart's. How's the submarine ride? Also, the nude beach might be a kick not to mention lesson on 'different cultures'. Any comments on that subject?

 

[MarkRG]

The last time we went, on St. Maarten we went on the semi-subersible boat tour and it was really a different experience. And you get a really good tour of the island and some shopping time in the French side as well

On St. Thomas, we went on the Coral World/island tour. It was cool, they take you up the highest point on the island with some really gorgeous views. Then there's Coral World. If you have any interest in getting in with the fish but don't have a scuba license, do not pass this up and bring swimwear! They have this bubble helmet thing that fits over your whole head and they take you down into the coral reef they have around the place. Even if you don't want to do that there's a lot of really great aquatic exhibits there. Even just the trip to/from is a very interesting tour of the island.

 

[Medina's]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that you could swim with the fishies. That reminds me, we'll need to learn snorkeling too.
Does anyone have experience with snorkeling on the islands? (well OK, not "on" the island, but you know LOL) Which locations were best/ best value.

 

[MarkRG]

There's a special place at castaway cay specifically to snorkel in. Get the package where you get snorkel equipment and floats and you're set for the day.

There's nothing to snorkeling in salt water, except for learning to breathe properly or get one of those fancier snorkels that'll keep the water out no matter what. A thing to note is you're about 50% more buoyant in salt water than fresh water. It's very hard to sink in it. Floating is real easy.

 

[Medina's]

So, just what are these floats? Similar to noodles? Since your in a bouyant jacket anyway, do you need them?

 

[MarkRG]

Actually the floats are for use after you're done snorkeling. For snorkeling you'll get a mask and basic snorkel and flippers. And you'll float even without the vest as I found snorkeling out on the adult beach. But it's required in the enclosed snorkeling area for visibility more than anything. That's what I meant by being more buoyant in salt water. Then you take the coupon to one of a number of different locations on the island and have the pick of either a raft-size float made out of that rubbery floatation vest material, which is also good as a cushion if you're going to lay out for a while(bring a towel), or a round lazy-river type one.

 

[Medina's]

Ahhhhhhho! Thanks Mark. I'm such a newbie.

 

[IrishCowboy]

Golden Eagle Catamaran in St Maarten is great. Trunk Bay/St John's is beautiful and Meagan's Bay/St Thomas is also very nice. Coral World is also very appealing to younger children. We got to pet a shark and my DS-5 thought that it was the greatest thing in the world.