Best Snorkeling on Eastern

[Castillo Mom]

Ok, I'm spending my afternoon trying to make a list of possible shore excursions. I noticed that there are 3 opportunities to snorkel on the Eastern itinerary. We don't plan on snorkeling more than once. Where is the best place to snorkel for newbies?

 

[ChrizJen]

Castillo Mom, I have not yet been on an eastern cruise, but we're going in September, and through some research I've heard that Trunk Bay in St. Thomas has awesome snorkeling. I read that there is an actual snorkeling "trail" set up that has underwater signs that identify the things you are looking at. We're thinking of taking a water taxi to St Thomas from St John and doing the snorkeling there on our own.

Sorry I don't have an answer from experience, but if you're going after September, I'll let you know when we get back.

HTH
-Christal

 

[Castillo Mom]

Just the sort of info I'm looking for Christal, thanks! I'll look for a trip report from you when you return.

 

[JSCTRico4]

We went to Trunk Bay on St. John in January. It was beautiful..... would do it again in a second. It actually ruined snorkeling for us on CC. It was warm, clear, and calm. My 5 year old did great and it was her first time. There are showers and bathrooms close by. Do it!

 

[Castillo Mom]

I'm adding it to my list of excursions. Now my only challenge is easing DS fear. Oh well, I have 2 years to work on him!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Another thought, or question rather. Is there enough time to go to Trunk Bay and do a little shopping when we get back to St. Thomas before all aboard?

 

[JSCTRico4]

I feel like we are IMing in slow motion... We did come back and go shopping. There was plenty of time because our excursion was EARLY! We had to get up in what seemed like the middle of the night due to time changes, and being from CA and all...... but, it was worth it. What is DS afraid of? Clue me in, and maybe I can help. My daughter was only 5, and she LOVED it. There are life jackets, and the water is VERY calm. I have pictures we took with our underwater disposable if you are interested....

 

[Castillo Mom]

I feel like we are IMing in slow motion... We did come back and go shopping. There was plenty of time because our excursion was EARLY! We had to get up in what seemed like the middle of the night due to time changes, and being from CA and all...... but, it was worth it. What is DS afraid of? Clue me in, and maybe I can help. My daughter was only 5, and she LOVED it. There are life jackets, and the water is VERY calm. I have pictures we took with our underwater disposable if you are interested....

I feel the same way! I had to take a break to take DS to Borders and now I'm back!

Anyway, on the way to the bookstore, I had a discussion with my boys. It seems they were under the impression that snorkeling is the same as scuba diving. So now that that issue is clarified, they're willing to give it a shot.

I'm happy to hear that I can squeeze in some shopping. I read the shopping in St. Thomas is great.

As for your photos, I'd love to see them!

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Trunk Bay is great for beginning snorklers (and experienced too). St John is beautfiul - you've probably seen pictures of Trunk Bay from above (you may recognize it). But going to Trunk Bay requires quite a bit of traveling each way (taxi, ferry, taxi if you go out of Red Hook). There won't be much time for shopping except maybe at the Havensight shops - those are the ones at the port. They are okay if you just want to shop and not experience downtown shopping in St. Thomas.

Another great snorkeling place is Coki Point Beach. Lots of fish; enter from the beach (not a boat) which is better for beginners. You can go there on your own and stay as long as you want. You get a little view of St Thomas on the way.

Diane

 

[musicgirl]

I highly recommend the Capt. Nautica excusion on the St. Thomas day.

It is a high speed boat ride (tons of fun itself). We went to 3 different snorkel sites. The first was to swim with the turtles-this was AWESOME. Since we were the first ones at the site (the am excursion get you there before anyone else because it is a speed boat), The 2nd was a shipwreck site.

These 2 sites are also other excursions, but those excusions only go to one place.

We then went to a 3rd site, again we we basically alone. Only a small group of 6-8 people scuba diving and they passed through where we were within in a few minutes. This was SPECTACULAR!!

This is a top notch excursion. They had beverages (non-alcohol, but we didn't care because the snorkeling was incredible.) They provided snacks in between stops.

They provide noodles and kick boards for those who are unsure or just want to float. They also have on hand to buy underwater cameras for those who forget and they were only $10 so they were doing this as a favor.

Again, great excursion. I would do again in a heartbeat.

 

[DISPOP]

All of those snorkeling excursions sounded great, but don't forget about Castaway Cay. The snorkeling area is roped off from the other parts of the beach and Disney has placed some GREAT stuff to see on the ocean bottom!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Decisions, decisions. I'll probably change my mind several times before we go!