Help! Which Snorkel Excursion?

[Target]

We are sailing on the 12/14 Eastern and was wondering which is better for me and my DD14? The Pinel Island Snorkel Tour or the Shipwreck Cove Snorkel Tour? Also, my DH doesn't swim, so is it worth my DD14 and I snorkeling on both St. Martin and St. Thomas, or are they similar in experience where one should do it? I don't want him to fend for himself too often....Thanks for your input!

 

[Target]

Also, which island has better snorkeling, St. Marten or St. Thomas?

 

[Dave Mueller]

I have three sons, age 21,19 and 14, who went cruising w/ family this past summer. They are very good snorkelers, so we took advantage of the stops and snorkeled in three different places.

On St. Maarten we went to Dawn Beach w/ my brother in law and family. About 10 of us were in an tricked up full-sized Chevy van for the trip, $5.00 each way. There were very few 'tourists' there, and there was a nice little hamburger stand/bar on the beach as well.

My sons and one of my nephews all snorkeled the entire time we were there - the older ones went quite far out onto the reef and saw lobsters, jelly fish and many sea urchins. That might not be the place if you and your daughter have not snorkeled previously, but it was perfect for us.

The second snorkel trip was the next day to Trunk Bay Beach in St. John. We had to take a boat from St. Thomas to get there, and try to get inside as the ride can be bumpy and wet from the spray. Trunk Bay is a U.S. National park, and is marked w/ markers and informative plaques. There were a lot of people along, many of which were not accomplished snorkelers, but the coral and fans were vey nice.

The final snorkel place was Castaway Cay. Disney has provided a lot of fish which are trapped in the snorkel area, including large grouper and other large fish. It is not 'natural' in any way, but good for snorkeling, especially for kids. My sons were not impressed, and thought their St. Maarten excursion was the best snorkel experience

I hope this helps in some way - hope you have a SUPER CRUISE!.......dave m .