snorkeling on the 7day Eastern

[mickeyworld]

I will have 3 kids, 10, 14, 14, whio have never snorkeled before. Is it better to take a lesson here at home, and go on an excursion, or is there decent snorkeling from the beaches in St. Marteen and St. Thomas? I really want them to have a good experience, but they get worried about snorkeling excursions rather than going casually. Also, they don't want to miss any beach time!

 

[mickeyworld]

still waiting for comments, you know us OCPlanners!

 

[musicgirl]

St. Thomas

Do the Capt. Nautica excursion!!!! This was a blast. It is a speedboat that took us to 3 places.

1) Turtle Cove-this was great to swim with the turtles. We were the first ones there-the benefit of the speedboat! We were there for about 1 hour of snorkeling.

2) Shipwreck cove-only there for a while, it was pretty busy.
We were there for about 30 min.

3) St James-private island but not the water. The snorkeling was beautiful. we were there for about an hour. There was a small group of scuba divers near us, but that was it.

They do change places depending on the weather and crowds.

This was a great snorkeling excursion for all levels. They teach you what to do. All equipment is included. They also had noodles and kick boards for those who wanted them. They would just hold on and put their faces (with masks on) in the water.

They also provide snacks and beverages.

DS was 13 and absolutely loved it. We would do it again in a heartbeat!!!

The ride was fast, bumpy and fun and the 2 person crew (from the states, at least our boat) were nice. They did ask for tips at the end, but it was well worth it. They had water cameras for sale for those who forgot.

The boat only holds around 20 people so you don't fell crowded.

If you choose this one, go in the morning. Also, if you get a choice of tour directors once you are off the ship, pick Morgan (long blond hair) she and her husband have the one boat. Really great.

If you have any questions, just ask!

 

[musicgirl]

I forgot to mention St. Martin. We went to Dawn beach to snorkel. The roundtrip fare was around $42 for the three of us. Easy to find the taxi, at the end of the dock. Make sure you are specific each time you get in the taxi where you want to go. It was about 10 min.

Dawn beach was nice. We snorkeled and played on the beach. Not big waves in the am, but they were getting stronger when we left. They have umbrellas and chairs to rent. I think $10. They have a fresh water shower.

This left us plenty of time for lunch and shopping. We went back to the ship to change, ate (on board of course) and used the water taxi into town. $5 per person for unlimited rides. This will take you to Great Bay Beach which is also the entrance to the shopping. It makes a 2nd stop at the end of the shopping area. Just a few minutes ride.

We had planned on doing the Great Bay Beach after lunch and shopping but we were too tired. They have jet skis and a water trampoline. It looked very nice.

Also, in regards to the Capt. Nautica excursion. We were back around noon and had time to shop. We could have done other things after we got cleaned up and ate.

 

[april riddle]

We went on the Doubloon sail and snorkle in St. Thomas my sons are 9 and 11 and they did great for first time snorkling. They are great with kids and the trip is very entertaining.

 

[GrayFal]

If you want to go on your own and have your own equipment, take a taxi to Coki Beach in St Thomas - go in the morning as it definitely gets crowded as the day goes on. We rented a car but there is only parking for about 12 cars - we were just lucky we got a space. Go to the right side of the beach near Coral World - this is where the best snorkeling is. If you just want to relax in the sun, go to the left. Chair rental is $5 each and umbrella was another $5 - I am sure this is negotiable but we didn't bother.

We didn't snorkel in St Martin....just beached it in town.

 

[cramam]

I would second the vote for Capt. Nautica. The snorkeling is great and the high speed boat ride is part of the event. Saw turtles and a stingray. My daughters 8 and 12 loved it.

 

[Boaguy]

I liked the snorkeling on Antigua very much.

 

[Love2Cruise]

Trunk Bay in St. John is a great place to snorkle and there are lifeguards around as well. My teenagers snorkled for the first time there. My DH and I had done it before and were able to instruct them. There is an excursion to St. John, but we rented a car and did it on our own. It was a great adventure and a wonderful day!