Snorkeling/pickpocketers at Coki-how does Sapphire compare

[tlt]

We are going on the 7 day Magic in May and have found this board to be a great reference. We are trying to decide which beach to snorkel at in St. Thomas. St. Johns sounds great, but there is not enough time there for us, so we want to "excursion on our own." Today, at Barnes and Nobles, we read in several books that Coki has great snorkeling, but that pickpocketers/theft is a problem there. Does Sapphire have just as good of snorkeling as Coki? Thanks

 

[TartanFan]

Can't comment on Sapphire Beach but we went to Coki Beach last year and had no problems with pickpockets - in fact, we left our digital camera and other bits and pieces by our chairs (as out of sight as we could make them, obviously) and they weren't touched while we were in the water.

Hope this helps!

 

[evamelissa]

My sons and I "ended" up at Sapphire Beach quite by accident...there was road work holding up traffic, and our taxi driver told me he would take us to Sapphire instead of Coki. I was worried at first, but when we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did it have beautiful views, it was actually a resort, and there were NO vendors there at all. You have to pay for a beach chair and other rentable equipment, but it was one of the highlights of our trip.....we had a disappointing snorkling trip to Pinel Island the day before in St Martin, and the kids and I both agreed that this made up for it. I believe there is a poolside restaurant in the resort area, but you can always have room service pack you some sandwiches to bring along with you....hope this helps!!
Oh...and to answer your question about snorkling....I didn't really go out that far, but there was an area to snorkle near. I would have to say that from what I have heard, Coki has GREAT snorkling.......I was sold on the views at Sapphire.....


Melissainkbounc

 

[penguins_fan]

We also did our own excursion to Coki and had no problem with pickpockets. We went thru the Coki Beach Dive Club (link from Dave from Marietta's site). They have bins to store your gear while snorkeling and rent equipment for $10. They have a $30 package that includes pickup at the ship, fish food and help from a guide while snorkeling - great for kids. Lots of fish, easy snorkel from shore, nice beach with food/drinks avail.

 

[NCRedding]

We went to Coki on our own, and left our bag with camera unattended, but in sight. I never saw anyone come anywhere near the bag. I wore a DCL plastic pocket around my neck with id and money in a zip-lock. Never got wet. One option would be to go to Coral World, and rent a locker to store your expensive gear. I recommend the container sold on board for holding your key, id and money--costs 5 or 6 dollars.