Snorkel St. John
Intrigue under water
Maura Curley
Treat yourself to tropical Technicolor-- a magnificent mosaic of marine life.
Snorkeling is sensational in St. John, one of the top snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
More than one third of the island is an underwater odyssey, preserved by the National Park Service.
Even if you can't swim and have never donned a mask and fins,
snorkeling is a low risk adventure. All you need to do is float. And if you have trouble with that, wear a vest, relax, and let the fish do the rest.
There's no shortage of snorkeling scenarios from which to choose. You can book a slot on any of many boats that make snorkeling stops in St. John. Some charters are social events that offer free rum punches. Nearly all provide gear, and instruction for novices. If you're a die-hard snorkeler you may want to rent a power boat or dinghy and find you own special spots. You can also simply swim to a reef during a lazy day at a beach.
St. John is blessed with a patchwork of beautiful beaches. These range from the well known Cinnamon Bay, the longest, with a two and half mile strip of powdery white, to tiny slices of sand or shells. All offer close to shore snorkeling, where you don't need to take a boat into the deep blue to see a kaleidoscope of fanciful fish. Butriding the waves can help avoid a few long walks down narrow trails atsome prime snorkeling spots like Waterlemon Cay --an off shore islandnear Waterlemon Bay.
The island's famous North Shore Road, which begins just outside Cruz Bay, is lined with more than a dozen beaches. Hawk Nest, less than two miles on the North Shore road, is a popular spot for locals. It has shaded pavilions for taking refuge from the sun or a cloudburst, picnic tables, barbecue grills, primitive toilets- and of course fish.
It is perfect for novice snorkelers because of its soft sandy bottom and proximity to the reef. Serious snorkelers should also find it a haven for both the familiar and foreign. Schools of bluetang, often glide through the waters alongside a variety of parrot fish,squirrel fish, reef squid. and dozens of sergeant majors. You might be lucky and catch a glimpse of a Hawksbill sea turtle casually flapping fins in deeper water.
Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay are popular snorkeling destinations for folkswho like some amenities. Francis Bay, located at the far end of the North Shore road near Maho Bay Campground, is a quiet underdeveloped alternative. This site is protected from the north swell and offers calm waters when the surf is up. This is also a desirable destination on a windy day, because it is sheltered from the trade winds.
Trunk Bay is the most popular and developed beach on the island. It is the only one that charges a user fee to pay for the upkeep of the facilities.
In the winter months when cruise ships traffic is heavier in St. John,Trunk Bay can get a little frenetic.
You can rent snorkel gear here and enjoy a lunch at the snack bar. The National Park Service offers an hour long guided snorkeling tour at Trunk Bay.
But if you want to snorkel like a local, go elsewhere.
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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