any good snorkeling in St. Maarten, Tortola and Nassau

[cb2]

We are going to these islands in March and would love to find some neat spots to snorkel for a few hours. Any help would be great.

[alphakitty]

St Martin/St Maarten isn't known for it's snorkeling, but you can find some. The best spots are off Little Bay Beach, Dawn Beach, and Maho Bay.

 

Can't help with Tortola as I haven't been there.

 

In Nassau, we took a sail excursion with Barefoot Sailing and the snorkel spots they stopped at (2) were both awesome.

 

 

[Stevesan]

We are going to these islands in March and would love to find some neat spots to snorkel for a few hours. Any help would be great.

 

 

Excellent snorkeling in both Nassau and Tortola.

 

Try hooking up with Stuart Cove in Nassau (the swim with the sharks is a blast) and Patouche at Tortola. The trip to Norman Island is first rate.

 

http://www.dive-bahamas.com/ Click on "Snorkel Bahamas"

 

http://www.patouche.com/guest_book.htm The web site caters to full boat charters, but they are happy to book individuals. Select "Day Charters" for the standard schedule. They often make adjustment for cruise ship visitors.

[scubaran]

Hi,

 

There aren't any really good "beach areas" to snorkel on any of these islands unless you get on a boat. I second Norman Island for snorkeling in Tortola and Virgin Gorda isn't bad (the fish and reefs aren't very plentiful but the surface views are outstanding). For Nassau, go with Stewart's Cove or get on an excursion that goes to "thunderball reef", both are very nice (Stewart's cove is south of Nassau and thunderball reef is east of Nassau).

 

Randall

[funnsun]

We just got back from Tortola and decided upon Brewers Bay in Tortola because of feedback on these boards. We werent disappointed!! wonderful snorkeling right from the beach! Saw 4 foot tarpon, a barricuda, puffer fish, many see urchins and so many fish that you literally could not see water! We snorkel quite a bit and this was by far the best yet! You can rent equip. right at the beach but be warned- there is not much to choose from!

[scubaran]

We just got back from Tortola and decided upon Brewers Bay in Tortola because of feedback on these boards. We werent disappointed!! wonderful snorkeling right from the beach! Saw 4 foot tarpon, a barricuda, puffer fish, many see urchins and so many fish that you literally could not see water! We snorkel quite a bit and this was by far the best yet! You can rent equip. right at the beach but be warned- there is not much to choose from!

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the review.... Did you take a cab (and how was getting back), how long did it take to get there, and what facilities were at the bay? (we might try it next time we're down there). :)

 

Thanks,

Randall

[CFDAlden]

We just did the Blackbeards Island snorkling in Nassau, and, well, it was horrible. Very cold water, not much to see. I saw one 'ray, maybe a few fish.

 

The "Swim with the Stingrays" tour that was on the same island looked nice, though.

[shuggy]

We just got back from Tortola and decided upon Brewers Bay in Tortola because of feedback on these boards. We werent disappointed!! wonderful snorkeling right from the beach! Saw 4 foot tarpon, a barricuda, puffer fish, many see urchins and so many fish that you literally could not see water! We snorkel quite a bit and this was by far the best yet! You can rent equip. right at the beach but be warned- there is not much to choose from!

 

 

do you know (ballpark is fine!) about what rental cost and what the best way to get to brewers bay from the ship is?

 

thanks