going E. Caribbean in May...

[MamaParrotHead]

Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten...which beaches have the best snorkeling for beginners? Any tips, info, names would be appreciated! Thanks so much. Also wondering if it's OK to just sort of throw on the snorkel gear and head out...or would it be better to have a guided tour? We've never snorkeled before and I don't want to commit to a snorkel excursion should we not care for it.

[Appgrad]

When you're docked in St Thomas, you can catch a cab to Red Hook and then a water ferry to St. John. Once you get to St. John, take a cab to Trunk Bay. They rent snorkeling equipment there. If you walk straight out from the snorkel stand, they have an underwater trail that you can follow.

 

It's a good, inexpensive way to try out snorkeling. If you do not like it, you are at one of the most beautiful places on earth so you can just sunbathe.

[bruce-r]

On St Thomas, Coki Beach. Easy to get to, no ferry crossing, just a short taxi ride. It is right next to Coral World. I don't know if that matters, but there are lots of fish there. Coki Beach Dive Club is onsite if you need to rent anything, and there are showers for rinsing off after snorkeling. St. John is very pretty, but will take most of the whole day while Coki is great for the morning leaving the afternoon for other things.