Snorkelling

[kujobie]

My GF and I are avid snorkellers. We are on a western itinerary next month on the Carnival Glory, including the ports of Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. This is our first time to these ports. Due to an odd time frame in St. Thomas, (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) We are not gonna try to go to St. John. I am looking for suggestions on good snorkelling excursions, preferably those booked thru the ship. We were planning on just taking a cab to Coki on St. Thomas but would definitely take a boat excursion if anyone has any good recommendations. On St Maarten, we are renting a car so just need some advice on a public beach or two there that offers good snorkelling. Seems like Nassau doesn't have much to offer unless you take a boat trip somewhere, so we definitely need advice on that. We prefer to do the excursions thru Carnival on our first visit to a port so try to limit your responses to those that have done the ship excursions unless you have had great experiences with independant contractors. Also keep in mind, we would like a little sightseeing/shopping time in St. Thomas, so we're not looking for an all day trip. I was looking at Athol island in Nassau and Buck island in St. Thomas. Anyone done these? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[ftrpltsgal]

i heard that the Captain Nautica excursion (offered by most ships) out of St Thomas was a good trip. they also have a website www.captainnautica.com
the half day gets you transportation by boat to 2 snorkel sites for 1 hour each (on is I believe, a marine preserve of sorts or national park...) but it looked like the best choice. I've novice snorkeler, hubby more experience. We have 3 coral-reef tanks of our own at home, so really wanted to see some beautiful underwater sites. Our trip is in Nov. - so if you find or take something worth seeing....let me know.

thanks.

:wave

 

[sailboat]

St. Thomas: If the ship offers snorkel tours to Buck Island aboard a 30 ft sailboat--TAKE IT! We did this one year. It was us, a two-person crew, and two other couples. If you like sailing, this is the life and the clear waters around Buck Island offer a good snorkeling experience (not the same number of fish as you'd see on a sunken wreck, but still very nice.) We took the early morning tour and got back around noonish, which leave plenty of time to shop either in Havensight or in town (if you are pressed for time, Havensight offers many of the same shops as you'd see in town).