Snorkeling in St. Maarten?

[JJCalder19]

Are there any good places? Carnival offers the Golden Eagle Catamaran to Tintamar. Any thoughts, suggestions?

[jorge628]

what about for beginner divers? I haven't been certified, would it be a good idea to go ahead and get certified before we go out? would i be able to enjoy myself a lot better?

[renebfl]

I did Golden Eagle last week. Enjoyed it but would not say its top snorkeling because of my experience, but would be great for beginners. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable day, just not a great snorkeling adventure for me.

[captNcrunch]

I've done shipwreck cove and Golden Eagle, for the money Golden Eagle would get my vote. I've heard good things about Dawn Beach and Pinel Island. At Dawn Beach the reef is accessible from the shore, Pinel you need to take a boat to get there. This year we went to Little Divi based on a comment in a travel guide ... great beach but not for snorkeling.

[JJCalder19]

We decided on the Pinel Island snorkel tour. We'll see what happens!

[FLTravelGirl]

We just did the AOS and did the Pinel Island excursion. The tour guides were very good. It is a very organized tour. The guides actually make sure that all the people get into the water, have the life vests and everything else. They want people to have a good time. Pinel island is beautiful. The only thing is that the beach chairs are for rent so you have to sit on the beach when you are finished snorkeling. On the De Palm Island tour we did in Aruba we were spoiled, great snorkeling, chairs, bathrooms, showers - great facilities and strawberry daquiris included. I really prefer the extras!

Enjoy!

[manitoba girl]

We did the Golden Eagle Catamaran too.Loved it....Really looking foward to going this coming summer.Tried snorkelling in Manzinillo..well it is close second but the GE is alot better.

[kawgirl]

:confused: Do you have to be certified to snorkel?

[manitoba girl]

No you don't but you should be comfortable enough as a mouth breather then a nose breather,it does help.