Best Place to Snorkel in Tortola

[amy2313]

We are going to Tortola the beginning of June. We've never been there before and want to do some snorkeling. Where is the best place to go while in Tortola or a lot of people have said that they take a ferry to Virgin Gorda the Baths - is the snorkeling better there?

[scubaran]

We are going to Tortola the beginning of June. We've never been there before and want to do some snorkeling. Where is the best place to go while in Tortola or a lot of people have said that they take a ferry to Virgin Gorda the Baths - is the snorkeling better there?

 

Hi,

 

I like to take an excursion over to Norman Island (basis for the Treasure Island book). Most ships and private operators go there. The first stop is along the coast where there are sea caves you can swim into and there's a lot of fish with a gradual drop off for those that like to dive down a bit. The second stop is at the beach where there's a small restaurant and beach area. It's in a cove and for those that want to sunbath there are chairs from the restaurant you can take down to the beach or you can don your snorkel gear and snorkel the right side of the reef where there are a series of rocks. Last year in the rocks I saw two huge file fish (1 1/2 - 2 ft long), a nassau grouper and a 8 inch fire-worm (they look like a fuzzy catapillar but they live under the water), among other fish. Plus it's only about 1/2 hour out of the harbor so there's plenty of time to get back in town if you want to shop.

 

Hope this helps,

Randall

[amy2313]

Hi,

 

I like to take an excursion over to Norman Island (basis for the Treasure Island book). Most ships and private operators go there. The first stop is along the coast where there are sea caves you can swim into and there's a lot of fish with a gradual drop off for those that like to dive down a bit. The second stop is at the beach where there's a small restaurant and beach area. It's in a cove and for those that want to sunbath there are chairs from the restaurant you can take down to the beach or you can don your snorkel gear and snorkel the right side of the reef where there are a series of rocks. Last year in the rocks I saw two huge file fish (1 1/2 - 2 ft long), a nassau grouper and a 8 inch fire-worm (they look like a fuzzy catapillar but they live under the water), among other fish. Plus it's only about 1/2 hour out of the harbor so there's plenty of time to get back in town if you want to shop.

 

Hope this helps,

Randall

 

That was very helpful - is this an excursion you booked through the cruiseline or privately???

[scubaran]

That was very helpful - is this an excursion you booked through the cruiseline or privately???

 

We've booked this through the ship on several cruise lines. But there are private operators that know Norman Island very well. Just make sure if you're looking at a snorkel trip out of Tortola that Norman Island is specifically mentioned. BTW, if the tours can't get to Virgin Gorda for their tours, they'll also choose Norman Island as the backup alternative.

 

Randall

[claudie]

Wow, this is great information. Hey Amy, don't forget to report back if you do this. I've never been to Tortola but will be there later this year. Have a fabulous time.

[Stevesan]

We are going to Tortola the beginning of June. We've never been there before and want to do some snorkeling. Where is the best place to go while in Tortola or a lot of people have said that they take a ferry to Virgin Gorda the Baths - is the snorkeling better there?

 

The snorkeling at Virgin Gorda is nearly nil. Too many visitors have destroyed the near reefs. VG is a good day trip to lay out on the beach and climb thru boulders, but the snorkeling is poor..

 

Snorkeling at Norman and Peter islands is excellent. Patouche is a first rate operation and only a five minute cab ride from the cruise docks.

 

Their trips vary with the day of the week, but all the Shamwari trips include Norman Island.

 

http://www.patouche.com/day_charters.htm

[RONNIENJ4]

When are you going in June?