Best snorkeling beach for beginners

[KadyD]

What are the best beaches for beginner snorkeling? Can you easily snorkel at Orient Beach?

[Miss Vickie]

Orient isn't a snorkeling beach. Pinel island works for beginners, and the Tiki Snorkeling Hut probably would, too.

 

What are the other islands on your itinerary? There are better islands to snorkel on, by far.

[KadyD]

We are also going to Saint Thomas and to the Princess private island.

[gtaylor]

Orient does have some sometimes decent (if only fair) snorkeling, and if the weather cooperates, it might be just right for beginners.

 

See my post in this earlier thread.

 

gary

 

p.s. I'm not sure that the Tiki Hut is still operating.

[KadyD]

Many thanks to both of you! I'm ready to cruise... we leave Saturday for Ft Lauderdale, and the cruise goes out on Sunday.

[Miss Vickie]

St Thomas has good to very good snorkeling, and St. John, an easy excursion (either on your own or through your ship) has good to great snorkeling. You'll find better snorkeling there than you will on St. Maarten.

[KadyD]

Thanks, Jodi! We do plan some snorkeling on St Thomas.

I was on the Summit for an Alaskan cruise a few years back. It's a beautiful ship!

[FloridaLaura]

Kady...you mentioned you will be going to Princess Cay also ? There was great snorkeling there as well. When we got off the tender looking at the beach we headed to the right and walked way down the beach to where the jetty cuts out into the water. It was great snorkeling near the rocks. Bring your water shoes though it is pretty rocky throughout princess cay getting in and out of the water. Water shoes were very helpful !

[Lsimon]

If I were going to those islands I'd just enjoy the beach, without worrying about snorkeling, at Orient Beach. Then at St. Thomas I'd either head to St. John and Trunk bay or, better yet, take a ship or private snorkeling excursion. The Virgin Islands are nice for snorkeling and Trunk Bay has a fun beginners trail that has underwater signs and monuments!