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snorkeling from St John

Learning to snorkel on St John

If you have never snorkeled before don't worry, most people pick it up easily. It is important to start somewhere with shallow calm water with a sandy bottom. It also doesn't hurt to wear some kind of flotation when first starting out. Good equipment that fits correctly is very important. Blistered feet or leaking masks and snorkels can interfere with your snorkeling experience.

The folks here are practicing in very shallow water at Christmas Cove, one of the destinations that Sail Safaris takes beginning snorkelers to. It is an ideal location not only because it is on an uninhabited island - St James - but also because it is such a calm bay with a sandy bottom.

You can learn to snorkel at many of the beaches on St John. And once you feel comfortable head off for the reefs.

Snorkeling Tips

fitting your snorkel

Proper fit: make sure your snorkel, mask and fins are comfortable and snug fitting before you get to the beach. Your mask doesn't have to be uncomfortably tight. In fact a mask that's too tight can compromise a good seal. Beards and mustaches require gobs of vaseline to seal.

Relaxed Breathing : In order to snorkel successfully you have to be able to relax. Breathing naturally while snorkeling is the key. At first the experience can be disconcerting leading to short nervous breaths that don't fully expel all of the used oxygen in your lungs. Relax and breath fully.

 

snorkeling in the shallowsUnderstand the Risks:

Knowing what the risks are can help you to enjoy yourself while snorkeling. Currents and coming in contact with urchins or coral are two things you want to avoid while snorkeling. You can avoid currents by staying within the protection of a bay. Although the best snorkeling is often where there is a bit of current. If you are in decent shape and know how to use your fins - legs slightly bent kicking up and down - you should be fine with a moderate current. To avoid touching coral simply avoid shallow waters where corals exist.

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snorkeling at Trunk Bay

Setting off to snorkel Trunk Cay from Trunk Bay Beach. Snorkeling at Trunk Bay is ideal because there is a life guard on duty, the water is generally calm and the coral reef has underwater signs to help you identify what you see.

 

Trunk Bay can be girl with her new snorkel maskcrowded but it is a great way learn about the reef.

Another way to learn about the coral you see is to sign up for a snorkeling tour with a professional guide to the islands off St John.

 

Snorkeling with a Flotation Aid

snorkeling with a life jacket

When you are learning to snorkel or if you are not comfortable in water over your head a life jacket or other flotation aid can be a great help. A life jacket allows you to roll over on your back to adjust your mask, empty sand from your fins or just take a break. Most snorkeling tours have floats available for their guests.