I will be going to the Caribbean (Southern) for my first time the first week in March. I LOVE snorkeling. My question is ... On organized snorkeling trips in the Caribbean do they make you (as in mandatory) wear life preserver belts around your mid section? I have been on snorkeling trips in Mexico and they make you wear them. I HATE those things to the point it ruins my enjoyment. I am used to snorkeling in Hawaii where you don't have to wear them. It looks like I may be doing Virgin Gorda and /or possibly St John for snorkeling. I plan to bring my own snorkel gear

The only place I have had to wear one of those was in Mexico on a trip from Isla Mujeres. I definitely did NOT in the VI's- have fun!

Confirming previous post: no preservers necessary at all.

The caribbean is pretty vast. But to the many places I've been, no belt was required. How can you dive to get a close-up view of the fish w/ a belt on?

I have not been on an organized snorkel tour were they "made" us wear a life jacket. They did have them and were offered if needed.

Exception were children under a certain age. They were required to wear a life jacket while swimming even if a parent was with them.

I agree - no life presever or life jacket.

However, some snorkel trips have a mandatory inflatible life vest policy. For example, in Barbados, each boat used a different colour vest, so the boats can tell which people are theirs.

I have never had to wear any life vests or belts. You only wear them if you want to, need to, or want to just be lazy!

If you choose St John I am not sure why you would need a lot of organized snokeling trips. Go to most any of the beaches get in the water and snorkel. I did go on one sail boat trip with snokeling to the BVI's no floating device needed. It was an excellent, excellent trip.
http://stjohnlinks.com/Charters/White_Wing/info.htm.

If you DO opt for anything "organized", I strongly recommend Captain Cathy out of Caneel Bay in SJ if she is still there- great trip- do not have to be a hotel guest. She takes you places you would need a boat to go then you can do the off the beach stuff yourself at places like Waterlimon, Trunk Bay, etc.

This makes me soooooooooooooo happy. Thank you all for your responses. At this point I am in the booking process for a day cruise on the White Squall II to Virgin Gorda at Tortola. They have rave reviews