We're going to St. Lucia March 15-25. Can anyone tell me if it is advisable to take our own snorkeling gear? Does anyone know if there is snorkeling off the Windjammer beach? I know there is a dive shop in Margot Bay which isn't far. Any help would be appreciated.

You should always bring your own gear if possible. Then you know the mask will fit, the fins will fit, and the snorkel is clean.

Peace, Greenie

Thanks greenie. Today we bought really good masks and snorkels from a dive shop so we're all set for this trip and future ones. I know it will make our snorkeling experiences much better in the future.

Great move! We've gotten away with using rental fins, but a good mask is hard to find. The last thing you want is to be clearing water all the time!

Have fun. I haven't been to St Lucia yet, but it sounds very nice! =)

Peace, Greenie

Greenie; Just a thought. You might want to purchase an extra face mask strap, just in case one breaks. It's a slim chance with a new mask, but you never know. And, if it does, it can ruin a day of snorkeling. You may also find your mske "fogging up", which is not uncommon. Don't bother purchasing the mask defogger spray. Simply spit (yes, spit lightly) on the inner mask plate, rub it around with your finger, wash it off in the salt water while snorkeling, and the underwater panorama will be clear as gin-colored waters. Much more efficient than going back to the boat or to the beach and spraying the commercial "defogger" on your mask plate. Robert

Just a follow-up note to thank everyone for your advice. We had a fabulous time in St. Lucia and the new masks and snorkels worked great. We have plans to return next year to Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia; while the beaches aren't as white or the water quite as acqua as some other Caribbean islands, the island is gorgeous - very tropical, lush vegetation, more like the French Polynesia islands. It is not as commercialized and less populated than many and the people are very friendly and helpful. Happy traveling to you all. Leah

Ooooo, just the thought of St. Lucia warms me up! Heading back to Windjammer in two weeks and cannot wait. We also have our own snorkel gear and have taken it on alot of trips in the last few years. As Greenie pointed out,nothing better than a good fit(well, maybe sitting in the Jammers bar watching the sunset and drinking a pina colada). And Robert is so right, that good old spit works like magic - as long as you can muster some up! Glad you enjoyed St. Lucia and Windjammer.

Glad you had a great time. We haven't been to St Lucia yet, but it's defintely on the short list.

We bought good snorkel equipment a long time ago and use it at least 2-3 times per year. The only thing we've had to replace is the little rubber thingy that holds the snorkel to the mask (good idea to get a few of those and keep them in your gear bag).

Peace, Greenie =)