We will be visiting San Juan, St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbados, Antiqua, and St. Maarten/St. Martin in September and want to snorkel as much as possible. We've already decided to try Trunk Bay at St. Johns, and need information about beaches on the other islands. Thanks for the help.

I am not familiar with Martinique and Barbados, however don't set your expectations too high about the quality of snorkeling available. In Puerto Rico you will need to take a boat out to one of the offshore islands to find snorkeling spots. They run tours. The last time we were in Trunk Bay years ago, the snorkeling trail had nothing but dead coral with postings on how people and storms kill the coral. There was a fish here and there. The one time we were in Antigua we did not find any enjoyable snorkeling. Also the same existed in St. Martin (Dutch side only) There might have been a place but you needed a car to get there. Perhaps others can make some positive recommendations.

Am wondering the same as you for St. Thomas, St. Maarten & Puerto Rico. Have read that there's great snorkeling at Isle Pinel off Orient Beach in St. Martin (french side). I think you have to get there by boat. <BR> <BR>We snorkeled off far right side of the beach at The Sapphire Beach Resort in St. Thomas back in 1990 and it was great! Hope it's still good. You could get a taxi there. There's a pool and bar there right off the beach where the good snorkeling is. <BR> <BR>We will probably (going on cruise) take ferry from St. Thomas to St. John too, but rent our own jeep and go to other more secluded beaches than Trunk and look for good snorkeling. Have also read that Waterlemon Beach has good snorkeling. You can rent jeeps right at ferry dock area.

Please visit my photo essay on St. Thomas/St. John. I cover snorkelling. <BR> <BR>http://people.ne.mediaone.net/hoppnb..._contents.html

St. Thomas has great snorkeling at Coki Beach which is right next to Coral World, which is also a wonderful place to visit. The fish are used to being fed by the aquarium, so they aren't shy at all. Buy a little food on the beach and then pet the nurse sharks while you putter around admiring the great underwater sea life. Sapphire is also good, but there isn't as much as at Coki. <BR> <BR>I haven't been unhappy with any snorkeling on St. John ever, and as a "local" I go A LOT!! The trail is a bit over visited, but go on out beyond the actual trail by 20 feet or so and you'll begin to see why it was put there to begin with. And do be careful! We put the trail there to protect the rest of our precious reefs from damage by unwitting travelers who don't know not to touch. <BR> <BR>Wherever you go, look for tidal changes and rocky outcroppings. Snorkeling is usually good in places like that! <BR> <BR>Have a blast!

<BR>Don't go to Trunk Bay on st.John. We went to Little Maho Bay and it was fabulous-not crowded and lots of fish. this bay is a short distance further.It was recommended by a 90 yr. old inhabitant of St.John. Well worth it!!

To get to Pinel Islet in St. Martin, you're only going a bit past Orient Beach. The "boat" trip is very short -- you'll giggle when you see what it actually is. But it only costs about $5 round trip. The islet is very small, and a national park set aside for snorkeling. Snorkeling is really pretty good there! There's a concession that rents equipment and gives lessons, but if you have your own stuff you're on your own to explore. There is also a tiny snack bar, gift shop, and (at least when we were there) there may even be a beach band!