HELLO!
We'll be leaving this weekend for VG to attend my brother's wedding. Of course, we want to take advantage of the great snorkelling that folks on this board rave about! I think my 5 year old son would love it. But is he too young? Looking for stories/ advice on snorkelling with a child this age.

It's not about age, it's about your ability to swim. And have your face in the water for a long time breathing through a tube in your mouth. My guess, he's too young. But only you can judge what is best and safest for him.

Have a terrific trip and congrats to your brother.

Agree that it's more about swimming ability and comfort in the water. I was swimming and comfortable in the water at an early age, my husband was not, for two examples. I'd look into getting a snorkel vest for your son to wear in the water to boost his confidence, especially if the water gets a little wavy. you might also consider only snorkeling from shore where the water is not very deep, in case he panics and grabs on to you. Just let him go at his own pace--he might be terrified and not want to do it, but he also might be mesmerized by all the fish and brilliant colors. Have a great time!

I think Savannah Bay might be a good place for him to go. The water is so shallow he could just stick his head in the water in some places and still see a lot. There's also a place by Spring Bay that forms a little pool that kids like. I forget the name, though. Just north of spring bay beach.

Here's what we did when my son was younger -- give him the mask and pull him on a boogie board around the areas. When the adult finds a good area, he can then use the mask to stick his face in the water and get a look. Some kids are good using the snorkel and some arent't -- my daughter's a whiz but my son never uses the snorkel, he does mask only and he's 9. And even I like using a flotation vest, it makes it so much easier.

We snorkelled in the Bahamas this summer with my 4 and 6 year old sons. The 6 year old loved it but the 4 year old got frustrated because the snorkel was too big for his mouth.

The fit of the snorkel and mask are really important to their comfort and confidence so see if you can find a good kids' set at home before your trip. I'd recommend practicing at home in a pool or large bathtub if you can so your son can get the hang of breathing through the snorkel.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Thank you, everyone, for your advice!