Snorkling Waterlemon Cay
 

Howdy all, we have the book St. John Feet, Fins, and Four Wheel Drive and it talks about the swim to Waterlemon Cay as not for begginers. I am a strong swimmer, but my fiance describes herself as intermediate and is a little concerned by the description of currents, etc. Any comment on the difficulty of the swimming around this little island would be welcome, it looks like an excellent place to snorkle.

My recollection is that the swim out to the island from the shore is not that big a deal. But as you swim around the cay, on the far (northwest?) side the current can get a little strong. So your fiance may not want to swim all the way around. There are also a few spots with fire coral, so make sure you can identify it. It's a great snorkelling spot.
jim

We did this swim in February with our 16 and 12 year old daughters. None of us had a problem.

We rented a dinghy for half a day and took it out to Waterlemon.Be sure to rent on a day of calm seas, it can get choppy as you head out toward Waterlemon. If you swim one direction around the island, you don't have to fight the current--my problem is I can never remember what direction that is. I am not a strong swimmer but with fins, I have no problems.
Swimmers who walked the trail and then swam to the island didn't seem to have difficulty getting out to the island. It's not that far. The hardest part was hauling myself back onto the dinghy.

We did enjoy renting the dinghy. Enjoyed seeing STJ from the water, pulled up on a beach and had lunch. Lots of fun.

You could always buy snorkeling vests.We have them and they are great when you need a break and are in deep water.

Christie

My husband and I went to Waterlemon Cay as part of a day excursion from Caneel Bay a number of years ago. The boat dropped us off at the Cay and was to return and pick us up a designated time later. The snorkeling was great and we continued around the Cay when I realized the current was strong. My husband continued around and I headed back to the beach in the direction we came from since the boat was too far away to see me. The current was strong going back the same way as well and it took a lot of effort to get back to the beach even though it wasn't a long distance, which was quite unnerving. I would not do it again unless there was a boat nearby to pick you up if you're having trouble or if you're a strong enough swimmer. I definitely would suggest your fiance wear a vest