We want to go snorkeling in St. Thomas but our 5 year old has never been and is not a great swimmer. She really would enjoy seeing the fish, and the water. Does anyone know if any of the trips would be okay for us to try? I love snorkeling as does my 11 year old and husband. Are there any trips that would help her? Are there any that go to a beach that we could snorkel from so one of us could stay with her while others go snorkel? I have snorkeled from a beach before and it does not seem to be very good compared to going out on a boat. We thought about Trunk Bay, but it says the St. John excursion is not availabe on our cruise.
Any suggestions?

Also, will they let her wear armies to snorkel?

You can easily take the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. At trunk Bay, we thoughtthe snorkeling from the beach was lots of fun, with the underwater trail.

We took our daughter when she was about that age. I got her snorkeling lessons and swimming lessons before going. Her snorkeling lesson was one on one in a deep pool and she was terrified. She wasn't much better with the swimming lessons.

However, when we got out on a private boat in Cozumel - you couldn't stop her. Her fear of the deep water totally left her as she enjoyed all the fish. She kept trying to swim further out and further out - I had to spend most of my time watching her.

Our ship had cancelled one of our ports so they sold out of snorkeling tours at the stops we had. So we got one at the dock and it was much better than any ship's excursion. THey took us three or four locations. Provided all the beverages - water, beer and soft drinks - you wanted. We took her life vest wtih us and had bought her snorkeling equipment to make sure we had everything in her size - they didn't even charge us for her.

Our guide was great - he was getting out before us and 'seeding' the waters with tortillas. At the last stop - he handed each of us tortillas and the fish were eating right out of our hands. THat totally thrilled our daughter.

So I think your daughter will wind up enjoying any of the excursions that you chose to do.

Definitely have your daughter practice snorkeling in a swimming pool before you go; just have her float on the surface with a mask and tube so she feels comfortable breathing; it's a little scary for lots of people the first time, but seeing all the fish gets your mind off your breathing almost immediately. Also, every trip that we've taken offers those orange life jackets and a good percentage of people wear them. If she is sort of afraid at first just have her put on the life jacket and paddle around in the water. Chances are good she will decide to don the snorkel gear in a few minutes!

Do you have a long port day in St.Thomas??? If so you can easily cab and take the Red Hook ferry to St. John then cab to the beach.

Take a taxi to Red Hook Landing, then the ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John. Every hour, on the hour. Only a 15 minute ride.

Then take a taxi to Caneel Bay Resort--only 5-10 minutes.The public can use their main beach which is ideal for a 5 year old. Soft white sand and very clear and calm water---much more so than Trunk Bay.

Bring your own towels.They won't want you to use their chairs.

Also, there is an informal bar with a food menu and bathroom facilities.
Ferries return from town to Red Hook/St. Thomas every hour...and several times a day to Downtown Charlotte Amalie. I think the last one on this route is 3:15

You will love it.

GTG

gplusg, you are giving advice to people who asked a question over 3 years ago!

Forget St Thomas. Take the ferry to St John then a taxi to Trunk Bay. Great snorkeling with an underwater trail. Water is clear as a bell. Just make sure your 5 year old wears a life jacket. Enjoy!

Abram:

Either these folks really plan ahead, or the kid is now 8!

We spent 2 weeks on St. John with a 6, 9 & 11 year old. We snorkeled every day. The five year old always held one of our hands when we went, and we mostly stayed in shallow water with her. There's plenty of fish to see just standing in knee deep water there. It's fine to wear a swim vest while snorkeling. You want to stay on top of the water and just look down.
You'll have the trip of a lifetime!