Snorkeling in St. Thomas vs. Turks and Caicos

[furf_n_slo]

My husband and I are having a hard time deciding between two snorkeling tours on our Eurodam cruise in Jan.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these?


St. Thomas:

Escape to Grand Turk’s Governor’s Beach for a relaxing day of sun worshiping, swimming and snorkeling! Your air-conditioned mini bus or open-air vehicle, round trip transportation will take you to Governor’s Beach, which is situated within the Columbus Landfall National Park and is a protected area. Your friendly guide and driver will provide interesting information regarding the Turks & Caicos Islands from the cruise center to the beach. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our friendly staff. Lounge chairs and snorkel equipment are included as is our guided instructions on how and where to snorkel on the beach. Water float mats are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. There is a bar serving drinks and snacks for purchase, toilet facilities and fresh water showers and foot baths. This excursion is perfect for beginner snorkelers or for those who want a more relaxing beach experience. Return to the terminal is at your leisure, the transportation runs approximately every 20 minutes.


Turks and Caicos:

Transfer by open-air bus from the pier to the beach. Snorkeling equipment and fish food are provided for an introduction to snorkeling (experienced snorkelers are welcome too!) The fish will eat right out of your hand! After snorkeling, there's time to lounge on the pristine, sandy beach and buy refreshments.

[Rowan813]

On our cruise last month we snorkeled in Grand Turk and took a catamaran to St. John to snorkel on our day in St. Thomas. The snorkelng was good both places. From what we heard, the water is usually clearer and cooler in Grand Turk. We had exceptional conditions in St John-warm water and very clear. I liked both. If I had to pick one again, it would be St John. It was really pretty and we got to enjoy the beach a little bit also. There was plenty to see in both places. I hope this helps a bit.

[G&G]

My husband and I are having a hard time deciding between two snorkeling tours on our Eurodam cruise in Jan.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these?


St. Thomas:

Escape to Grand Turk’s Governor’s Beach for a relaxing day of sun worshiping, swimming and snorkeling! Your air-conditioned mini bus or open-air vehicle, round trip transportation will take you to Governor’s Beach, which is situated within the Columbus Landfall National Park and is a protected area. Your friendly guide and driver will provide interesting information regarding the Turks & Caicos Islands from the cruise center to the beach. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our friendly staff. Lounge chairs and snorkel equipment are included as is our guided instructions on how and where to snorkel on the beach. Water float mats are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. There is a bar serving drinks and snacks for purchase, toilet facilities and fresh water showers and foot baths. This excursion is perfect for beginner snorkelers or for those who want a more relaxing beach experience. Return to the terminal is at your leisure, the transportation runs approximately every 20 minutes.


Turks and Caicos:

Transfer by open-air bus from the pier to the beach. Snorkeling equipment and fish food are provided for an introduction to snorkeling (experienced snorkelers are welcome too!) The fish will eat right out of your hand! After snorkeling, there's time to lounge on the pristine, sandy beach and buy refreshments.

Just sailed on Eurodam 12/05/09 and did snorkeling in Turks and St Thomas. In Turks did "Ultimate Snorkeling by Boat" ($49/person). Went to two sites; rate it 6.5 out of 10.

In St Thomas we always go to Saphirre Beach & Resort to snorkel. It is a $11/person cab ride each way. No charge to use beach. $7 per person for lounge chairs all day. I have also previously done snorkel trips to St Johns, Magins Bay, and sail/Snorkel tours. I believe Saphirre Beach is the best place to snorkel from a beach anywhere. Have previously seen sea turtles, stingrays and many different tropical fish in great numbers. Usually only few people from ships go there; why, I do not know

[New Jersey Pat]

If you don't mind a 20 minute walk, you can walk to Governor's Beach from the ship and rent the snorkeling equipment there. Much less expensive and you have as much time as you want.

[TN Cruise Traveler]

You can definitely walk to Governor's beach. Cool coral scraps to look at on the way.

Since you are going to several cool snorkeling places, you should by a snorkel set ($25-30). Try to get the new shorter flippers that take less room and weigh less for packing. Wish I had them.

[AfriCan]

On our recent Eurodam cruise in Oct., we also did snorkling in both Grand Turk and St. Thomas.

Our experience in Grand Turk was very average, to say the least. We did the "Ultimate Snorkling" and found that the guides were really not very informative, mostly just paddling around in the water, keeping an eye on every one in the water. No special info on the coral, sea life etc. The fish were quite beautiful though, but not much in the line of coral.

We also did the Barefoot Catamaran sail in St. Thomas. Totally different experience! We had a marine biologist on board who actually led the snorkel group through a series of spots (like a snorkel "trail"), pointing out fish, coral and providing really interesting info on the sea life. Then a nice relaxing sail back to port, including some yummy rum punch and a very entertaining crew!

If I had to pick - definitely the St. Thomas one.
PS. Grand Turk had a hurricane in 2008 (if I remember correctly) that may have damaged the underwater sea life.

[furf_n_slo]

Thanks for the info! We do already own our own snorkel gear but will be flying from the west coast and trying to keep our luggage minimum to avoid extra travel costs.

We'll also be traveling with out two young children who will probably be too tired after snorkeling to walk back.

We need to have an excursion where we can snorkel off a beach since we can't all go snorkeling together at one time.