snorkel info requested for belize,st.thomas,cozumel ?

[jcloyal1]

hi, i'm heading to belize,cozumel and st.thomas. dec 9-16th on the holland americas veendam.
can someone let me know if they think I could safely snorkel off of one of the beaches in belize where there are less tourists .
Or ,do you think it's better to go with a tour group? if so do you have a tour group in mind with a smaller vessel you could recommend. we have our own equiptment , so we won't need to rent. just in case this matters.:D

[NoNoNanette]

Hi there!

Depending on time restraints, you might consider taking "public transportation" over to Caye Caulker whilst in Belize City.

It's a groovy little island....no cars, dirt roads, golf-carts, restaurants and bars.

At one end of the island, is "The Split". FABULOUS snorkeling there! Let me dig around and find a link for the boat schedule to and fro.

(They also offer "organized" snorkel excursions, but The Split is outstanding!) :)

[NoNoNanette]

http://www.cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com/pages/1/index.htm

http://www.gocayecaulker.com/act.html#swim

If you wish to go Cave Tubing, I HIGHLY recommend:

http://www.cavetubingforless.com/regtour/index.htm

(Reggie is a buddy of mine) :)

[LHC]

Snuba is a wonderful new adventure for some and it is available at several of these ports. Google it to read about it and then look at the excursion offered. Also check out the ports of call on cruise critic for more info on each port and independent excursions.
Linda

[mountainmare]

In St Thomas we took the Red Hook ferry over to St John, then went to Trunk Bay. We got there early, rented snorkel stuff and had a very relaxing day, it only got crowded for about 1/2 hour when a shore tour came for, then they were all herded away and we had good snorkeling again.

[the2ofus]

We were on St. Thomas on May 13th. Had seen Sapphire beach before and took a taxi ($20 one way) over. The beach was lovely, the water very clear and saw quite a few fish. There are some areas of coral where a good number of different fish can be seen.

HOWEVER....the hotel there has just gone into bankruptcy. There were no changing rooms, no restrooms and no food service available because the electricity had just been turned off.

For the time being, on St. Thomas, you might do best to choose Coki beach if you want to snorkel. Our taxi driver back to the ship took us past Magen's Bay beach to drop off some people. The beach looked nice and had good facilities. We were told that snorkeling there is a waste of time.

[berniemom]

Thanks everyone for the info. keep it coming if you think of anywhere else that is good.

[sailrnav]

Take the pick-up truck "taxi" to Coki Beach, $9 each way. Coki Beach is nice, chairs for rent, great drinks are available. Snorkeling is not as good as St Johns, but you can spend a few hours on the beach, snorkel, return to the ship for lunch and go shopping in the afternoon. "Clean facilities" are available at Coral World, a very short walk from the beach, for $1. Coral World itself is worth the entry fee (not great, but nice) and is like snorkeling without going in the water for those who don't want to or are not physically able to enjoy the snorkeling adventure.

[Sunshine91]

On our very 1st HAL cruise on the old Noordam, we did a HAL-sponsored snorkel trip in the afternoon. That trip is SEARED in our memories. The capt took the catamaran down the coast to 2 different sites for a couple of hours of snorkeling. The crew tossed tortillas into the water to attract the gorgeous fish. They were so friendly they (the fish) would almost nibble your fingers. Later we stopped at a very pretty beach for an hour or so of relaxing. The sunset sail returning to San Miguel was UNBELIEVABLE. There were other boats in the area for parasailing - seeing those 'chutes against the setting sun was incredible. The rum punch was free-flowing onboard the cat. Once or twice the capt had to remind the pax that there were children aboard & to keep clothing ON.

Altogether, an UNFORGETTABLE afternoon.

[berniemom]

THANKS FOR THE INFO. CAN U TELL ME WAS THE CATAMERAN REALLY CROWED THAT HAL SET UP WITH ?? AND DO YOU HAVE A NAME 4 ME TOO LOOK UP AND POSSIBLY SET UP???:rolleyes: