Snorkeling Ages

[Melb1127]

My family will be going to St. Martin and St. Thomas on the Caribbean Princess in August. I would really love to snorkel but I'm not sure what are the minimum age requirements. Do they vary depending on where you go?

 

Can anyone help me out and possibly give recommendations about where is the best place to go? My kids are 6 and 8 and are very good swimmers but the 6 year old gets tired faster than the rest of us. Thanks for your help!

[Stevesan]

There's really no minimum age to snorkel. On GP, there were snorkel lessons conducted by the on board dive staff. This was done in the ship's pool early in the cruise. Snorkeling is very simple, but there are a few necessary techniques to learn. Snorkel gear was available for rent during the length of the cruise. If you take a tour, snorkel equipment will be provided. Check precruise to find out if CB offers the same snorkel amenities. If not, you could purchase basic gear (it's not expensive) and you and the kids practice in a pool before departure.

 

In St Thomas, you might try the Trunk Bay tour to St John's or just go to Coki Beach on St Thomas. Coral World Ocean Park is adjacent to Coki beach and should be fun for the whole family. You can also try Snuba at Coral World. You can get to Coki without taking a tour. The same is true for St John, but you have to navigate the ferry and shuttle schedules. Not a big deal, if you don't mind doing a little research. Both beaches are excellent for shore snorkeling. Trunk Bay is beautiful and has a marked snorkel trial, but Coki might be a better choice for the kids.

 

http://www.usvi.net/usvi/

http://www.cokidive.com/

http://www.coralworldvi.com/

 

Snorkeling at St Martin is only fair to poor. There are marvelous beaches on St Martin, but I've not heard of any decent shore/beach snorkeling there. Most people enjoy the Golden Eagle boat trip. Snorkeling is only fair, but the sailing trip is fun.

 

http://www.sailingsxm.com/eagle.htm

[bruce-r]

I second the suggestion of going to coki beach. Nice place for little kids.

 

I also share Stevesan's opinion of St. Maarten. The diving there was very disappointing, so I can't imagine the snorkeling being good there either. Some really nice sandy beaches though.

[Melb1127]

Thank you so much for this information! I have written it all down and plan to take it along with us.

[simonv]

My daughter was six or seven when she first snorkeled in Hawaii. We put her on a boogy board with a mask but no snorkel. Parents pushed the boogy board. She then graduated to snorkeling with a life jacket. She's now a certified diver.