Sapphire Beach and Snorkeling

[Crus4US]

We would like to snorkel and have determined that Sapphire Beach is where we want to do this. My question is if we get transport can we rent the snorkel equipment there? Also how do we get to the area to snorkel?

I checked with some tour companies and couldn't find a company that did anything but take you to the beaches.

Thanks.

[richtersl]

You can get a cab to drop you off at the beach. Once you're there, find the watersports booth and rent your equipment from there. The booth is right on the beach and you will pass right by it, if I recollect. Rent some beach chairs, and then settle yourselves under some sea grape trees and enjoy your day! :D

 

The snorkeling is just off the beach.

 

Here are some photos that will give you an idea of the "lay of the land": http://lrichters.smugmug.com/gallery/1228174_EXcqL

 

The day we were there the water was like glass, but upon occasion, you can get small waves there.

[crisp1]

The best snorkeling at Sapphire is to the right as you face the beach. The dark area in the water to the left is seagrass- not much to see there. Some areas to the right are quite shallow. It's best to enter the water in the sandy area and follow the formations out towards the point. Just off the point there are nice coral formations full of fish and invertabrates

[mister exec]

A taxi from the pier to Sapphire Beach will cost you $10/each one way for two or more passengers.

 

Enjoy

[emmysmommy]

And remember that the taxis are more like tricked out pick-up trucks with rows of bench seats. They usually try to fill them up before leaving the port or in our case, stop for people along the way. Has happened every time we've used the taxi's in St. Thomas.

[hockeyboy]

Sapphire is an awesome beach. As you stand in the center of the beach looking out you'll see dark areas to the left, right and center.

 

Left and right are reef areas. I'm not sure which is the best. You have time to do both. The one to the left can get a little rougher with the surf. Beginners should probably start out ot the right.

 

The seagrass area is a bit bland, but you can often find sea turtles and rays in that area.

 

As someone pointed out, rent a chair and your equipment then plop yourself down under a sea grape tree. Get their early and:

nap, snorkel, beer, lunch (w/beer),snorkel, beer, snorkel, go back to ship.

 

Thanks about how our day went.

 

Oh yeah, and to the very right of the beach you'll see a peninsula that goes way out into the bay. It was fun to go out their and sit for a while, what a perfect spot.

[David (and Julie)]

St. John has much better snorkeling. But do not do the overcrowded Trunk Bay in St. John. Try to rent a fast boat and go to the far side of the island.

[duckncvr]

Does saphire beach have parasailing? I thought I'd read that they do, but havent' seen anything specific to that yet?

[richtersl]

Does saphire beach have parasailing? I thought I'd read that they do, but havent' seen anything specific to that yet?

 

:D :D :D

 

[lovetocruise99]

Here are some more Sapphire Beach photos. The beach is truly as beautiful as one you would find anywhere.

 

http://familytravelfun.com/sapphirebeachphoto.html