If we are on a ball at Marina Cay and want to go over to Monkey Point to do some snorkeling, how early should I be there to hopefully secure a mooring? This will be in the May-June timeframe for the trip.

The monkey point balls can get busy. However there is a 90 minute time limit as the balls are red.

If there is no ball available, simply head to the anchorage at white bay, a few hundred meters north, get a ball or anchor. Then dinghy over.

We were there this past May 17th. Got a late start leaving Leverick after 10AM and we picked up a ball at Monkey point around 12:30. There were 2 open and someone picked up the last one shortly after we arrived.

We left around 2:30 and there were more balls available then.

We usually get to monkey point by noon. Stay our 90 mins. During that time it fills up. Our experience has been either Nov or Mar/April. It's one of our favorites!

How has Monkey Point been for people? The last three or four times I've been there it's been very average. Previous to the ho-hum period it was pretty good - just a notch below the Indians. Not sure if the "average" is just bad luck so I'm wondering what other's think?

On the other hand... we have figured out a couple of places on St. John that are much much better than anything we've seen in the BVI. Great looking coral - all healthy and colorful - and a huge amount of fish. St. John is looking better and better!

Monkey point is hit and miss. Lately I have had very good experiences there.

Where do you suggest for St. John?

Pouring rain last time we went, which made visibility poor.
Still saw some nice fish though.

Viability is often poor their. It's not a highly rated site.

Salt Pond is awesome. Mary'e Point at Maho is very nice as well. Lienster has some very good snorkeling too

Thank you for the St John suggestions.

Another great St John snorkeling spot is Waterlemon Kay.

Waterlemon Cay is excellent, but be careful. At times, the current can wrap around the west end with great vigor!

Thanks for the heads up.