I'm interested in maybe buying a decent pair of binoculars. Does anyone have a recommendation for where to go?

A few years back I bought a pair of stieners at boochands and thought I got a good price. Could had got same price or cheaper on ebay or amason. Best to do your research and homework before you go. Or Support the island and buy there.

Boochands is in Philipsburg?

Yes

I got these a few months ago (Amazon) and they are great for a easily packable 8x32 binoc...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AHC6IZG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Greetings. I've had great experience with the Nikon Monarch 5 and 7. Have both as well as I had Swarovski which I sold - too expensive and I worried too much when I carried them! The monarch's have been bullet proof and for the money excellent optics. I bought both at different times from REI when they have their 20% off of one full price item for members sale.

I would suggest Boolchands also. I agree it's best to purchase at home, for quality and price. However, last trip I forgot our binocs somehow, and almost thought about going to buy some on island, but decided to do without. We use our binoculars a lot at Beachside.

Mitch,

Unless you really feel you NEED them for this trip, I’d take a look at the Nikon Monarchs and compare options at home. It’s a lot easier to send them back to Amazon than it is to Boolchands (a good company to deal with btw...) unless you’d only return them in person and if so, I’d opt for Boolchands. 😊😊

Times have changed and the good deals you may have gotten back long ago are not as great as they once were.Look at amazon, walmart etc. My opinion

Search B&H Photo. Have always had great luck with them. Easy website. Probably closed for the Jewish Holiday but you can still search and order

Cabelas is always a good bet. Huge selection. I have several Nikon binoculars (wife used to work for a Nikon distributor). Very solid. We always take a pair down. Used to sit on my perch way atop the C building (sniff) at SBR for hours. Great fun watching the comings and goings of Simpson bay.

One year checked around the stores in SXM then next year bought them at Bass Pro Shop a lot cheaper and better selection. So many it was hard to choose.