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Snorkeling the Baths? #44147
03/06/2015 06:22 PM
03/06/2015 06:22 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl Offline OP
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We've hiked the trail at the baths but never really stopped or stayed at Devils Bay for any amount of time. I see people hiking through with their snorkel equipment tho. I'm wondering is there good snorkeling in Devils Bay? Worth bringing the snorkels along? ( we're arriving by car not boat)

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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44148
03/06/2015 06:41 PM
03/06/2015 06:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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We've never been impressed with the snorkeling at the Baths, but YMMV. If the seas are calm, Savannah Bay is like an aquarium.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: tradewinds] #44149
03/06/2015 06:49 PM
03/06/2015 06:49 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl Offline OP
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In looking at the map, looks like we could hit Savannah Bay on our drive back to Leverick from the Baths?

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44150
03/06/2015 07:16 PM
03/06/2015 07:16 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 320
TAMPA BAY, USA
lookinatfifty Offline
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Far side of Devils bay as well as immediately to the right when you enter. Both are great snorkeling! Definitely hit Savannah on your way back to Leverick.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44151
03/06/2015 07:19 PM
03/06/2015 07:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 922
Virginia
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charlie Online content
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Okay, checking in here. Savannah Bay is great except on the weekend when the locals go there enmasse for BBQ picnic party. No parking spaces and very crowded...unless you walk a short piece away from the main area, then you are good. As for Devil's Bay, snorkle out from the left, or far side, around the point but not all the way to the channel side as the current between islands is strong, and work your way around to the right side and check out the boulder "paths" and inlets which are cool. Also, on that side there is a dual acessable "cave" both from the water and the beach, but you will have to explore, search, look for,and be careful while swimming in, and from the beach you are on your hands and knees, but it is so cool...I can't wait! Is it May yet????? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44152
03/06/2015 07:25 PM
03/06/2015 07:25 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,429
Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
mdoyle9999 Offline
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Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
We love Savannah Bay but we have had great snorkeling at the Baths as well, particularly around the rocks heading towards Spring Bay. It's the only place where I haver ever seen an octopus.


Mike
"The journey is the thing." Homer
Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: charlie] #44153
03/06/2015 07:41 PM
03/06/2015 07:41 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Bummer about the crowds at Savannah but you sure can't blame them - it's so beautiful there! We will stop there anyway in May and I've promised a stop at the Baths to our crew...so we'll head there as well.


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44154
03/06/2015 08:05 PM
03/06/2015 08:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2 Offline
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We've always just used Devils Bay to get swamped by the waves - savannah and Mahoe are much better for snorkeling - cheers Brian


GordaGuy2
Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: gordaguy2] #44155
03/06/2015 09:03 PM
03/06/2015 09:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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Even if there are crowds, you walk down about 100 yards to where the sand forms a point, plant yourself & enjoy!

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: tradewinds] #44156
03/06/2015 09:21 PM
03/06/2015 09:21 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Have not been to Mahoe yet - might have to do that this May as well laugh


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44157
03/06/2015 09:22 PM
03/06/2015 09:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Chris - where is the good spot to snorkel at Savannah if it's calm?


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44158
03/07/2015 10:56 AM
03/07/2015 10:56 AM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl Offline OP
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Thanks for all the tips - excellent advice!
We'll be at Savannah on a Tues or Weds so we should miss the weekend crowds.
Julie

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44159
03/07/2015 11:16 AM
03/07/2015 11:16 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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Quote
Winterstale said:
Chris - where is the good spot to snorkel at Savannah if it's calm?


We take a right and walk down a ways. The reef is only a few yards offshore.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44160
03/07/2015 12:10 PM
03/07/2015 12:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2 Offline
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everywhere but the far southerly area is somewhat better


GordaGuy2
Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: gordaguy2] #44161
03/07/2015 12:25 PM
03/07/2015 12:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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thanks guys! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44162
03/07/2015 01:12 PM
03/07/2015 01:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 430
South Carolina
Riverfrontbrewer Offline
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Bridget-

Definitely make it to Mahoe if you guys have time this year. We found it to be the best snorkeling on VG. Not that we saw any more fish/creatures, but the coral life seemed to be much more "alive" there than elsewhere.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Riverfrontbrewer] #44163
03/07/2015 05:49 PM
03/07/2015 05:49 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 80
Rosenberg, TX
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txjustin Offline
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Rosenberg, TX
Mahoe is really good! We stayed in a villa a few hundreds yards from Mahoe a few years ago. Hoping to go back next year.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: txjustin] #44164
03/09/2015 09:38 AM
03/09/2015 09:38 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,105
Syracuse NY
sandsea Offline
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I love Mahoe for snorkeling as well. Great Elkhorn coral on the swim out...

I always try to park on the road above and walk in since parking is limited and for villa guests within the area.

But I was wondering if anyone has inquired about parking at Mango Bay for a couple hours while we snorkel?

Would it be acceptable to ask at their office if you could park in their lot way off somewhere as to not take up a space meant for a guest? Parking on that road above can be a little spooky.....

Lisa

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44165
03/09/2015 12:02 PM
03/09/2015 12:02 PM
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Gailgs Offline
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i am pretty sure this was asked and answered so excuse me ..but do you really need shoes to hike the trail at the baths

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Gailgs] #44166
03/09/2015 12:11 PM
03/09/2015 12:11 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
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we never wear shoes at the baths

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: sail2wind] #44167
03/09/2015 12:13 PM
03/09/2015 12:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
salica Offline
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Devon, UK
Preferably not

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: salica] #44168
03/09/2015 01:16 PM
03/09/2015 01:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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We don't wear shoes at the baths either - some people wear the swim shoes - depends on your preference. You don't need them by any means...


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: sail2wind] #44169
03/09/2015 01:21 PM
03/09/2015 01:21 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl Offline OP
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Petoskey, MI
Gailgs - it really depends on how tough your feet are. My husband doesn't wear shoes. I'm a tenderfoot so I do. If you do, they shouldn't be flip flops. You'll be in and out of water and you don't want your foot slipping around on a rubber flip flop.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44170
03/09/2015 01:25 PM
03/09/2015 01:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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...the section with the rope on the rock could be a bit of a challenge in flip flops as well <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44171
03/09/2015 02:47 PM
03/09/2015 02:47 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
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Love snorkeling around the Baths and Devil's Bay.

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: CottageGirl] #44172
03/09/2015 08:41 PM
03/09/2015 08:41 PM
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Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
DanS Offline
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Quote
Gailgs - it really depends on how tough your feet are.


I agree with this 100%. My nieces are tougher than I am, and were comfortable going barefoot. For me, water socks are the way to go.

Dan

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44173
03/12/2015 11:16 AM
03/12/2015 11:16 AM
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Gailgs Offline
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does anyone know if the bathrooms at the baths have showers

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Gailgs] #44174
03/12/2015 11:43 AM
03/12/2015 11:43 AM
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Gailgs Offline
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we are coming by land..does the area close at dusk or earlier

Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Gailgs] #44175
03/12/2015 12:09 PM
03/12/2015 12:09 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 544
Jacksonville, FL, USA
onlymedication Offline
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The Baths closes at sunset. It is an incredible place to be at dusk. In practice, I don't think they really send someone around the park kicking people out at sundown. At least, not the time we were there at that time of day.

Edit: we were the last people in the park, it was silent and an incredible experience.

Last edited by onlymedication; 03/12/2015 12:10 PM.
Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: onlymedication] #44176
03/12/2015 01:02 PM
03/12/2015 01:02 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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You will see signage there warning you not walk through the boulder "path" after 3:30pm -- we walked through at just about 3:30pm and it was just fine -- I think they're just asking people to be careful since visibility will obviously decrease as the sun goes down. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


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Re: Snorkeling the Baths? [Re: Winterstale] #44177
03/12/2015 09:10 PM
03/12/2015 09:10 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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I am almost certain that the baths have showers and washrooms.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

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