Snorkeling the Baths?

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)

We've never been impressed with the snorkeling at the Baths, but YMMV. If the seas are calm, Savannah Bay is like an aquarium.

In looking at the map, looks like we could hit Savannah Bay on our drive back to Leverick from the Baths?

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.

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="" />

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.

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.

We've always just used Devils Bay to get swamped by the waves - savannah and Mahoe are much better for snorkeling - cheers Brian

Even if there are crowds, you walk down about 100 yards to where the sand forms a point, plant yourself & enjoy!

Have not been to Mahoe yet - might have to do that this May as well

Chris - where is the good spot to snorkel at Savannah if it's calm?

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

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

everywhere but the far southerly area is somewhat better

thanks guys! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

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.

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.

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

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

we never wear shoes at the baths

Preferably not

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...

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.

...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="" />

Love snorkeling around the Baths and Devil's Bay.

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

does anyone know if the bathrooms at the baths have showers

we are coming by land..does the area close at dusk or earlier

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.

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="" />

I am almost certain that the baths have showers and washrooms.