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update on current snorkel conditionsVI

Posted By: camelot

update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 09/20/2018 06:29 PM

Our main reason to bareboat is snorkeling -- usually BVI but planning to go to USVI possibly SVI this summer -- Aware of the severe impact many of snorkel sites in BVI --How severely were the "good" sites impacted farther west and how are they recovering?
Posted By: sail445

Re: update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 09/21/2018 12:08 PM

Storms are natures way of scrubbing clean the reefs.
Some reefs will be damaged but will regrow in a few years, you should enjoy the snorkeling in the VI
Posted By: camelot

Re: update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 09/21/2018 02:59 PM

agreed -- however just as some of the "usual" areas in the BVI were more impacted than others was hoping for some recent local knowledge -- not asking to divulge someone's secret place but if anyone had been since the hurricane were some sites more worth the trip than others -- Well aware that condition, light, weather, time of day, luck etc are important variables to keep in mind, and one person's meh snorkel site may be someone else's best. Just trying to add to or subtract from the many choices available, but either way will go and enjoy. Thx
Posted By: TomB

Re: update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 09/21/2018 08:16 PM

We were on STJ in April and had a blast! Snorkeling was on the way to recovery, but not like the past.
Plenty of Turtles and the water was awesome, but little shade.
East End was better than the North Shore
Did not go to Salt Pond area.

Here is a link to our trip report which has some underwater shots and some pics: Trip Report

There are more pictures and details in the blog which is linked at the end of the Trip Report.

No matter what you will be in blue water and life is good.
And if you have any free time consider a little volunteer work with the Friends on the National Park.
I am sure there is still plenty to do.

Have a great time.
Posted By: agrimsrud

Re: update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 10/02/2018 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by camelot
Our main reason to bareboat is snorkeling -- usually BVI but planning to go to USVI possibly SVI this summer -- Aware of the severe impact many of snorkel sites in BVI --How severely were the "good" sites impacted farther west and how are they recovering?


We have had three trips post Irma. As my boat is at CYOA in CA we always spend two or three days on St. John. My wife is a snorkel nut - as soon as we tie up the boat she's finding her gear. We have developed some favorite spots which we nearly always visit. And we know how they looked pre-Irma.

I can't say the snorkeling is really any different. We always see variations from trip to trip. I would say our trip in late October 2017 - mere weeks after the storm - was significantly better in terms of marine life compared to April and August. But none of the three trips were worse or better than previous years.

If you like to snorkel I am certain you will find plenty to see and appreciate. Storms be damned.
Posted By: jagmansr

Re: update on current snorkel conditionsVI - 10/02/2018 02:06 AM

Our boat is chartered in BVI but we like to spend a couple days in St John We love Waterlemon. Wondering where your favorite snorkeling spots are?
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