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Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! #82894
01/19/2016 10:59 AM
01/19/2016 10:59 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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Huntsville, AL
Good morning all!
We will be coming to Tortola in April for 6 nights & one of our "musts" is snorkeling. I'm looking for recommendations on the best possible snorkeling tour leaving out of Tortola. We are staying in a house, so I've been looking at some of the day sails with snorkeling to get out on the water.

I'm a snorkeling virgin so have no clue what's "Good", so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

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Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82895
01/19/2016 11:38 AM
01/19/2016 11:38 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
salica Offline
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Devon, UK
If you are new to snorkelling, have you any idea how competent you will feel in open, deep water? We have found that theory and practise can be quite different for some people. I would start your snorkelling career by going to Brewers Bay and walking out on the the left side of the bay (under Nicole's, the cafe). Snorkelling here is pretty good and you can stay within your depth until you feel happy to venture further. Always take your time when snorkelling, float along gently, not kicking and splashing and you will see much more than you can imagine. We used to make a first snorkel stop the Indians, until I realised that some excellent swimmers but new snorkellers were not happy in open, deep water. No one admitted it at the time, but did do so after they gained confidence.
I'm afraid I don't have knowledge of which snorkel tours are good departing Tortola, but others will chime in.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: salica] #82896
01/19/2016 11:44 AM
01/19/2016 11:44 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Nice off the beach snorkel is at the west end of CGB..take off in front of the red roofed " Cane Garden Bay Beach House)..nice reef just offshore there.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Manpot] #82897
01/19/2016 11:50 AM
01/19/2016 11:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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Thanks! Salica...didn't even think about that. For my/our first few times it would probably be best to go a little more shallow, then work our way up to deeper waters. Thanks for the advice.

Manpot...will keep that in mind since we will be at CGB A LOT! Anywhere near there we could rent snorkel gear?

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82898
01/19/2016 11:56 AM
01/19/2016 11:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
salica Offline
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You'll no doubt be fine, but no point in scaring anyone and putting them off completely to such a great activity.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82899
01/19/2016 12:05 PM
01/19/2016 12:05 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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They should have gear for rent at the watersports stand in front of "Myett's"..some villas also provide it ( we do).

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82900
01/19/2016 12:20 PM
01/19/2016 12:20 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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I agree with the others, for a newbie, starting off walking off the beach might be the best suggestion, to get yourself more acclimated. ...which is not to say that you shouldn't get out on the water, by taking a day sail around, as you really should do that. But don't focus on it per se as a snorkelling trip..


Carol Hill
Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Carol_Hill] #82901
01/19/2016 12:37 PM
01/19/2016 12:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 468
Soper's Hole Marina, Tortola
SurfandSail Offline
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Soper's Hole Marina, Tortola
Hello,
You can try Debs at Island Surf and Sail for your day trip. Captain Debs does guided snorkel tours, and provides all the snorkel aids and gear you need for the day. Debs loves snorkelling, and will take every step to make sure you are safe, and enjoy the experience! This is a power boat day trip (max 6 people)out of Soper's Hole Marina, which also means you can visit multiple spots during the day, and different islands. For more info, please visit www.daytripsbvi.com or call 1-284-494-0123.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: SurfandSail] #82902
01/19/2016 12:43 PM
01/19/2016 12:43 PM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 886
Louisville, KY
NoelHall Offline
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Louisville, KY
On a decent day, "The Indians" is an excellent snorkel location.


Noel Hall
"It is humbling indeed, to discover my own opinion is only correct less than 50% of the time."

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Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: NoelHall] #82903
01/19/2016 01:54 PM
01/19/2016 01:54 PM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 101
New England Coast
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BayCruiser Offline
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New England Coast
I agree that you should get acclimated with at lease one snorkel off a beach. Then, if you hire a powerboat, you could cover Indians, Cooper and The Baths, all excellent spots.
Probably want to avoid The Wreck of the Rhone until you are more practiced, as it can be a bit intimidating.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82904
01/19/2016 05:22 PM
01/19/2016 05:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2 Offline
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Try going over to Virgin Gorda and do Savannah bay and Mahoe Bay - it would make an interesting day trip and the snorkeling is second to none.


GordaGuy2
Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: gordaguy2] #82905
01/19/2016 05:48 PM
01/19/2016 05:48 PM
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Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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Thanks all!

With the baths being one of our musts while we're there, it seems like it's hard to find a good tour there. Most people I've contacted say they can't guarantee due to weather.

Can someone tell me what our best bet would be to get there? Would it be to get a ferry to Virgin Gorda, then cab over to the baths? You guys will have to forgive me as I don't know the geography of where the ferry gets dropped at versus where the baths are located & if this would even be possible.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82906
01/19/2016 05:58 PM
01/19/2016 05:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Rockville, MD
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Rockville, MD
If you are in Tortola, you should go to the Indians. It's a short boat ride. There are plenty of tour groups that go there. The water is so salty you can't drown!! I sink like a rock but float everywhere I go in the BVI. There are tons of fish and we see Sea Turtles often.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Barefootin8] #82907
01/19/2016 07:07 PM
01/19/2016 07:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 594
Michigan
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IWIWSE Online content
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Check out Speedys Ferry. I think they have a package that includes the ferry and a trip to the baths. Maybe lunch also.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: BayCruiser] #82908
01/19/2016 09:51 PM
01/19/2016 09:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,451
Finger Lake Region
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Finger Lake Region
We haven't yet snorkeled Smuggler's Cove when on Tortola. Anyone have experience there? Certainly a beautiful beach!

We still look forward to taking daysails with Joe (Patouche) and Kuralu one of these visits, we seem to spend too much time limin' on the gorgeous beaches! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" />


"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.”
-Anthony Bourdain
Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: IWIWSE] #82909
01/19/2016 09:52 PM
01/19/2016 09:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,451
Finger Lake Region
crmoores Offline
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Quote
IWIWSE said:
Check out Speedys Ferry. I think they have a package that includes the ferry and a trip to the baths. Maybe lunch also.

They do offer different packages.
Be sure to check the cruise ship schedule as it gets very congested there when the crowds roll in. Spring Bay is a nice alternative.


"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.”
-Anthony Bourdain
Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82910
01/19/2016 10:53 PM
01/19/2016 10:53 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 225
Dallas
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camelot Offline
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Dallas
"Newbie" or "Never" -- if never suggest contacting the local scuba company and they should acquaint you and get you comfortable in the water -- If you are comfortable in a pool you will have no problems in the salt. If you need glasses for distance and really want to snorkel/scuba in the future for not a lot of $$$ can order online a good mask with optical correction for about 100USD. Or use a standard mask with contacts but if your mask floods use contacts that if you lose no big deal -- makes a big difference in the experience. renting fins is easy; a good mask with a well-fitting soft silicone skirt can make or break a good experience.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: gordaguy2] #82911
01/20/2016 07:59 AM
01/20/2016 07:59 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Ferry over on Speedy's and rent a car for the day..short drive to the Baths ( get there early or much later in the day to avoid crowds)..check out the old mine..have a cold one at "Mermaids" and check the views and you can see Morgan Freeman's house on the point..stop at " Hog Heaven" for view and a snack and on to Leverick to meet Nick and Monica..perfect day..stop at Savannah Bay and snorkel again..then head back to Spanish Town and back on the ferry late afternoon..

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Manpot] #82912
01/20/2016 09:28 AM
01/20/2016 09:28 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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I really appreciate all the advice! I'm glad I found this forum...You guys are a huge help!

Manpot...this may be a stupid question but who are Nick & Monica?

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82913
01/20/2016 09:38 AM
01/20/2016 09:38 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Nick and Monica run Leverick Bay..they are great friends to all us TTOLers..give us special rates and a very warm welcome..check out the poster featuring many of us on the dock. They are very special people, running a lovely "resort" and will greet you with open arms..and maybe a cold one at the end of their workday!

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Manpot] #82914
01/20/2016 10:41 AM
01/20/2016 10:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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Huntsville, AL
Thanks. A little off topic, but does anyone have the scoop on fishing?

I would love to get out on the water & fish while in BVI, but also don't want to break the bank. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82915
01/20/2016 10:54 AM
01/20/2016 10:54 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Fishing from shore is free and license free..watched two guys in CGB the other day catching a hard nose or two..just watch for the "boiling" water and cast..

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Manpot] #82916
01/20/2016 11:12 AM
01/20/2016 11:12 AM
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Posts: 18
Huntsville, AL
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TrevorHuntsville Offline OP
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Thanks. I was thinking about getting to the marina early in the morning & seeing if I could hop on a boat going out if I threw them a few hundred dollars. Any idea if this would be possible?

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82917
01/20/2016 11:33 AM
01/20/2016 11:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2 Offline
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Re the baths - take the ferry over and take a cab - easy access down the hill from the parking lot at the baths - if you want to combine the baths trip with snorkeling at Savannah that would make for a full day of fun in the sun. Note - depending on the time of year the seas can be rough at the baths.


GordaGuy2
Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: TrevorHuntsville] #82918
01/26/2016 02:48 PM
01/26/2016 02:48 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,303
Middlebury, VT USA
Frank Offline
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Middlebury, VT USA
A comprehensive list of daysail and powerboat options.

Re: Snorkeling - Need Suggestions! [Re: Frank] #82919
01/27/2016 05:01 AM
01/27/2016 05:01 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Tortola, BVI
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LianeLeTendre Offline
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Tortola, BVI
Nice list Frank but you have a few dead links there. You may want to add Island Surf and Sail, Island Time, King Charters, and a few other relatively new powerboat entries.


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