PegNDerek's Snorkeling

Where intelligent life returns to the Sea              

Turtle Cove (Buck Island) Sail and Snorkel

Ship’s Excursion out of Charlotte Amalia, St. Thomas, USVI

Ship: Galaxy (Celebrity Cruises)

Sailing Date: June 30, 2003

Date of Snorkel: Sunday, July 6, 2003

Equipment Availability: we have our own which we take with us, but the operators of the Doubloon (65 foot Schooner used for this trip) have a good supply of snorkels, masks, fins and vests. All equipment to borrow appeared well washed and maintained. 

Water Access: Off the sides of the Schooner by rope ladder.

We signed up for this excursion patting ourselves on the back for being so clever as to select a different snorkeling trip than the ones we had done previously to Buck Island off the Century and Millennium out of Charlotte Amalia.  NOT! Lo and Behold, our beautiful 65 foot Schooner, the Doubloon, took us right back to the same island, 3 miles South of Charlotte Amalia!  The only difference was that Turtle Cove is about 100 yards to the East of the “Buck Island Sail and Snorkel” area we had previously visited! Never the mind; it is a perfect spot for snorkeling!  

The Doubloon is a beautifully restored Schooner and her operators are clearly very proud of their vessel.  The trip back and forth to the snorkeling site was very comfortable, even more so than the sailboat rides we had been on for previous voyages.  The crew were exceptionally friendly overall and particularly kind to one lady on our excursion who got a bit sea-sick with the motion of the Schooner on our ride out. Bert, our Captain for this excursion, also very kindly repaired Peg's snorkeling vest strap for once and for all.  Drinks and snacks were served en route back and the crew was delighted to offer Doubloon logo T-shirts and hats (complete with a pirate motif) for sale just before we disembarked.

Snorkeling off Buck Island was as beautiful as ever.  Clear water ranging from 10 to 20 feet deep.  We saw (and photographed) Sammy—the island’s large Female resident Southern Stingray as well as Spanish Hogfish, Banded Butterflyfish, Regal Tangs, Yellow Tail Snappers, and three different varieties of Parrotfish: Princess, Redband and Yellowtail. The fish are obviously used to having people around and are relatively cooperative when it comes to photography.

More information about the Doubloon and this trip is available at www.doubloon.com  Look for our photograph under the July 6, 2003 sailing!

Snorkeling Grade: A