Snorkeling St. John’s Salt Pond Bay

A mechanical and forensic engineer with a career that spans several decades, Paul Angelides operates his own firm in Syosset, New York. For part of each year, he lives on St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among his other recreational pursuits, Paul Angelides is an avid snorkeler.

One of most popular snorkeling destinations on St. John is Salt Pond Bay. To reach this saltwater enclave, visitors must complete a quarter-mile hike on the Salt Pond Bay Trail in Virgin Islands National Park.

Skirted by a white sand beach, Salt Pond Bay has exceptionally clear water that is great for snorkeling. The two large rock formations near its center provide a welcoming environment for a broad spectrum of aquatic life including tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and giant hermit crabs. The bay also offers exceptional snorkeling along its rocky eastern coast. Among this area’s various rock formations, it supports colorful coral reefs and underwater fields of seagrass.

Safety Tips for Snorkeling

Paul Angelides, head of an engineering firm in Syosset, New York, is an avid outdoorsman. In his free time, Paul Angelides enjoys a variety of water sports, including swimming and snorkeling.

Like any water sport, particularly those that involve extended time submerged in open areas, snorkeling requires constant attention to safety. The most effective way to achieve this watchfulness is to swim as a pair, and both swimmers must be willing to be attentive to the other throughout. Buddies must stay close together while in the water, as separation is tantamount to swimming alone.

The snorkeler must also look out for him- or herself, and be aware of surrounding areas. Snorkelers should know if there are rocks or other hazards nearby, while also remaining mindful of the current and any potential feelings of undertow. This also allows the snorkeler to swim across the current and feel oncoming waves, then duck under them to avoid force.

To stay aware, the snorkeler should always swim in full daylight and in clear water. Entrances and exits from the water should take place on a sandy beach that has a lifeguard, who can advise on swimming conditions. Snorkelers should take this advice into consideration along with their own and their partner's skill levels.

Finally, snorkelers should only go in the water with well-fitting equipment and at good hydration levels. Sunscreen is similarly important, as it is easy not to notice sun exposure during a long swim, and water does not protect simmers from sunburn.