5 Don’ts When Snorkeling in the USVI

While we love to always look on the bright side of life and focus on sharing the must-dos when in the USVI, we thought it might be helpful to also give some insights into what you should avoid the next time you’re here snorkeling in the USVI.

Snorkeling should not only be fun and safe for you, but it should also leave the sea free of damage. 

Here are our 5 Don’ts When Snorkeling in the USVI

1. Don’t touch or stand on coral Reefs

While we realize it’s tempting to want to feel the vibrant-looking corals, your fingers can immediately damage fragile living coral, which we work hard to protect here in the US Virgin Islands. Besides damage, many corals can cut or sting you. As for standing, if you find that you need to take a rest from snorkeling, be sure to find a sandy area to rest your feet/fins down on. Never stand on coral, which can break it. This is also a great reason to wear a life jacket, which we always provide on our tours & with our snorkel gear rentals. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, it’s always nice to relax and float so you can focus on watching the marine life. 

2. Don’t touch, chase, or feed marine life

We are entering their world and it’s important we give the local marine life the respect it deserves. This means giving sea turtles, stingrays, sea urchins, jellyfish, octopus, squid, and other creatures plenty of space. We don’t want to cause anything to panic and feel the need to flee from us. The same goes with feeding. While it may seem fun to bring scraps to attract fish, things like bread and crackers aren’t their natural diet and aren’t healthy for them to eat. Even feeding fish can disrupt the order of things, causing wild animals to behave in ways that aren’t in their best interests. 

3. Don’t snorkel in rough conditions or strong currents, and don’t go snorkeling alone.

While it’s most often calm in our waters, the weather here can change quickly. Be sure to check the seas and weather before going out to snorkel, and don't go out so far that it would be beyond your abilities to get back if the current got stronger. Always snorkeling with a buddy is a safety rule we all follow as well. It’s also a good idea to let someone on shore know what your plans are so they can watch for your safe return. And, once again, it’s never a bad idea to bring a life jacket!

4. Don’t use sunscreen without checking the ingredients.

We only use reef safe sunscreen here in the US Virgin Islands. It is against the law to use sunscreen with ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. Toxic ingredients like these damage our reefs and pollute the oceans. If you’re able to make the switch, wearing a rash guard is an even better choice, as it protects you from the sun without bringing in any other substances into the sea.

5. Don’t snorkel where boats are operating.



When you’re a snorkeler in the water, it’s incredibly difficult for boats to see you. This is why it’s imperative that you stay out of any boating channels and avoid snorkeling around docks. Stay within designated swim zones and stay close along the shoreline. Always be aware of your surroundings, even when you’re mesmerized (we get it!) by a sea turtle swimming nearby.

Have more questions about snorkeling in the USVI?

We offer guided tours on all three islands. Snorkeling with a local expert is an amazing way to learn more about the underwater world!