Why Renting Your Own Snorkel Gear is the Ultimate Virgin Islands Vacation Hack

Chrissann Nickel • July 28, 2025
rent your own snorkel gear USVI St. John

Coming to the US Virgin Islands on vacation soon? Whether this is your first trip, or if you’re a longtime repeat visitor, there’s one island tip that we cannot recommend enough: 


Rent your own snorkel gear for the length of your trip.

marine life to see snorkeling in the US Virgin Islands

The three USVI—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—are a snorkeler's paradise. There are so many snorkel spots you can check out; so much so, that there will not be enough time in one vacation to see them all! 


The Virgin Islands waters are warm year round, crystal clear, and calm. These are the ideal conditions for snorkeling. Beyond that, the waters are thriving with marine life. With fins, mask, and a snorkel, you can immerse yourself in the underwater world and see everything from vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, even dolphins. 

snorkel gear rentals St. John St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

By renting snorkel gear for the length of your stay in the USVI, you’re able to hop in and snorkel wherever and whenever the opportunities present themselves. Whether you’re taking in the sunrise on the beach, renting a dinghy and exploring hidden coves + cays, or kayaking along the shores, you can grab your mask and snorkel and be in an under the sea paradise in minutes.

snorkeling marine life fish in the US Virgin Islands VI Ecotours

Our snorkel gear is always in top condition—clean, free of wear & tear, and easy to transport in our signature mesh backpacks. We are also the only company in the Virgin Islands that allows you to reserve your snorkel gear entirely in advance. 


If you are a frequent island traveler, we also have top of the line snorkel gear available for purchase in our new retail shop at Mongoose Junction on St. John.

sea turtle conservation and sustainable ecotourism in the US Virgin Islands VI Ecotours

Our team is available on all three islands to provide you with tips & instructions on using your rented snorkel gear. You can also join us for a guided tour to get an understanding of the sea conditions with our expert guides before you head out to explore on your own. 


With your own rented snorkel gear, you’ll be three steps ahead of everyone else visiting. You’ve just reached USVI Traveler Level: Master. See you beneath the surface! 

Chrissann Nickel

About Chrissann Nickel

Chrissann Nickel is a writer & digital marketer who is passionate about all things tropical. An outdoor enthusiast, she spent 12+ years living between several islands in the Virgin Islands, exploring all there is to see both above and below the surface of the Caribbean sea. Her perfect USVI day? Sunrise yoga on a paddle board, and then island hopping via boat with stops for snorkeling and a hike. 

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