Thanks to everyone for the great advice...this has been a big help. We are leaning toward Tranquility Bay because it sounds like it is the best (if not the only) resort that we've come across that has legitimate snorkeling right off the beach. Any further comments on Tranquility Bay would be appreciated!

Thanks

We live here and know to keep heads up to keep an eye out for boats, newcomers get caught up in following a ray or fish etc. Bring down some red ballons with you. Blow them up and tie them to your face mask with about 5 ft of string. We just had a guy loose 3 fingers because he was not paying attention and had no floating marker. I still think it is safest to go out on guided tours but I also see swimmers in bad areas alot.

Be very careful near the reef. The reef is created by coral that is above the water. There are strong currents around these coral heads. I was snorkeling near the reef in front of Nurse Natalie’s place and was surprised at how fast it became very shallow. A good friend of mine had to leave the island to get treatment for a serious injury – had his shin skinned on a coral head and infection set in rapidly.
I have snorkeled a lot under Amigos Del Mar’s dock and Wet Willy’s. Fantastic fish both places. I was told how good Ramon’s Village was but when I took my grandchildren there it was totally muddied up. Must have been the afternoon huh?

When snorkeling keep your ears open. When you hear the sound of a motor get upright in the water – make yourself very visible – wave if necessary. If using a kayak why not just lash the thing to yourself? Use enough line that it doesn’t run over you. I don’t know – just a thought.

Just got back from my first visit to the island. Had a wonderful time and will get a trip report together later. My experience with snorkeling off the docks was not great. The water is clear and beautiful and you will see a number of fish. The bottom is sandy for the most part. The docks are nice place to swim and see some fish but to see the really cool stuff pay the $35.00 and get out with one of the guides. They wil get you out to the good coral formations, they will keep you safe and most of them provide refreshments after you snorkel. Around the docks verses a snorkel with a guide is night and day. Have a wonderful time. keith

across777 - if your main goal is snorkeling as much as you can, Tranquility Bay may work for you. Nice place. The tradeoff is that it is very far from town (about 50 minutes by boat) so you are pretty much stuck there unless you want to pay a lot and take a lot of time to go back and forth. Nothing else within walking distance for dining options, etc.

Remember NOT TO TOUCH THE CORAL you'll kill it, your skin can heal, the reef will take 100 years to recover.

Unless you are stupid and drift into it.

Its right next to Sueno Del Mar. My trips averaged 25 min... 20 min in the fast boat, maybe 30 in the slower boat. As others have said, don't just take off from the beach anyplace, without some kind of Marker, i.e floating dive flag, or kayak that you tow with you.

When I went with Greg Smith, (turtleman) he would stay out there until you were ready to come in. He'll take you to the easy stuff, and if you are game, even the outside of the reef.

Can anyone recomnd a good place to buy Snorkeling Flags in San Pedro.. I don't want to carry one, but it sounds like I'd be more comfortable if the kids had them around Ramons, etc.

Kinda like this:

http://www.scuba.com/shop/diving.asp_cat_39_scuba_1_gear_031770_pn_INNOVATIVE-SNORKEL-FLAG

this one is inflatable...

http://www.scuba.com/shop/product.asp?category=117&fromsearch=1&hashvalue=031795