Where are you staying? Many villas have snorkel equipment, beach chairs etc. And some resorts have snorkel equipment for their guest use. Check it out.

No such luck- We're staying at Cinnamon Bay campground.

I know some of the shops rent by the week. There is one right near the ferry dock on STJ.

Low-Key Watersports right by the Beach Bar and Cruz Bay Watersports in the Lumberyard right under Chilly Billy's AND another spot in Mongoose Junction-can't think of the name but sits out front & is the last shop on the left, cornering the parking lot.

For the cost of a week-long rental, you might be better off just buying your own set from a good dive shop to have a nice set for the rest of your life...or you could get a cheap set from K-Mart for about $25.

I always suggest you bring your own if using for the week. Then you are not tied to their schedule of renting or returning, or worrying about lost/damaged gear. Take your time to select a good mask. Most snorkels are the same but the mask makes the difference.

I do not recommend you go the K Mart route

I, too, think the K-Mart route is not a good one to go, but to each his/her own...

Regarding the snorkel, I always recommensd spending the extra $$ and getting a nicer one with a valve on top and bottom. Helps keep water from coming in and makes it easy to blow it out. Definitely worth the extra dough, IMO.

There's a rental shop at Cinnamon Bay.

Hello,

Cruz Bay Watersports has their snorkel gear daily/weekly rates posted on their website at http://www.divestjohn.com/snorkel.html.

--Islander

You might want to consider health issues when it comes to renting stuff like that.

Cruz Bay Watersports rents the set for $50 a week. Currently BJ's wholesale club is selling a US Divers set with backpack for $40. It is the same US Divers Set that LLBean is selling. We bought sets for my in-laws who just used them in Mexico and had no problems with them.

What sort of health issues should be considered?

No health issues whatsoever that I've ever heard of. Most places rinse the equipment quite well. The chances of you catching anything is miniscule, even if they aren't rinsed; because, if I'm not mistaken, bacteria would die after a certain amount of time.

Don't worry about it. You probably have more of a chance getting hit by a car here than catching something from a snorkel. If you are fearful bring a antiseptic wipe or something.

I bought a nice US Divers (Pro) set (with back pack) at Cost-U-Less on STT a few months ago for $40.

FI your way is in my opinion the best way to go. You don't have to worry about returning it and you now own a nice snorkel set for the same price as renting.

People poo poo KMart, and I guess I did when I lived back in the states but they sell US Diver sets and Body Glove sets here, which are both decent.

It all depends on how much snorkeling you are going to do. Some people say you must spend $80 on a mask that fits your face, well I agree if you are going to snorkel alot but I think if its a once a year thing just get a decent cheap set.

If you have lots of money or want to buy a really nice snorkel Herrington Catalog has the best snorkel on the market. You can dive under the water and you don't have to clear it, and if a wave hits it you don't get water in the snorkel. It GREAT, and great for people learning as well.

Thanks for the input everyone. We leave tomorrow!!! and I plan on taking my own gear. I wasn't sure if packing the equipment would be worth it but now I see it definately is. Thanks again, and I'll see you in paradise!

Is there a website that posts weekly rentals in St. Thomas?

Most places are $40-$50 for weekly rentals. If you search you will see some posts. Any dive shops rents so it depends on where you are staying.