Decisions, decisions...... There's a helicopter tour of the island, Pretty exciting and not inexpensive but a more than memorable experience I'm sure though I spent every possible second in the sea. While you'll find great snorkeling in St. John, the marine preserve at the base of Gros Piton at Jalousie Plantation in Soufriere is like swimming in an aquarium!!!!! Incredible!!!! Overall the best snorkeling on the island is in or near Soufriere. There's also a marine preserve at at Anse Chastenet but not nearly as full of fish though I'm told after the fact of our trip there a week ago that if you swim to the right of the restaurant near the pier and not the dive shop you'll see more fish than the marine preserve so be sure to check it out if you're there. Anse Couchon is also another great location for snorkeling. For sheer and unique beauty, I'd suggest spending your St. Lucia day in Soufriere. There are several waterfalls, most notably Diamond which are breathing taking. Have lunch at Dasheene Restaurnant at Ladera for an incredible view of The Pition and the valley between the them. Bon Chance!

Hi Moviechic8,

Here's what I'd do on each island (used to work on a cruise ship as a musician...great "just out of college" job):

St Thomas: Magen's Bay (beach, hang out, relax) then downtown or portside for shopping. Don't snorkel. Or if you golf, do Mahogany Run.

St. John: Snorkel/beach at Trunk Bay. Easiest to get to.

Barbados: The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship. Snorkeling included. If you're into drunken fun, or even if you're not you'll get recruited, this is a fun one. Even the fuddy duddies end up having a blast. You might end up mooning the cruise ship as you sail by on the return. Watch all those jaws drop open from the cruise ship decks. Alternative is taxi up to Crane's Beach for lunch & hanging out.

Puerto Rico: Definitely rain forest hike. There is a website with maps (google "El Yunque) if you want to do it on your own. Bring a small fold up cooler with beer/water and maybe some sandwiches. Lots of little shanty huts along the way to duck under during the regular downpours (it's a rainforest!). Then go to Luquillo Beach & dine on fresh snapper at any of the beach restaurants. There's also a fun horseback riding ranch that takes you up into the rainforest for a waterfall swim, then down to Luquillo Beach for a fun run.

Or go to El Conquistador Hotel for a look around this unique resort. Evening at El San Juan in their casino or strolling around their romantic poolside paths (lie to the security guard & say you just checked out of your room...sometimes they don't let outsiders stroll).

Never been to Dominica yet so can't comment.

Bye,

SeaBass

Ha, forgot to write about St. Lucia!!!

Get down to the Pitons & lunch at any of the restaurants with a view (Ladera? Something in Soufriere?) Then down to Jalousie Beach for the most dramatic beach location & snorkeling (or eat lunch there ordering from their BEACH MENU).

With all your snorkeling planned, might wanna bring your own mask & snorkel. Fins optional as they're bulky to carry & you'll just be floating or leisurely swimming around anyway. Or use the ones offered by any prearranged tour. Bring some bread to feed the fish.

Only advantage of cruise offered tours is they are guaranteed to get you back in time. Sometimes, i.e. golf tee times, they book priority advance spots so you'll find no tee time openings if you call on your own.

Bye,

SeaBass

Be sure to go see the breathtaking Pitons ! Well worth the long drive. Hire a driver for the day, let him show you as much of St.Lucia in one day. Martis with Phillip Tours gives a great island tour, would highly recommend him. www.philliptoursstlucia.com