Snorkel· St John· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Hurricane Hole Mangrove Coral Snorkel
18° 20.9′ N · 64° 41.4′ W
A rare habitat: living corals and sponges growing directly on the submerged red-mangrove roots in Hurricane Hole's quiet creeks.
Practical
Position is the GNIS point for Water Creek, one of Hurricane Hole's bays (others are Princess Bay, Otter Creek and Borck Creek). USGS researchers found about 30 of the 45 coral species known in the Virgin Islands growing among the mangrove roots, the first known occurrence of corals in a mangrove ecosystem (Wikipedia). Reach by dinghy or kayak from Coral Bay or from a day-use monument mooring; no anchoring, no take, do not touch roots or coral, and keep fins up off the silty bottom. Water is calm but visibility drops after rain.
Best for
Unusual calm-water snorkel by dinghy or kayak