SeaTrek lets you walk along the seabed with a lightweight helmet that supplies air, so you can breathe normally, keep your glasses on and look at fish without any diving qualification. This version of the experience adds time for snorkeling, which makes it a two-part outing in the water. It is an excellent option for people who want to see marine life but are nervous about scuba, who wear glasses, or who are traveling with a mixed group in which some members do not swim strongly. The walk is slow and calm, and a guide stays close, so most visitors relax quickly. Reefs and sandy patches off the island's coast hold small fish, sea fans and other life, and an unhurried walk is a different way to see them.
How it works
You receive a briefing on the helmet and the hand signals, then step down a ladder into shallow water and walk along a guided path on the bottom. The helmet sits on your shoulders and keeps your head and hair dry, and air is fed to it from the surface. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, though you should be comfortable in water. After the walk, the snorkeling session lets you swim at the surface and look down at what you have just walked through.
Who it suits
The activity is popular with families whose children are old enough to meet the operator's age and height rules, with older travelers who want to see the reef without scuba gear, and with people who wear contacts or glasses. Because the helmet keeps your face dry, it is also kind to people who dislike having water in their eyes or nose. Anyone with serious heart, lung or ear problems, or who is pregnant, should check with the operator and a doctor first.
What you might see
The exact site is set by the operator, but coastal reefs in the area tend to hold schools of small reef fish, sea fans and sandy stretches with the occasional ray or turtle on a lucky day. Visibility depends on wind and swell, and the operator may change the site on the day. Do not touch marine life, and leave coral alone, as it is fragile.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and eat lightly beforehand. Check the meeting point, which may be a beach or a dock, and arrive early for the briefing. Underwater cameras are often not allowed for the walk, but you may be able to buy photos from the crew. If your ship is in port, plan with a generous buffer. A scuba course is the natural next step if you love it.
Equalizing the pressure in your ears is the one skill worth knowing in advance. As you walk down the ladder, pinch your nose gently and blow, or swallow and yawn, to relieve any pressure. Go slowly and tell the crew if you feel pain, because they can pause or help you back up. If you have a cold or congestion, consider postponing, as blocked sinuses make the descent uncomfortable.
Hair that is long and loose is fine in the helmet, but tie it back for the snorkeling that follows. Photos are often taken by the crew, so ask whether prints or digital copies are available. Children should be comfortable following instructions and staying calm.
What to expect
The experience
A guided seabed walk wearing an air-fed helmet, followed by a snorkeling session.
Best time
Morning, when the water is clearest.
How long
About two to three hours.
Tips
Eat lightly, bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen and listen carefully to the briefing.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing the reef without scuba training.
- Families
- Suits children who meet the age and height rules.
- Couples
- A memorable shared first look at the reef.
- Pair with
- A beach lunch or a visit to Philipsburg.
- Time needed
- Half a morning.
Good questions
Do I need to know how to swim?+
You should be comfortable in water, but the walk itself does not require strong swimming skills.
Can I wear glasses?+
Yes. The helmet keeps your face dry, so most glasses wearers can keep them on.
Is it the same as scuba?+
No. The helmet is supplied with air from the surface, and no certification is needed.
Is there an age limit?+
Operators set minimum ages and sizes. Check when you book.
Will I get my hair wet?+
The helmet keeps your head dry during the walk, though you will be wet during snorkeling.
