KateLab's Dive Log

A nice reef and island protect this area from current and surf. There is a good variety of fish on the reef, and this is a great snorkel.

I actually snorkeled Champagne Beach. I took a taxi from a cruise ship and requested Champagne reef. Taxi followed the coast for 20 to 30 minutes to a state park with a $2.00 entry fee. We were charged $60.00 round trip for the taxi, but he did sit and wait 3+ hours while we snorkeled. I thought we would be quicker but the snorkeling was great and the Kabuli (beer) was not bad either. The park rents snorkel gear if you do not have your own. There is a wooden pier most of the way along the beach. The only negative is there is no sand and lots of rocks between land and the sea. The rocks are not sharp but they are not easily traversed. Snorkeling or diving here is terrific. Visibility was 80 to 100 feet with little if any current. There are the champagne bubbles that are rather unique in one area, but I do not think they are the best part. The tube coral, brain coral, other types of coral, very colorful fish, lots of variety, and plenty of them to see. This is definitely a place I wish to return to in the future.

I took a taxi from the ship to French cul de sac where you get on a small boat ($6.00 round trip). It is questionable if there will be a taxi available in the parking lot on your return so you may need to be patient and plan accordingly. Water was calm with good visibility and, from what I hear, is usually calm due to where the reef is located relative to the island. It is a nice snorkel before the large tour groups get there from the cruise ships, but not spectacular. You'd like this place if there are weak swimmers in your group, especially if you can beat the crowds to the island.

Talk to the life guards on the beach. They have been working at the national park for a long time and can give a lot more detail than I can. This is a great snorkeling site for both beginners or advanced. Try to get there before the place is inundated by the cruise ships.