We have done both, through the ship and on our own. The swim with the dolphins was awesome, even though it really isn't swimming as you say. In St. Thomas we usually take the ferry to St. Johns and go to Trunk Bay. It is a beach snorkel and they have lockers, showers, and a place to get snacks. It was $6.00 per person for the ferry, and I can't remember how much to get into the beach or the cab fare was. Trunk Bay is gorgeous. The last time we were in St. Thomas, we booked a catamaran to Buck Island from the ship and it was well worth the money. It was a private cat, well kept and the people who ran it were great. In St. Maarten we tried to do snorkeling on our own and bombed. About the only thing we saw were broken beer bottles. However, the snorkel we did through the ship was wonderful. It may save you some money up front, and either way you will enjoy, but the ships try to only use vendors that are reputable and that they get good reviews from. Princess sends crew members on tours, so I would assume other cruise lines do the same. You also have the assurance that the ship will wait for you if anything goes wrong. Have a great trip!!
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