Took a scooter right from the parking lot and rode about 15 miles looking for a reef on a beach to go snorkeling. No reefs you can get too from the beach. Stopped at at least 4 resorts and altho they looked nice no one has a reef to snorkel. We just rode back into town and the wife went shopping and I took the scooter out the other side to the golf country club and back. Saw the military in full gear with ak 47s stopped a car and was searching it. Also saw the local police everywhere. Local cop stopped me and told me to be sure and take my bag with me even tho I was close by. I never felt unsafe tho. If you need a pharmacy this is the place just one block over from the main drag.
If you need a reef for snorkeling their is one 4 minutes to the right as you get off the tender and one or 2 to the left 10 minutes walk from the pier. I took my gear but you can rent a snorkel and fins for $14.00.
Have been on the tours and didn't need to see the sting rays, turtle farm, distillery or seven mile beach again. I would see tho places tho If thi is your first time.
Beautiful pier. All new. Freedom of the Seas was in port along with us and it is impressive to see the 2 ships in this port together. We went outside the secure area for about 1 block and turned back. Not a safe place in my opinion. Shopping is good at the pier but the prices on the ship were actually better.
If you take a tour and stay with the group you should be ok if you do Dunn River falls.
More 
