$25 to snorkel at Castaway Cay -

[imgoingtodisney]

is it worth it for DS10 who has never snorkeled before?

[disboo]

I say "yes!" I am an adult, but I snorkeled for only the second time in my life on Castaway Cay last Jan. I thought I would just go out for a few minutes, and ended up snorkeling for about 3 1/2 hours total!! I did buy an inexpensive mask and snorkel (no flippers) before I went, and used the mandatory vest, so it didn't cost $25, but $25 would have been worth it. I can't wait to go back.

[akterrye]

With all the end of season sales out there, you should be able to pick up a snorkel set for a lot less than $25. We picked up US Diver sets at costco for about $20 a set 2 years ago and they have more than paid for themselves - we use them at least once a year on vacation (and the weeks leading up to vacation to get back into 'shape' for snorkeling). I also feel better knowing I'm the only one that has "slobbered" on my gear. :)

Even without your own gear, the snorkeling at Castaway is a must do.

[Tluvs2talk]

We are taking my Niece and Nephew and decided to purchase them their own snorkeling set. We bought a very nice set for them at Costco..My hubby and I purchased ours from Sams a few years ago and take the with us everytime. We pack all the snorkeling stuff in a extra bag and check it in at the curb..

[tlt]

We went in May and it was ok...if you have never snorkeled before it would be good. You do have to go WAY,WAY out to see anything...they do have a sunken sub, Mickey statue, fairly large fish. After lots of people start snorkeling, the water gets sandy/murky and it is hard to see. Sams and Costco have great sets with mask, dry snorkel(which is good because you don't get water in it), and fins for $25. Sports Authority also has some good ones. If you are going on the Eastern...we thought the snorkeling at Coki Beach was GREAT. Castaway Cay does make you wear a vest...which is no big deal...the water where the statue and stuff are is very deep, so the vest is a good safety precaution...esp. if you've never snorkeled. Just get there early and be one of the 1st ones in...before the water gets bad. If you have your own stuff...it will also save time. They do give lessons for beginners and there are lifeguards out in the deep areas...they will also tell you where the sunken stuff is.

[prymsu]

I agree that you should be able to pick up some inexpensive snorkel stuff for your son for snorkeling. I know that at the beginning of summer, Target had a set for something like $19.00. If there are sets left, my bet is that they are marked down.

[disvaclub92]

The Target package is now $14.99 - awesome deal. They have a great selection for adults too.

[aseafish]

tlt
thanks for the timing tip. Snorkeling in murky water, especially the first time out, does not sound appealing.

[Spaceman Spiff & Co.]

I went snorkling at CC and had a wonderful time. The water was clear. I saw many fish, some large starfish ( maybe 10-12") and even an octopus( about the size of a CD).

It was my first time and I plan to do it again.
BTW take an underwater camera. the pictures came out super. Cameras purchased ahead of time are alot cheaper.

Hope this helps.

[hokie5cruiser]

Make sure that when you buy your own snorkle that it has the part at the bottom to expel water and not just a clear tube. This will make it so much easier and enjoyable. Most of the kids ones are just the clear tube. We bought my ds-8 a seperate snorkle than the one that came with his mask and it made a big difference.

[FantasticDisFamily]

I would definitely second the other responses about snorkeling at CC. On our last cruise our daughter was 10. She can hold her own in the water but is not the world's strongest swimmer. The excusion the rest of us took at Nassau would have been too much for her but CC was perfect.

Although the water isn't quite as clear as Nassau we didn't have too much difficulty with murkiness even though we went later in the day. Maybe because it was Feb and not as many people were in the water for long periods of time?

If you are not interested in hauling snorkeling gear another option to look at is the combo package with snorkeling, water/sand mat, and bike rental. Comes out MUCH less expensively per item that way.

As for the camera - now is a great time to pick those up on sale, watch your Sunday newspaper flyers. For those of you not going for awhile here is a tip from a professional photog friend - buy film and disposal cameras when they are on sale then put them in a ziploc, press out the air, and store in the freezer until you need them. Just make sure you take them out a day or so before needed at least so they can "thaw" slowly.

[pal2pluto]

When we went in January, our dd(10) was signed up to snorkel. She is NOT a sporty type kid, and easily gives up things she is uncomfortable about, but she does like to swim. I was absolutely amazed at how much she enjoyed snorkeling. And it was so special to swim along side her and look at things. She and her dad went in the morning, and I joined her in the afternoon. Even though I thought things look great later in the day, she said the morning was beautiful, and you could see colors better. We've since bought snorkel gear for all 3 of us, so we can do it together.

Also, have you considered doing the banana boats on CC.....They were just about the most fun thing we did as a family......can't wait to do it again!!!