Food & Snorkeling at Serenity Bay

[klam_chowder]

I've read there's a buffet on the Serenity Bay side for lunch, wondering if it's the same food as at Cookie's? Is there covered seating for eating at SB?

For snorkeling, is there any charge/fee if we have our own equipment?

Do you get to keep the mouthpiece from the snorkel? (I don't want the mouthpiece, I'm just wondering if you get a new one or if they are "santizied" and re-cycled -YUCK!)

Finally, on average, how long does it take to walk to Serenity Bay from the ship? I know there's a tram but I'm just trying to get a sense - I've seen the map but it's hard to get sense of the scale.

I'll be on a 3 nt Wonder, if it makes any difference. Thx for any input!

cheers,

 

[CraftyMouse]

I've read there's a buffet on the Serenity Bay side for lunch, wondering if it's the same food as at Cookie's? Is there covered seating for eating at SB?

Yes, the food is the same, although they occasionally have an item or two that is different. The buffet is much smaller at Serenity Bay as well and I believe there is covered seating.

For snorkeling, is there any charge/fee if we have our own equipment?

No, but you do need to stop by the rental window and pick up an inflatable vest. They will not let you snorkel without one but there will be no charge.

Do you get to keep the mouthpiece from the snorkel? (I don't want the mouthpiece, I'm just wondering if you get a new one or if they are "santizied" and re-cycled -YUCK!)

In my experience you do not keep the mouthpiece. I believe they are sanitized and recycled. I've actually never been snorkeling where it was done any other way.

Finally, on average, how long does it take to walk to Serenity Bay from the ship? I know there's a tram but I'm just trying to get a sense - I've seen the map but it's hard to get sense of the scale.

It's quite a hike. I'd say it's a 20 minute walk, at least.

I'll be on a 3 nt Wonder, if it makes any difference. Thx for any input!

Nope, Castaway Cay is Castaway Cay, no matter what itinerary you're on.

cheers,

Have a great cruise!

 

[klam_chowder]

Thx a mint for all the answers CraftyMouse!

DH has his own snorkel gear but the first time I snorkeled was in Key West a couple of Xmas holidays ago. There, you can rent each piece you require (mask, fins, etc.) or rent the ensemble. If you rent a snorkel you get to keep it. That prompted me to ask. I'll bring my snorkel down but I guess I'll need to get the mask, etc. from DCL.

cheers,

 

[dinghydeb]

The menu at Serenity Bay is a bit more adult oriented than Cookies and they don't have corn on the cob

Actually, while it used to be, Serenity Bay isn't a good spot for snorkeling. The water's pretty shallow for quite a ways and then there isn't that much sealife. The water is so crystal clear that you can however, just walk through the water and see what is available to see. We actually watched a stingray swimming around from the beach. We've been told by more than one resident cast member (very reliable and not just trying to scare us) that sharks reside out toward the the small cay you can see from the beach at SB and that we shouldn't attempt to snorkel beyond the ropes. Even they won't go out that way. We usually do our snorkeling at other ports then spend the day floating on, walking in, or playing in the waters of SB. If you want to snorkel on Castaway, do it over on the family beach. DD

 

[bobbiwoz]

I also, have a mouthpiece from a snorkel, must have been on a different cruise line, maybe Carnival?

Reading your post and seeing your timeline makes me smile . We just booked a 3 day DCL for Memorial weekend '09. It's been too long since we've been to CC (Sept. '05). I do like to snorkel at the family beach area.

Bobbi

 

[safetymom]

Seating is not covered at Serenity Bay but you are in a lovely area under some trees.

 

[Bareacuda]

I personally think SB is a decent place to snorkle. Not alot of sealife but some very intresting things to find.Our last trip, we found over 100 sand dollars, 3 stingrays and 1 baracuda and 1 small shark.
Ive never had a life vest to snorkle there, and I do bring all my own equipment.We also bring own floty ring.

Enjoy your cruise, no matter what time of year!

Ann

 

[klam_chowder]

Thx a mint for all the extra replies!

We're planning on spending the whole day on CC so I guess, we can check out both beaches' snorkeling - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Since we're heading to the family side anyway, we'll check out their buffet too - love corn on the cob & grilled hot dogs

bobbiwoz - I know I'll be on these boards for most days btwn now and the cruise Have a great cruise!

cheers,

 

[Asc341]

Hello! My mother and I are going on our first Disney cruise for mother/daughter trip (and essentially my bachelorette party!) in May on the Wonder. As we are two adults looking for some relaxation mixed with Disney magic, I know we'll love SB at CC.

I've heard SB isn't the greatest for swimming or snorkeling, both of which I'd be interested in doing at SB. Having said that, if I don't snorkel I won't be heartbroken, and it may be worth nixing the snorkel sesh to avoid the crowds at the family beach.

So, does anyone have any updates on the swim/snorkel status as SB? If we are looking for some peace and quiet, is the FB too crowded to be a good option?

Thanks!

 

[Four Swampers]

So, does anyone have any updates on the swim/snorkel status as SB? If we are looking for some peace and quiet, is the FB too crowded to be a good option?

Thanks!

The snorkeling area is the first place you reach as you get to the family beach. I have snorkeled there on three occasions. Never felt crowded while snorkeling. It is only for snorkelers, and a lot of people, especially with little kids, don't snorkel. It would be very easy to hit the snorkeling area during the day, then get the tram back to Serenity Beach for more peace and quiet.