Can I use my own prescription mask & snorkel at DC?

[Duggas]

I have to wear glasses as I am seriously short-sighted. I also do some scuba diving and I have my own prescription mask (otherwise I wouldn't even be able to find the water!!). I'm really looking forward to our first trip to Discovery Cove but I'm worried that I'll be made to wear one of their plain masks that won't help me see. Will they let me use my own prescription mask & snorkel or do they have prescription masks for you to borrow. I'd hate to miss out on seeing what is going on around me plus I don't feel as safe if I can't see. Thanks for any help.

 

[Bearvet]

DC does have prescription masks you can use. Simply bring a copy of your prescription to the gift shop and they will match it as closely as they can. There is no additional charge, unless you fail to return them! I would think you could bring your own (make sure your name is on it, so they don't mistake it) and would probably be preferable for you. I would call first tho, just to make sure. BTW, you'll love DC!

 

[Capt_BJ]

A long time SCUBA diver, I brought my own mask and snorkel and had no problem

 

[hannahouse]

Do contacts work okay with snorkling, or better to get a prescription mask?

 

[Capt_BJ]

Do contacts work okay with snorkling, or better to get a prescription mask?

Spousal unit dove for years with disposable contacts. Always carried extra sets in case one got washed away - which never happened. But she had extended wears from their first being available and said that helped. Key is having a mask that fits well and has as small an internal volume as possible. Divers will spend a long time searching for a good fit ... almost as involved as woman and bra's I'm told

But if this is going to be a one time snorkel experience I'd think disposable contacts are the least expensive way to go....unless you can rent a perscription mask.

7 times DCL
can't count the WDW trips
SW, DC, et al ....

 

[hannahouse]

Capt., thank you! I'll try with my contacts, hopefully I'll do okay.

 

[Bearvet]

3 people in our group - me, DH and DS16 all wore contacts under the masks - no problems at all. In fact, I thought the masks at DC fit extremely well. You shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Deb & Bill]

This is good news for me. I just got soft, disposable contacts just so I could see. I was seeing myself with the prescription mask on walking around with my head above water just so I could see when I was out of the water. Still trying to get them fit correctly, and I am just about there. This is gonna be good.

 

[Duggas]

Divers will spend a long time searching for a good fit ... almost as involved as woman and bra's I'm told

Capt BJ - How true, I definately spend more time (and money) on my dive masks than I do bras!

Thank you all for your info, I'm taking all my own gear and a copy of my prescription just in case.

 

[Ware Bears]

Duggas, I think you're right to take your own gear as it is bound to fit you better than DC's.

For anyone else who is interested, I used one of DC's own prescription masks. Just take along details of your prescription to the main souvenir shop and they will lend it to you for the day. They are supposed to charge a refundable deposit but didn't. I would advise sorting it out early on in the day, as I don't know how many they stock of each prescription.

Enjoy your day, it truly is a fantastic place!!!

 

[vernon]

For the OP, you're fine to take your own mask.


For those that don't have a mask, but have weak eyesight.
You don't even need to know your prescription, although it's helpful if you have one or at least know your reading.
The masks that DC provide come in a mix of strengths. If you don't know exactly what your prescription is, just try on the different masks until you find one that works adiquately for you. The optical effects of water help the lenses a little so a lens thats a little understrength for you is still going to help sufficiently for you to have an excellent experience.

If you need a prescription mask I would strongly advise to get to the check in well ahead of time to ensure you do get a mask that suits your sight. They only have a certain number of each strength.