Castaway Cay in March

[frndshpcptn]

Hi-

Does anyone know if the water in Castaway Cay will be swimmable mid-March?

Thanks!

 

[dpequignot]

We were there a year ago in March and the kids swam in it. It was just a lil too cold for me, I like my water at 87 But most of the population was swimming!

 

[frndshpcptn]

Thanks!

I'm looking at the 3/14 cruise and really, really want to swim. Hoping we'll be able to get in the water!

 

[Prose]

We were there late March of 2009 and it was too chilly for me, but there were plenty of people (mostly kids) swimming.

 

[frndshpcptn]

Part of me thinks I should push the cruise to summer....

But it's my birthday, which is why we are looking at March. I'd be SUPER bummed if it's too chilly to swim. Castaway Cay is the only reason I want to take the cruise!

 

[DizneyNutz]

Part of me thinks I should push the cruise to summer....

But it's my birthday, which is why we are looking at March. I'd be SUPER bummed if it's too chilly to swim. Castaway Cay is the only reason I want to take the cruise!

DW and I were there last March first week of April. Rented snorkeling equipment went to to cove and waded out knee deep and turned around and turned everything back in. We said nope not interested in swimming in that chilly water. So if you are hoping for warm tropical water probably will be dissapointed. It will be one of those grit your teeth and jump in moments until your body is numb then you could stand swimming around but not going to be warm. If it is a trip spoiler definately push it back. We did wade around knee deep or so picking up shells along the adult beach and we even got sunburned some but not nice swimming temps.

 

[carolinamom]

This post reminds me of one of the funniest moments on our cruise last year (spring break- April 6). My DD (7 at the time) and I geared up in all the snorkel gear and made it to about knee deep. From there we engaged in the funniest 10 minute stand-off I've seen. She'd say (shivering) "It's so C-C-CCold!!!". I'd try "We can just go back" . She'd respond " but I really want to see the hidden M-M-M- Mickey". Ok. So id say- "Well, there's are lots of people out there. Let's just try it and see if we get used to it". This would be followed by "But it's S-S-S-so C-C-CCold"...
You get the idea.
My lesson? There isn't one. We go back in March 30. I pre-rented the snorkel gear at CC.
Ah, well....
Best of luck to you. You will have a TRULY memorable and wonderful time regardless

 

[frndshpcptn]

hmmmm....

I don't know what to do??

Should I try for June instead?

or May?

 

[joelnkelly]

we are sailing in March and dont anticipate swimming at castaway cay, we are native floridians and if the water is below 80 its way to cold.

 

[FabFivePA]

Castaway Cay is the only reason I want to take the cruise!

I think it will depend on what you are used to. Someone that swims in the Maine ocean will feel differently than someone that grew up in Miami.
But if your main goal is to swim in tropical temps then March may not be the way to go.
Also not to be a downer, but if your sole reason for wanting to go on the cruise is for CC remember there is always a slim chance you don't make it there. So just something to consider if there's nothing else about the cruise that appeals to you.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2854575&highlight=castaway+missed+month+poll

That all said we swam at the end of January at CC, along with many others, did the jet skis, etc, had a blast!! Did overhear many a 'water is too cold' conversations though as well. It wasn't bath water, that's for sure.

 

[jendeli]

We just got back from CC and the water was cold, yet refreshing. The weather was perfect too!

 

[ludari]

I was at CC in March 2012 and the temp was warm but the water not so much. I did notice a lot of kids and other people swimming. I tried but decided just to relax in the sun instead.

 

[allears]

I've sailed several times in February, first couple of weeks. I've gotten in the water every time! It can be bracing, but not doesn't take to long to get used to, especially if its a warm sunny day.

Last year the day started out cloudy and misty, even sprinkled a bit while on the beach. I didn't get in the water at Serenity Bay, my partner did. The sun came out bright and strong at lunch, so on the way back to the ship, we took several slides down Pelican Plunge. It was quite refreshing!

 

[fredgirls]

We've swum in March too but it was lovely and sunny. If it was overcast the kids would have got very cold when they got out of the water.

 

[californiamomofboys]

Have you considered taking a thin 1/2 wetsuit with you? I don't know what your luggage situation is, but if swimming at CC was important to me, I'd take one less outfit and stuff in a thin wetsuit. You could probably rent one from your local dive shop if you didn't want to buy one....

 

[nannylori]

Here in KW,the only people you'll see swimming in the ocean in March, are the Northern tourists who think the water is warm compared to what they're used to and they're correct. We're pretty far south,only 90 miles to Cuba,which is closer to us than Miami and on our cruise on 3/9, we're expecting water that we won't be comfortable swimming in. On last years cruise at this same time,we rode bikes,walked the trails,relaxed on chaises in the sun and had a great time anyway.
BUT, I can see cruisers from the colder areas being disappointed if they're not totally enjoying their beach experience. If swimming in a more comfortable temperature would greatly enhance your vacation,then, by all means,book a few more months later. I, personally,prefer water temp to be close to bath tub temp-I don't get pleasure from "refreshing" water temps........