CC Catamaran Snorkeling

[disney_imagineer]

Hello DCL DISers!!! for those who tried the Catamaran Snorkeling adventure at Castaway Cay, what was it like?

my search showed a lot of info for the Catamaran snorkeling at other places like Nassau and etc. But not much info about the one at Castaway Cay. was it worth it? it's a 2.5 hour excursion.

1) do you spent all that time in the water?
2) is it really deep water snorkeling area?
3) life vests required?
4) was it fun?

trying to decide if i want to book this. thanks!

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

We did this excursion in August and very glad we did!

The amount of time in the water was about an hour. The rest of the time was getting loaded onto the catamaran, traveling away from CC out to the reef, getting back onto the catamaran and returning gear, traveling back to CC and getting off the catamaran.

I'm not exactly sure how deep the water was, but I'd guess maybe 20 feet? The water was very clear. The reef was beautiful with plenty of coral, etc. There were lots of fish around the reef.

We had to wear vests, but could leave them uninflated.

It was the first ever snorkeling trip for 3 of us and we definitely enjoyed it!

Hope this helps!
Kris

 

[mowog]

Did this on the 10 night- above post pretty good. Water was probably 12-15' deep. Plenty of fish and pretty coral. Vest are provided- be sure to try to drain water and deflate them before use. With my own vest I would suck the air out but NOT these. The mask are OK- I didn't like my mask fit and asked to try on another, and several were worse. The mask worked fine. Next time I'll pack my own mask and snorkel. The ride to the reef is nice, the reef is pretty, and everone is very friendly. Non strenuous and suitable for anyone who can swim. Overall a nice trip- a picky point is that the boat anchors itself instead of using a fixed mooring. Maybe they switch reefs but is seems it would be more eco-friendly to not drag an anchor every trip.

 

[disney_imagineer]

thanks for the response! sounds like fun. i guess i'm a bit nervous because i'm not the best swimmer. and with deept water, it can get freaky....

is it customary to tip after it's over? the entire crew?

 

[Dsnylndlvrs]

Disney Imagineer said: i guess i'm a bit nervous because i'm not the best swimmer.

Hi again Disney Imagineer,
I was really nervous trying snorkeling for the first time also. In fact when we started, I ended up holding onto the boat for some time while trying quick little ventures away and back every so often. I'm not the best swimmer either (in fact, I don't know how many years it's been since I actually swam) and I kept freaking out and going into panic mode.

Here's what I found helped me - first I just made sure I could breathe through the mask and did just that (out of the water) for several minutes so I could trust it. Then, once I figured out that half of snorkeling is just being in a front float, it was so easy. If you can get yourself to relax in a front float for a good amount of time you should be set. You really don't need to use your arms much at all - more just to change your direction if you're moving. All your work will be done by just quick little kicks with the flippers on your feet. Actually, I was pretty amazed at how well the flippers propel you and how little your arms are needed.

If you do go, I really hope you enjoy it. There's something so peaceful and beautiful about looking under the water while just floating along.

 

[Colorado DISers]

We will try this one next time. Sounds great. We did some snorkeling in the lagoon. It was fun, but not too much marine life to look at.