Do we need fins?

[cinbis]

I looked at masks and snorkels at Sports Authority today. The cheapest set was $25. The set that included fins was $40. Do we need fins? I didn't buy anything. I'm going to check Walmart and Sam's Club first.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

It's a WHOLE lot easier to cover more ground with fins. It's like the difference between pedaling a bicycle and riding something motorized.

 

[SeaDog]

Used to do a great deal of scuba diving during my formative years... used to teach a class or two to boot. I always preached "fins or float" when you swim in mother ocean... Dave is most right, fins make getting around a heck of a lot easier but, perhaps more important... they provide an incredible safety benefit, pretty much for the same reason... should you encounter a current or any serious wave action they give you the edge you will need to power yourself out of harm's way...

Since Castaway is pretty much a man made and extremely protected and safe snorkling environment I doubt that you will encounter any of the above but foms still make a great deal of sense... you will also be required to wear a vest (float)...

Back to the basic premise of all of this rambling... anytime you swim in the ocean wear fins or carry a float... encounter a rip tide or some serious tidal surge and will be glad you have one or the other...

 

[Cruise]

I'm another vote for the fins. We took our own masks and snorkles, but no fins. It didn't take long before, I was wishing I had the fins. When we go back, we'll definitely take them.

Julie

 

[cinbis]

I was kinda hoping everyone would say we didn't need them! They are so big.....I'm not sure we'll have room! Do most of you bring fins in addition to masks and snorkels or can you rent just fins?

 

[Ariel Lover]

If you have a Target near by, you should check there for fins and masks. I was at ours today and they were just starting to put all of that out. Most of the sets(fins, snorkels, and masks) were less than $20. I don't know what kind of quality they are, but I am sure they would suffice for "light" snorkeling at Castaway Cay.

 

[Lisa F]

Our tablemate brought her own snorkel and mask but didn't bring fins for the same reason (too much room in the suitcase) and she said that she rented fins for $9 for the pair all day.

Lisa

 

[cinbis]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out Target. I went to Sam's Club today and they didn't have any. We live in N.E. so I'm not sure if they wait a little longer to put out that kind of merchandise.

 

[disboo]

I didn't use fins, and I was fine. Although I am a fairly strong swimmer, I am now a pudgy out-of-shape mom of many , but I just go at a nice slow pace. I snorkeled off the adult beach and also in the designated snorkel area at the family beach. Both are different - saw a different variety of fish at each place. The fish were smaller off the adult beach, but I saw some anemone and a couple of 2 ft. starfish. Also, there was mild wave action at the adult beach.

I have to say that the snorkeling was my favorite part of my whole trip. I had only snorkeled once before, many years ago, and now I can't wait to go back!