?? for those who BYO Snorkel Gear

[cruisen4abruisen]

A question for those who bring their own snorkel gear.

Do you find it necessary to bring the fins (or flippers, not sure what you call them) or is the face mask and snorkel enough? We are planning on bringing our own but want to conserve luggage space.

 

[wovenwonder]

We just bought the snorkel gear --- then used the vests for N/C on Castaway Cay. We didn't have the fins.

 

[tiptoen]

You can go without fins but we bring our own. You will get very tired if you snorkle very much without them. If you don't bring your own you can rent them at CC.

 

[tlt]

We bring our own fins and just put them in the bottom of the suitcase. You can really tell a difference if you snorkel without them...it may seem as if they don't do much, but they really do help you move...you can cover more area without getting tired.

 

[NewtoWDW]

Funny you should ask that question
We asked for opinions on this before we went last month. We got about a 50/50 response from our friends. We got out at Castaway Cay and my husband looked at me and said "Who was it that told us we didn't need flippers???" We got much more tired than the people that had them. I suggest you bring some!

 

[kendall]

We brought fins for 4 - 2 adults and 2 kids, and we used them in St. Martin, St. Thomas and on Castaway Cay. They travel pretty flat in the suitcase, and we used netted laundry bags to tote the gear = everyone had their own bag. We all appreciated having fins with us. However if you are only planning on snorkeling once, you may not want to lug them along. Or you could take turns with them and not bring flippers for everyone in your party.

 

[kml2000]

do you have to have a certain type of snorkel gear???? I saw some masks and snorkels at Big Lots (made by "Aqua") I think, and thought - these would be great. Am I being WAY too cheap???

 

[inkkognito]

I don't like the fins...I bring my own gear but leave the fins off. The water keeps me afloat anyway, so I don't get too tired without the extra "paddle power."
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[prymsu]

depending on the type of vacation and where we are going, we need all our own stuff. If i book an excursion or something where the equipment is included, i will sometimes leave our life vests and fins behind.

 

[Shercara]

We (DS 12 and I) used swim goggles and hooked the snorkle tube to the side strap. I had to add a nose clip - but DS was fine without one -- they didn't steam up, and are a lot smaller to packand worked great!

We didn't bring flippers, but like the other posters have said - we were quite tired coming back in at Castaway Cay. We also snorkeled - at Trunk Bay in St John - it was our first real experience (other than practicing in our pool prior to the cruise) and one that my son and I will never forget -- it was awesome!! ( The lifeguard there even remarked on our snorkeling invention!)

I don't plan on bringing flippers with us on our next cruise either - just another thing to lug on and off the ship - but I might rent them if they are available.

 

[cruisen4abruisen]

Thanks for the help everyone.

I'm so glad I asked. Since I don't consider myself a strong swimmer I will make sure I have room for my fins at least.

Thanks for the help!