Grand Cayman Catamaran Kittiwake and Reef Snorkel, with a 5 y.o.

[valgal02]

My family of four would like to do the catamaran snorkel excursion in Grand Cayman. DH and I are good swimmers. DD 7 is fair, hoping with extra swim lessons this summer she'll be pretty good by the time we leave for our cruise. It is DD 5 that I am worried about, she is not really swimming yet, she is capable of doing the dog paddle. We plan to do the buddy system, each parent will be responsible for staying with in arms reach of one child.
Are there life vests provided on this excursion?
Are we being too aggressive taking a 5 y.o. bad swimmer out snorkeling?

 

[JPKnapp]

I've scuba dove at Kittewake. At it's most shallow (the tip of the wheel house) the boat is 15ft deep and deepest is 60+ feet. My kids are excellent swimmers and I wouldn't take them snorkeling there. Lifevest or no, swimming in the ocean is way more difficult than swimming in a pool. Plus the sensation of having your face in the water and still breathing through a snorkel is something that takes getting used to. Add the depth of the water and the likely fear of getting "bitten" by a fish, you are signing yourself up for a terrible and possibly dangerous time.

 

[cheermom2four]

We are leaving our dd5 on the ship in kids club while we go snorkeling because it would just not be enjoyable for DH or me if we worried about her the entire time. She doesnt swim well enough in my opinion. Its up to you as I've seen some that do take 5 year olds on snorkeling but if your child isnt used to wearing snorkeling mask and learning to breath using the set then I wouldnt even attempt it.