How far out do you have to swim while snorkeling at Castaway Cay?

[Rob1872]

I've been looking at some older threads on snorkeling at Castaway Cay, but don't see exactly what I'm looking for.
On our next cruise, I was going to go out snorkeling at Castaway Cay with the primary goal of seeing the old 'submarine' from the Disneyland ride.
My 14 year old doesn't swim that well and has never snorkeled, but expressed interest.
How far out is it to get to the submerged items? I've seen posts where people say that it is 'a ways out', or 'my spouse and I had to tow back our kids who tired out', but nothing that really says, "Hey, the submerged items are about half way to the breakwater on the far side", or something like that. I've rented one of the small catamarans so I've got a good feel for how far out the lagoon extends; I'm just not sure of where the submerged objects actually are with respect to the beach.
Thanks for any help!!

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

The sub is over halfway to the breakwater; probably closer to 3/4 of the way (ish). My son isn't a strong swimmer either, but with the snorkel vest and easy swimming, he made it ok. Of note, don't stand on it! I did that at low tide and was looking around for the kids. It seemed like the world fell on me when 3 different lifeguards started telling me off!

 

[mousefan73]

It is near the end “way out”. If exhaustion is an issue and the main goal is to see the Submarine, what I would do is just float and swim out there and then begin the snorkeling. To be honest snorkeling the first half of the Lagoon is pretty boring. We really didnt see much. You see more things near the outer end. Everyone is required to wear a blowup vest so you can just kick back on your back and float out there. . Everyone is required to wear a blowup vest so you can just kick back on your back and float out there. What makes it exhausting is dealing With the facemask, mouth piece and learning how to breathe. That is what tires you out. So save that until you get out there. If he has never snorkeled I would though first test and try on the beach where hencan sit/ stand, then swim out

 

[GPaLarry]

I have been out there several times. From shore, look at the inflated buoys out there, nearly to the breakwater. That is where you need to swim to if you want to see the sub, Mickey & Minnie, etc. it is farther than it looks and most of it is not walkable...maybe 10+ feet deep most of the way. I always inflate my life vest, as suggested above, so that you can get a breather or two each way. Do take a camera if you can want. There are a couple of lifeguard towers on the way out that you can grab to rest. I would practice first in shallow water before going out and/or at home.

 

[valee]

The end of summer sales mean it's a great time to buy an inexpensive snorkel set at your local big box store and practice snorkeling at a local rec center indoor pool.

 

[Capt_BJ]

if you look at CC via Google Earth you can find the sub

it is approx 250 yards off the beach

the breakwater is about 360 <in the vicinity of the sub>

 

[Dolewhipt]

We just got back. My 7 year old had no problem making it there and back, though she was a bit tired at the end. Agree with statement above that you can wait until you’re halfway there until there’s much to see. Have fun!

 

[disneylove69]

Also take in consideration of wind. Last time it was windy and wavy. I am a good swimmer and was exhausted.

 

[bbn1122]

The inflatable vest helps with the swimming, plus your flippers make it much easier to swim.

When my youngest went the first time he was only 8, so he was a little tried, but last time he was 14-15 and had no problems.