kikids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2009
- Messages
- 279
Hi all. Before our trip a couple weeks ago I booked the Caribbean Queen Snorkeling excursion and looked high and low on the internet for reviews. I didn't find too much info. So here is our review upon return, hope someone finds it helpful:
This excursion closes at 25 people so booking early is recommended. A nice gentleman, Dion, met us right off the ship and walked our group to the snorkeling boat. Disney claims the walk takes 15 minutes but that's walking slow, it wasn't far at all. The boat itself is then staffed by about four locals. All equipment is provided: fins, mask, snorkel, inflatable vests and those heavy orange life vests, in all sizes. My DD is 7 and wears a size 11 shoe (nearly toddler size) and they had fins for her. The boat goes to Athol island, it is a windy ride, bring a jacket. The boat holds a lot more people, probably at least 200 but since no other cruise ships were docked at the time, the 25 of us Disney passengers had the boat to ourselves, bottom and upper deck. Soda and beer are served on the boat, I think $2 for a Sprite. Two tiny bathrooms are also on board. The ride to the reef is maybe 25 minutes, feels longer and they blast music, which the kids liked. During the ride, people were fitted for gear and a crew member showed everyone the right and wrong way to do things. I was impressed that they included easy hand signals for "I'm okay" and "I'm not okay, come save me". As for the snorkeling itself, it's a nice, small reef, but having snorkeled in Hawaii, the variety of fish here was pitiful. Maybe three different breeds. Lots of fish though (whatever that blue and black striped one is) and they sell fish food for a few bucks which is worth it!! The fish swarm you with that fish food. My daughter screamed "Too many fish!!!". As for those who aren't strong swimmers, they have an excellent way of dealing with that. You wear the inflatable vest but then lay out an orange life vest in front of you and float on it like a swim noodle. Then you poke your head down to see fish. This worked great for my 7 yr old and even one older lady who couldn't swim well or for those who tired quickly. The crew watch closely from the boat and will shout out a call for hand signals from everybody so ensure eveyone is okay. After about 40 minutes snorkeling off the back of the boat, they call everyone in. On the ride back they point out homes (supposedly) of Oprah, Michael Jordon, Nic Cage, Tiger Woods and others. It's entertaining. They ask for cash tips at the end but aren't pushy about it. My only other advice since I'm an RN and germaphobe, is to bring some antibacterial wipes with you to wipe off the snorkel mouthpiece and inflatable vest tubing.
I have only one picture of the boat, I'll post it shortly. The others I took with the underwater camera, don't have those back yet. Willing to answer questions if there are any. We could not snorkel at CC since the weather was terrible so I can't compare it. I am glad we snorkeled at Nassau though, it was a fun, easy, safe experience for my two daughters' first time. And while it doesn't compare to Hawaii, it's still fun.
This excursion closes at 25 people so booking early is recommended. A nice gentleman, Dion, met us right off the ship and walked our group to the snorkeling boat. Disney claims the walk takes 15 minutes but that's walking slow, it wasn't far at all. The boat itself is then staffed by about four locals. All equipment is provided: fins, mask, snorkel, inflatable vests and those heavy orange life vests, in all sizes. My DD is 7 and wears a size 11 shoe (nearly toddler size) and they had fins for her. The boat goes to Athol island, it is a windy ride, bring a jacket. The boat holds a lot more people, probably at least 200 but since no other cruise ships were docked at the time, the 25 of us Disney passengers had the boat to ourselves, bottom and upper deck. Soda and beer are served on the boat, I think $2 for a Sprite. Two tiny bathrooms are also on board. The ride to the reef is maybe 25 minutes, feels longer and they blast music, which the kids liked. During the ride, people were fitted for gear and a crew member showed everyone the right and wrong way to do things. I was impressed that they included easy hand signals for "I'm okay" and "I'm not okay, come save me". As for the snorkeling itself, it's a nice, small reef, but having snorkeled in Hawaii, the variety of fish here was pitiful. Maybe three different breeds. Lots of fish though (whatever that blue and black striped one is) and they sell fish food for a few bucks which is worth it!! The fish swarm you with that fish food. My daughter screamed "Too many fish!!!". As for those who aren't strong swimmers, they have an excellent way of dealing with that. You wear the inflatable vest but then lay out an orange life vest in front of you and float on it like a swim noodle. Then you poke your head down to see fish. This worked great for my 7 yr old and even one older lady who couldn't swim well or for those who tired quickly. The crew watch closely from the boat and will shout out a call for hand signals from everybody so ensure eveyone is okay. After about 40 minutes snorkeling off the back of the boat, they call everyone in. On the ride back they point out homes (supposedly) of Oprah, Michael Jordon, Nic Cage, Tiger Woods and others. It's entertaining. They ask for cash tips at the end but aren't pushy about it. My only other advice since I'm an RN and germaphobe, is to bring some antibacterial wipes with you to wipe off the snorkel mouthpiece and inflatable vest tubing.
I have only one picture of the boat, I'll post it shortly. The others I took with the underwater camera, don't have those back yet. Willing to answer questions if there are any. We could not snorkel at CC since the weather was terrible so I can't compare it. I am glad we snorkeled at Nassau though, it was a fun, easy, safe experience for my two daughters' first time. And while it doesn't compare to Hawaii, it's still fun.
