Nassau - Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkel

[pillow]

I found some old threads on this excursion, but nothing recent. I would love to get some feedback on this excursion, as we're considering it for our cruise next April.

The website shows the duration as 3.5-4 hours, but indicates that actual snorkel time is approximately 1 hour. I realize there is some sailing/travel time involved, but is it really 2.5 - 3 hours????

For those that have been, do you remember what time(s) this excursion was offered?

We're trying to decide between this excursion and a private one. Thoughts? Many thanks!

Jodie

 

[Dug720]

I did it in February and had a great time! We used the motor to get out to the snorkel site, had the snorkel and swim time (I didn't wear a watch, so I don't know how long, sorry...but it was a good while), and mostly used the sail with only a little motor on the way back.

I think it was only offered once - leaving at 9 (maybe 9:30? but I think 9).

If I am ever on a cruise back to Nassau, I'd consider it.

 

[Cjtigger]

Are there changing facilities on or near the ship?

 

[Dug720]

I didn't look because I took the maybe 5 minute walk back to the ship. I had no interest in Nassau beyond that.

 

[DISGRL13]

I did it in February and had a great time! We used the motor to get out to the snorkel site, had the snorkel and swim time (I didn't wear a watch, so I don't know how long, sorry...but it was a good while), and mostly used the sail with only a little motor on the way back.

I think it was only offered once - leaving at 9 (maybe 9:30? but I think 9).

If I am ever on a cruise back to Nassau, I'd consider it.

Hi! I was wondering if there was a lot to see during the snorkeling time? What did you see? Was it crowded with all the people? Thanks for any details you can give! We are signed up to do this tour at the end of March.

 

[Dug720]

Hi! I was wondering if there was a lot to see during the snorkeling time? What did you see? Was it crowded with all the people? Thanks for any details you can give! We are signed up to do this tour at the end of March.

There were maybe 60 people on the catamaran (I'm bad at estimating) and it's a pretty good-sized area over a reef. I saw probably at least 7 or 8 species of fish, plus the reef formation was cool. We used the motor to get out to the reef - there were a couple of other boats close, but they left just after we got there, so only our boat was there for most of the time we were snorkeling. We were allowed to sit on the nets or the sides around the nets, or there was some bench seating in the back - whichever you chose from what was available. Once we were done snorkeling, they had some kind of a rum punch for the adults or fruit punch for kids or adults who didn't want alcohol. I want to say we got chips or pretzels. And I am pretty sure I remember them having sodas and beers available for purchase on the way back. They put up the sail for the trip back and most was sailing, but if necessary they will use the motor so that you're back on time (they called it motor-sailing). It was a lot of fun!!

 

[DISGRL13]

Thanks so much for the info!!

 

[Dug720]

Thanks so much for the info!!

You're welcome!! I hope you have a great time!!

 

[Huntava]

We did a catamaran/snorkeling trip from Nassau in September 2014 timeframe and my husband (48) and twins (11) loved it!
It was described by poster above and that is what I remember. I didn't go into water but the kids really loved seeing all the fish and had a great time.

 

[pillow]

Our entire family of 13 is going on this excursion in April. I signed up my 92 year old grandmother just so she won't be left behind on the ship. She gets around pretty well, but we like to hang on to her when going over uneven ground, just to ensure she doesn't trip and fall. For her, is there a comfortable place on the boat for her to sit and watch? She will stay put if she finds a comfortable seat. I worry a little about her going, but I think its better than leaving her on the ship by herself. Thoughts?

Jodie

 

[Dug720]

There were people who stayed on - I think there were benches, but I was up at the nets so I didn't pay that close attention.

If anyone just wants to swim you can do that too - I wasn't sure about snorkeling when I booked it, so I checked to make sure. Just in case.