Novice snorkeling on western cruise

[Gemini S.]

Hi! I think you are on the same cruise as us (Feb. 6, 2016 right?)! I was just going to post something similar but searched for it first. Too funny! I will follow this thread, thanks for the advice everyone

Ali, I like the idea of practicing with mask and snorkel in the pool to get used to it. I think I will pick up a mask and snorkel and we can practice in your pool this summer!

 

[EllinK]

We have been to Castaway Cay twice and although it is a protected cove we found the snorkeling to be awful -- a couple colorless fish. Chankanaab Park in Cozumel was an amazing experience. Tons of brightly colored fish swimming right toward us. My son was a nervous first timer and hung onto the ladder/stairs at the beginning, the fish came right to us there. It was truly delightful. You can go to Chankanaab Park on your own. We bought our tix online and took a taxi for a fun, inexpensive excursion.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Thanks everyone

Does anyone know if there is snorkeling equipment to rent at the turtle farm?

You can rent it on your own (life vests are part of the package), or it is included in the excursion if you book through Disney. We just did this on our Spring Break cruise and it was great! My kids are 9 and 10 and had only snorkelled once before, this was the perfect easy and calm experience for them.

An air-conditioned bus took us there and back, lunch was provided, the kids got to hold baby sea turtles too. The park is nice and clean, it has wi-fi and a great freshwater swimming pool with a slide.

 

[mrs.ariel]

we took my 9 year old on his first snorkeling in Cozumel. We did the Fury Catamaran excursion. The guide kept all of our group snorkeling together and he had a great time!
We bought him snorkel gear ahead of time, at Costco, and had him practice in a pool.

 

[RedStars]

Bumping because I'm curious about the Native way GC tour and tender times...

 

[annacali]

We were on the Fantasy last week. My girls are 10 and 12 and never snorkels before. We started with the Fury Catamaran and it was way overwhelming for them and me. I had a hard time watching both (single parent) and they couldn't figure out the mask/snorkel while trying to swim at the same time. The guides were great and super safety minded but we only lasted about 10 minutes. Neither of them would snorkel at CC after that-- preferring just to use their goggles. I definitely agree that some practice ahead of time would have been good. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy at home right up until it was time to cruise so not much advance pool time.

On our Grand Cayman day we were over an hour late arriving in Grand Cayman. Our 10:15 dolphin excursion didn't leave the boat until after noon. Those with later times were even later getting started bc of the backlog. So if you do a private excursion I would make sure there are accommodations for late arrivals ( and shortened excursions bc the all aboard time didn't change).