Own Snorkel Equiptment

[Imagineer22]

What is everyones thoughts on bringing your own snorkel equiptment? I figure it may be cheaper than renting at CC. Is it true that you can just get a vest and use your own equiptment instead of paying the $25ish to use Disney's? What is your experience with doing this? Also how is the snorkeling at CC? I heard that the water can get merky as the day goes on. Would I be missing much if I skipped it? The only excursions I am doing other than CC are the aquaboat at grandcayman and the exacret park at Cozumel. I want to snorkel but oh well...Would anyone suggest chaning the exacret park to a snorkel excursion at Cozumel? Thanks in advance!

 

[TinkerBellMom]

I always take my own. I like to snorkel at Sernity Bay. It is very relaxing. The fish are few and far between but I try to plan a snorkel excursion somewhere with more of a reef than C. C. I still have not found the hidden Mickey at C. C. It is pretty far out. It is fun to snorkel some. When I rented the equiptment I felt I had to "get my money worth". This way I just have to "use it some" to make it worth bring it along.

Mine is nothing fancy. I got it at Sam's. It works great!

TBM

 

[Spotdude]

I was going to go buy our own snorkel stuff they hava set at BJ (COSTCO OR SAM'S ) for my DDs and the adults I just think it will bwew easyer and less of a hasle.

 

[skibum]

We bring our own. Not big snorkelers, but have brought it to CC three times and Hawaii twice. Cost us about $40 each, but figure CC $25 x 4 (people) equals large savings.
We just bring an extra duffle with all the equipment inside, They let you use the required (inflatable) vests for free.
Snorkeling there is fair, but worth it. Don't forget an underwater camera - disposables are available for about $10.

 

[WDWLVR]

I need my own mask because of sight problems. In looking at buying that we went and looked at getting our own snorkels as well. We ended up getting the kind that doesn't let water in and it made the snorkeling very enjoyable. We didn't buy our own fins because they take up so much room. The vests are mandatory in the snorkeling area but they provide them free.

 

[JJsmama]

I wouldn't plan on skipping the snorkel at CC altogether. Whether you bring it or rent it, I think you'll want to do it once you get there.

 

[bjkj]

We got ours on clearance at Target for next to nothing. I'm so glad we brought it. We had a great time snorkeling at CC in the morning. Once you got out a ways, it was very clear and we saw a fair amount of fish. The kids loved it!

We just stuck each set a the bottom of our suit cases and it wasn't a hassle. I don't think that I would have enjoyed spending the $100 for our family of 4 for a little bit of snorkeling.

Have fun!

 

[dreamcometrue]

I need my own mask because of sight problems. In looking at buying that we went and looked at getting our own snorkels as well. We ended up getting the kind that doesn't let water in and it made the snorkeling very enjoyable. We didn't buy our own fins because they take up so much room. The vests are mandatory in the snorkeling area but they provide them free.

I am short sighted and have wondered if you can wear contact lenses while snorkeling? I assume glasses are out of the questions, and I prefer contacts over glasses anyway!

 

[bjkj]

I do a lot of snorkeling/diving, always wear my contacts. I wouldn't be able to see anything without them. What would be the point? Anywho.... I've never had a problem, never lost one. However, I always bring a backup pair just in case!

 

[rbork]

We have our own stuff. If all your getting is a floatation from Disney on CC. Do you still sign up for snorkling? Or just come anytime?
Please clarify?
Thanks leaving in May!!
Did the Doc Dance in the RAIN Saturday!!!

 

[MommaluvsDis]

DH and I are cruising w/o kids this September. Other than SB, where do you suggest we snorkle on CC?

 

[mattmommy]

We bought our gear at Costco, even for ds5. We got him hooked on snorkeling when he was 4 in Hawaii. We will be bringing one of those kids leashes to connect him to me so he can move, but be safe next to me.

Definitely wear your contacts. I always wore them under my mask and to water parks up until I had the lasik surgery.

 

[scrapperjill]

We've always packed ours along....It may take up alot of space but...Not only does it save money you know how it's going to work. You never know if a mask is going to seal good....and by having your own...you know exactly how it's going to work.

We've enjoyed using ours at CC...both the family beach and at SB....but also at other ports. In St. Martin we went to Dawn beach and had a wonderful day snorkeling...for only the cost of the Taxi ride to get there. We found a perfect place in St. Thomas to go...but unfortunatly we decieded to keep our snorkel gear on the ship. . We did some research on Cozumel and found some good spots also..that by bringing our own gear is only going to cost us the Taxi fare...so IMO it's WELL worth packing along your own gear.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

We brought just our mask and snorkel and paid a small fee for the vest and fins. Liked having less to carry around by skipping the last two items. I agree with scrapperjill, you know you'll get a good fit with the mask and I like the idea of knowing the snorkel has been cleaned well after use.

 

[Sunshine56]

I usually carry my own gear but I do like the suggestion of just renting fins. That is the big item that takes up space.

The first time I was at CC I was afronted by their requirement of wearing a snorkel vest. Since then, I have gone out and purchased one for both DD and myself. We will be using them when we snorkel in Hawaii next month.

If you are not doing a snorkel excursion, you just walk on to the snorkel beach and go for it. I do recommend doing it early in the morning as the water gets nasty (stirred up)in the afternoon. I did find the Hidden Mickey.

Most important thing - HAVE FUN!!

 

[Lauren-n-Jeff]

We brought our own on our honeymoon in 2002.... Serenity Bay was great for peaceful snorkeling! I just had the heebiejeebies over using "used" snorkel gear <shrug>

So I say, if you've got the room in your suitcase...Go for it!

 

[woody73]

We bring our own snorkel equipment, including vests. It's more of a hygene issue than anything else. At Castaway Cay, they will lend you a vest a no charge.

Woody