Question about Excursions (Where to put your camera and other stuff?)

[tonyg]

I know I'm probably worrying too much about this one, but I just want to be sure about something:
1) When you go on a sea excursion - say, to snorkel or something water related -- Where do you keep your belongings? We are planning to bring along cameras and such - is there somewhere on the boat where you leave it behind while you jump in the water, or do you have to keep your eye on your stuff the whole time? (in other words, say I want to videotape Her snorkeling or playing with the Stingrays-- but then decide I want to join in -- where can I then put my camera and/or bag?

2) Similarly - when you go on the beach trip - even at Castaway Cay -- how safe is it to leave your sfuff behind while you jump in the water for a bit? Is there any place to put your bag, especially if it has a camera?

3) What about your valuables - key to the world card/passport/ etc... -- if you BOTH go swimming - where do you keep this while you're romping about? Do you even need to carry your passport with you while excursioning, or can you leave it in the stateroom and carry along an ID instead?

I know I'm probably over-stressing this, but since I'm from NYC, it's always a concern. But at least at our beaches, I can leave the stuff in the car trunk if necessary.

Any thoughts on what to do with the cameras would be great. I know I could just bring a disposable one, but I'm a videographer by hobby and like to capture unique points of view of my trips-- so I'd prefer to bring the video/digital camera. I just don't want to have a problem with having no place to put it.

 

[AnnMorin]

Ok for your key to the world card and ID (keep your passport locked in your cabin safe- you only need your card and picture ID to reboard) we got in Mickey's Mates these little laynard boxes, they are water tight and big enough to keep some cash in there too. They really come in handy even here at home if we go to the beach. You just tighten it up before you jump in and you are all set.

For camera equipment I guess it would depend on your excursion provider. We went on Captain Marvins and it was a small boat and people just left their stuff when they jumped in, you could see the boat fine so no one was grabbing anything. I would caution you though good equipment may get ruined with all the sea spray etc. I bought a re-usable underwater camera that takes regular 35mm film, then you can just jump right in with it, especially out by the reef it is great to have the underwater shots, this one has a flash so it can take great pictures. I know they do sell waterproof digital equipement (maybe you can even rent it?) but be very carefull with bringing good stuff on the small boats as everything gets wet! At very least I would get a waterproof case to keep it in when you are not using it.

At Castaway Cay, I brought a beach bag and just kept my camera in it. Maybe it was flirting with disaster but I felt very comfortable leaving my things there. Since the only people at CC are from the cruise I felt fairly safe, I mean if you stuff was stolen they couldn't get too far with it

I know at Chackanauub (sp?) park in cozumel they have lockers that you can use if you are going western.
Hope this helps. Ann

 

[WDWLVR]

Tony - I'll try and help.

1) If you are going on a boat excursion I think you'll be fine leaving your camera on the boat while you get in. You won't be far from it and only those on the boat with you would have access to it and will most likely be in the water the same time as you.

2) On any beach - even Castaway Cay - we only bring disposable cameras. Don't want to risk our good camera getting ruined or stolen. Especially since we are in the water snorkeling etc. for a good period of time. I would think if you really wanted to bring the video camera I would put it in a bag that can be locked and locked to your chair. Personally though I wouldn't risk it.

3)We use surf savers which are waterproof holders that go around your neck. They come in two sizes - one that can hold you KTTW card, an ID, even a credit card and some cash; the other is larger and can hold a pack of cigarettes. No need to carry your passport with you - leave it in the room safe. here's a link to one on REI surf safe

 

[AnnMorin]

Hi Mary, those are the little boxes that we have! I didn't know what they were called but they sure are great! you can even fit a car key in the thin one (those are the ones we have) so when we go to the beach for the day back home here we just take the car key off the chain and pop it into the box and we are good to go without worrying about anything important getting snagged while we are swimming!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi tonyg.

I know I'm probably over-stressing this, but since I'm from NYC, it's always a concern. But at least at our beaches, I can leave the stuff in the car trunk if necessary.

Then all you have to worry about is whether the car is still there when you return...

Is there any place to put your bag, especially if it has a camera?

Let your DW stay where she is and hold the camera...

 

[piglet33]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
Hi tonyg.



Then all you have to worry about is whether the car is still there when you return...




Let your DW stay where she is and hold the camera...

BD - You are too funny!

 

[tonyg]

ROTFL, BD.

Thanks, everyone - that's exactly what I wanted to know. I will take all suggestions into mind. Hopefully I won't have too much of a problem.

 

[dzneprincess]

Hey tony,
Just wanted to let you know that Kmart is clearancing all their summer items, and I was able to pick up a few of the surfsafes made by Cayman for 50c each! What a steal!
Amanda