Rent or Bring Snorkeling Equipment?

[dandbsmom]

I was just curious as to any experiences regarding renting the snorkeling equipment on Castaway Cay. Should we bring the equipment or rent it? DH, DS (10), DS (6) and myself.

 

[TylerandDylansMom]

I just came back from the Nov 13 Magic and can tell you my personal experiences with snorkeling and Castaway Cay. I bought my DS (7) nice Speedo equipment at Magen's Bay for only $17. It cost $10 for an all day rental at CC for children. I rented my husband the adult gear at CC for $25 for the day. I intended on sharing the gear with my husband, but the water was to cold for me to enjoy. My husband went out about 1/2 way with my son. My 4 y/o didn't have any interest in snorkeling. So, to answer your question, I would probably just rent it instead of packing it. You may find the water to cool too. $70 is a lot, but cheaper than an excursion for the entire family.

Have a great trip!

 

[dandbsmom]

I am counting on the water being chilly and am currently getting the boys and I wetsuits off of Ebay. Later I can resell them. I would hate them to miss the beautiful water since our beach water is never that clear. Thank you for your experience. These posts are so helpful. My son tells me that this is my new hobby! They always depend on me to reseach everything ahead of time anyway!

 

[poohbear2]

I am just curious.. what is the water temp right now at Castaway Cay? After swimming in Maine waters, I can't imagine describing the waters off Castaway Cay as chilly?

 

[dandbsmom]

I am not sure of the temp. Have seen different posts--should be around 69 or so. But I am from Florida and spoiled! Others have said that it will be chilly.

 

[Sue Sullivan]

Just got back Saturday and although the water was warmer in St. Maartina nd St. thomas it was not too cold to swim in CC in my opinion and I'm from Florida. After getting in the first time it was fine getting in the rest of the day. The air temp was just perfect too, in the 70s so you never felt scorched.

 

[BabyBird]

The water was fine 11/13 when we were there. Serenity bay was heaven on earth.

When we rented the snorkle equipment I thought:
$50! that is rediculous!
After we swam with fish that I had only seen in an aquarium it seemed well worth it.

Rent your equipment. You will need the room in your suitcases for your purchases onboard.

Have a great cruise!

 

[zeke11]

I can't stress this enough -- bring your own!!

Here is what happened to us: I was fully intending to just rent snorkeling equipment on CC. For some reason, at the last minute, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up two new sets and brought them along with a couple of extra masks we had at home.

Due to the unexpected hurricane, we ended up not being able to even go to CC. We did go to Nassau and I booked the Blue Lagoon excursion because we all desperately wanted to go to the beach. Blue Lagoon had NO snorkeling rental and if we had not brought our own, my kids would have missed one of the most memorable and enoyable times of this trip -- although they didn't officially go on the snorkeling excursion portion of Blue Lagoon, they were able to paddle around the Lagoon and were so excited to see the colorful fish there.

I was SO GLAD that we had the masks and snorkles and when we go on the Magic next year, even though we are going to CC twice on this cruise (hopefully!), I'm STILL bringing our own masks!

Kris