Snorkel Equipment Rental ?

[CRSNDSNY]

I just received my shore excursion info in the mail today and noticed that rental of snorkel equipment on CC for the day is $25/person. It seems a bit expensive to me. If I were to buy my own equipment and take it with me, do you think it would be a money saver or is this $25 a deal?

 

[prymsu]

If you get your own equipment, you would be better off. It may cost you a tad more, but if there is a possiblity that you might get hooked on snorkeling, then what it would cost for two rentals to go, you could have your own new equipment. Just my thoughts...

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We've snorkeled in St. John before and LOVED it...I'm thinking it may be worth purchasing our own in the long run. On top of using it many times in the future, just knowing it is our germs on it may be worth it even more.

How much do you think it would cost?

 

[starmouse]

There's another snorkelling thread around here with some great advice. Don't skimp on your snorkel gear. You can find masks, fins and snorkels at Walmart, but you're going to be much happier with nicer equipment that's professionally fitted. If you see an opportunity to snorkel more than once, I'd recommend checking out the local dive shop. Sports Authority also has a nice selection of quality snorkel gear.

Snorkelling is a wonderful thing and should not be missed. Castaway Cay is the perfect place to try it out, since the bay is protected by natural barriers and a net that is intended to keep the sea creatures who are larger than your childen out.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by starmouse
Castaway Cay is the perfect place to try it out, since the bay is protected by natural barriers and a net that is intended to keep the sea creatures who are larger than your childen out.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Getting your own equipment, especially when rentals cost that much, is a worthwhile investment. Be careful though, although I would also agree that a plastic tube and face mask from Walmart isn't what you want, if you're not going to use your own stuff more than once or twice a year/season, a dive shop can get expensive.
We just purchased new equipment for the cruise we took in September. Body Glove makes a nice set that won't break the bank. Try the Clear Cut 3 snorkel mask, fits comfortably and has a nice viewing arc. And if you want to get up close and personal with the fishies, get a Desert Dry snorkel. Totally submersible and has a purge valve (remember to take a breath for you go under, otherwise you'll turn your tube inside out ).
I would also recommend Body Gloves Snap Fins. Comfortable and flexible. Gives you a lot of power in the water.
Even the Jr set we got for my daughter was nice. She learned to use it in our pool before we went and had a great time.
Hope this helps.

 

[Little Twin Stars]

Originally posted by DMS_cruisers04
Even the Jr set we got for my daughter was nice. She learned to use it in our pool before we went and had a great time.
Hope this helps.

How old is your daughter? I am wondering if I should buy one for my kids.

 

[prymsu]

http://www.diversdirect.com/

check this site out. I buy a lot of stuff from them, and prices are reasonable and fast delivery.

 

[poopie]

to snorkel and I have three cruises comming up so I bought my own equipment, it will pay for itself, I got mine on e-bay.

The main reason is I don't like the way they sanatize the mouth part, I want my own.

Last time I rented snorel equipment, I got sick and wound up in the hospital with pnuemonia, it may not be related but I have a weak immune system and am not taking any chances.

 

[hydster]

I would say to get your own as well! There is nothing worse than getting out in the water thinking you are going to see some beautiful fish and your mask fills with water leaving your coughing and gagging! If you get your own you know it fits you right and wont leak. Also when you are buying a mask to make sure it fits right put the mask on your face WITHOUT the strap around your head and suck in through your nose and hold your breath. If you hear air escaping or it doesnt suck onto your face it wont fit you right when you buy it and use it! Also it would probably be worth it if you bought a snorkel with a water purge valve at the bottom so if you happen to get water in your snorkel your next breath will be air and not water! We bought ours at a dive shop (of course we dive ALOT) but we also bought our kids a snorkel and mask at Walmart! They were NOT happy about us having the kids try them on in the store but I told them tough..no way was I taking my kids in the salty ocean water with a chance of a leaking mask! It took many tries to finally get the right fit for all the kids but it was SO worth it in the end!!! When we rented snorkels and on our last excursion where we brought our own the sanitation method (though I doubt it is that way at CC) but they would take the snorkel, submerse it for 2 seconds in salty sea water and then rinse in a bucket, dry with a community towel and voila ready for the next customer!!!

Just my opinion!
Heidi

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by CRSNDSNY
I just received my shore excursion info in the mail today and noticed that rental of snorkel equipment on CC for the day is $25/person. It seems a bit expensive to me. If I were to buy my own equipment and take it with me, do you think it would be a money saver or is this $25 a deal?

Well, I just dragged out my diving equpt. and found that I'll need to replace my snorkel $39.00) and booties ($14.00) and, if I don't find the other half of a clip for one of my fins, another pair of fins ($65). The horseshoe flotation collar and the mask are ok.....$25 for rental or....? And all that extra luggage space if I rent....Hmmm.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

How old is your daughter? I am wondering if I should buy one for my kids.

My daughter is 3. The mask is real nice, fits her great. The snorkel is actually a submersible, lighthouse style, and has a purge valve. The fins are okay. Nothing fancy, but gets her by. She actually didn't use them in the water, her choice.

From poopie

I got mine on e-bay.

One of our new sets was purchased on e-bay also. The other we got at Sam's Club.

 

[S. C.]

We also got ours at sams club....body glove brand I think we paid about $48 for the adult sets. purge valve they worked great at CC and we plan on using them again on our cruise next yr.
We fiqured if we use them 2 times they pay for themselves vs renting. And like everyone else said you know 200 other people didn't have them in there mouths. We didn't take extra luggage for the snorkle equipment, they came with back pack type carring packs...so we just carried them on our backs to get on board the ship and while walking on CC.