snorkeling and/or fishing on 4 night dream

[Lisa F]

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the best snorkeling opportunities on the 4 night Dream. I realize that limits you to Nassau but are there any worthwhile Nassau snorkeling opportunities or do you pretty much have to do a 7 night cruise to find any of those?

I am traveling solo with my then 9 year old - he is a decent swimmer (has taken lessons for years now and I am at the point of putting him on the swim team). We live on Martha's Vineyard so he spends a ton of time at the beach in the summer (camp goes there once a week and we go on weekends sometimes) and the child is never happier than when he's got a snorkel mask on, face in the water, net in hand looking for crabs (we do catch and release lol). I think he would be really just over the moon amazed to be in clear water (the water is kind of murky here) and see something more than crabs and minnows.

We are definitely planning to snorkel at CC (we have our own equipment) and I think he will really enjoy that. But with a vest I am not really worried about him doing something a bit more challenging if it is worth the effort.

Also are there any fishing opportunities that are not crazy expensive and very long? He LOVES to fish, we don't have a lot of extra $$ to go out on boats constantly but we fish off the pier a lot here and catch mostly scup. Are there any kid appropriate fishing opportunities where he'd have the chance at catching some stuff? If my parents end up going this might be a good thing for him to do with poppop.

Thanks for any help.

 

[DizneyNutz]

You can find YouTube videos of snorkeling at CC if you do a Google Search. At least then you would know what to expect and decide if it is worth the long swim out at the family beach. I have only snorkeled at the adult beach (about 5 times) and have always found some interesting sea life there ( large Stingrays, Conchs, Huge Starfish, Sand Dollars, colorful Fish, etc.) Unfortunately your son would not be allowed to snorkel there.

 

[Lisa F]

You can find YouTube videos of snorkeling at CC if you do a Google Search. At least then you would know what to expect and decide if it is worth the long swim out at the family beach. I have only snorkeled at the adult beach (about 5 times) and have always found some interesting sea life there ( large Stingrays, Conchs, Huge Starfish, Sand Dollars, colorful Fish, etc.) Unfortunately your son would not be allowed to snorkel there.

I have done it but YEARS ago (my last cruise was in 2005) and I don't remember it being that hard to get out there, but on occasion I've been known to swim a mile for exercise and my son is capable of swimming at least half a mile in a reasonable amount of time. how far out is it to the good snorkeling at CC?

 

[DizneyNutz]

Again I have not snorkeled on that side but from everything I have heard/ Read the items are scattered across the snorkeling area and to see everything you would probably have to swim 3/4 of the way to the rock jetty. There are a couple of lifeguard stands located near the outer limits though.

 

[Marc D]

This month, we did a snorkeling excursion at CC. You get on a boat and they bring you in the middle of the ocean to a spot with corral and plenty of fishes. They also bring you to a sand bank in the middle of nowhere. Our 6yo loved it.

 

[NCConch]

Here is a link to video of the fishing trip I just went on. We did the 4 night right after Christmas. The Disney trips on CC are not cheap but they are very well done - and you are always in sight of the ship. I have done three of the four fishing trips they offer. Bottom fishing is easy followed by the trolling trip. Fly fishing is expert level.

 

[Lisa F]

Here is a link to video of the fishing trip I just went on. We did the 4 night right after Christmas. The Disney trips on CC are not cheap but they are very well done - and you are always in sight of the ship. I have done three of the four fishing trips they offer. Bottom fishing is easy followed by the trolling trip. Fly fishing is expert level.

haha my kid would be over the moon if he caught a fish that big. his biggest was an 11" scup which was only an inch off the winner at the fishing derby but still! probably a bit more than I can swing for 2 now though... though it's not THAT bad now that I checked prices, about $330 for both of us. I expected it to be more than that. that is for the Abaco Back Country Fishing trip, shallow water. is that the bottom fishing?

edited to add, i found the bottom fishing one. they all seem like I could potentially swing them though. hmm.. I guess i'd have to ask him if he wants to go.

 

[ggoodman]

we've done the back country fishing and with a child who doesnt fish regularly id stick with the deep sea fishing. more comfortable bigger boat and it is covered to get out of the sun.