snorkeling at castaway cay

[imgoingtodisney]

This is a dumb question but what is the difference between the snorkeling gear (mask & hose) that are found in the kids toy dept and the real snorkeling gear? I have no clue. Just got DS the toy snorkeling mask & hose as part of his b'day present to get him use to the mask and having something in his mouth.

 

[two4ruff]

Maybe quality...and fins.

We bought fin, mask and snorkle set for both our boys (ages 7 & 10) at Costco before our cruise. Not the highest quality and not the highest price, but they worked great for us. (They tend to snap the ones we have bought in the past from the toy department.) We did use the life belts available at most beaches (keeps them from getting too tired, too far out). Real gear? I'm not so sure if we needed it (if there even is a difference)


It was nice to have them ahead of time also so they could use them in the tub and pool to get used to them.

Good luck!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I got them for my kids in Wal-Mart. The key there is, look in sporting goods, not toys, to get the better quality ones. They were $17 for mask, snorkel, and fins in a mesh carry bag. DH says good quality (he's the jock of the family). Buzz demanded that we break the ice off the pool so he could try them, but, sadly, has had to be content with just wearing them in the tub!

 

[BeanoC]

It's all about quality. Get something reasonable, but don't buy super-cheapies that will leak, break, etc. 'cuz it will ruin the experience for the kids! Stay away from the snorkelling sets at Walmart, Target, etc. that go for 10-12 bucks for the whole set!
They are, in a word - JUNK. Try a good sporting goods store and get something decent... it's worth it. You should be able to get a decent quality mask and snorkel for around 40 bucks.

(My mask ALONE was $149.00...)



'Beano'

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

The ones we got at Wal-Mart don't leak, and have been standing up to abuse pretty well. however, I wouldn't get adult stuff there. For one thing, I need to get mine fitted with my prescription. But for kids, the wal-Mart stuff is fine.

 

[Parrotheader]

I saw a set in Sam's Club today for $25. It was a long snorkel (with the bend in it so it goes more naturally around your head), fins, and mask. I don't remember if it had a buoyancy belt or not. Looked to be of very good quality. I may actually go back tomorrow and pick it up.