snorkeling at Castaway Cay

[WINTER]

I'm a non swimmer. Any other non-swimmers out there that snorkel? Can it be done?

 

[SamFaniam]

I'm a non swimmer. Any other non-swimmers out there that snorkel? Can it be done?

You can wear a life jacket, which would help to keep you afloat, but I can’t recommend it. You have to go out quite a distance to see any of the interesting underwater items in the snorkeling lagoon.

 

[Qbie]

You can wear a life jacket, which would help to keep you afloat, but I can’t recommend it. You have to go out quite a distance to see any of the interesting underwater items in the snorkeling lagoon.

I agree. Many people find it quite exhausting to get out to the best snorkeling areas. I wouldn't suggest it unless you can at least moderately swim.

 

[Rob1872]

You have to wear a snorkel vest, which sort of acts like a life jacket. If you can kick with the swim fins, then you don't NEED to swim. Having said that, as the PP said you go a long way out to get to the 'good stuff'. I would not recommend a non-swimmer trying it. I wasn't exhausted, but I was definitely feeling that I'd done some exertion by the time I was done and saw everything. You could get into trouble as a non-swimmer, and the lifeguards aren't that close.

 

[LadyNia]

I actually learned how to swim as an adult so that I could go snorkeling in Maui on my honeymoon. Even after 6 months of lessons my instructor was nervous about me going snorkeling and told me to let someone on the excursion know that I had just learned to swim. I wouldn't recommend going out into the ocean without swim skills. It can be daunting to be out in open water. However if your cruise is still far out and it's something you'd really like to do you can look into adult swim lessons in your area.

 

[ImperialSpy113]

If you are a weak swimmer or can casually doggy paddle in a pool-- MAYBE (see below for more)
If you don't know how to swim at all with no plans to learn-- No. Sorry, but no (see below for more)
THAT BEING SAID. Like the above poster said, if learning to swim is something you've always meant to do, but put off--here's some motivation: I had a sea turtle swim past me when I was snorkeling in the lagoon and it was downright magical. If you are just nervous due to the idea of "open ocean," you can always wait before you book the activity until you see the lagoon for yourself and book on the island.
The Castaway Cay excursion is a self-paced activity, meaning there's people supervising but that's it. I will say there are lifeguards so if you feel comfortable but get into trouble there's someone to rescue you. The lagoon is "contained" so there aren't any of the currents or waves that would be at a beach. But it is big-- probably a mile or so? from shore to end. And the "attractions" that are hidden underwater are in deep water (easily 12-15 feet) with the first being several meters from shore. It is not like a pool where there is an edge to grab onto, you have to be able to tread water. I got tired towards the end and I used to swim competitively. (I will admit I am incredibly out of shape now). The provided life jacket isn't a real "life jacket". The best way I can describe it is you inflate it yourself with a couple breaths; it won't save your life, but it is a supportive vest for snorkeling.

 

[Dug720]

If you are truly a non swimmer, please consider getting lessons before your trip or staying out of the water (or limiting it to mid-calf depth if you must). Definitely don’t try to go the distance to the snorkel area as it is not walk-able and you would only endanger yourself and potentially others.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

I consider myself a strong swimmer- I swim several miles a week at the pool at the gym. Swimming in open water is different. If there is wind there can be a bit of current at the snorkel lagoon. I personally would not swim out to where all the statues/fish are until you have had swim lessons and feel confident of your skills at an indoor pool. The snorkel vest, while it helps you float, is not a life vest. It is a fun activity and learning to swim is a great life skill. You may even find your passion and it will turn into a fitness routine. I hope you have time to take some lessons and enjoy your cruise!

 

[PendingPeril]

My younger toddler is just learning to snorkel. Is there even anything to see in the more shallow waters? Or is it not even worth it?

 

[lklgoodman]

My younger toddler is just learning to snorkel. Is there even anything to see in the more shallow waters? Or is it not even worth it?

On DCL site it says you have to be 5yrs or older to rent the snorkeling gear. Even if you bring your own snorkeling gear, everyone must wear the yellow vests they have. Not sure if that means you have to be 5yrs or older to do the snorkeling or not. It's been years since we did it. There isn't much to see until you get far out, not in shallow water.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The provided life jacket isn't a real "life jacket". The best way I can describe it is you inflate it yourself with a couple breaths; it won't save your life, but it is a supportive vest for snorkeling.

 

[ironz]

If you are truly a non swimmer, please consider getting lessons before your trip or staying out of the water (or limiting it to mid-calf depth if you must). Definitely don’t try to go the distance to the snorkel area as it is not walk-able and you would only endanger yourself and potentially others.

This. Why would you risk your life and put at risk any potential rescuers?

 

[Nemos2010]

Are you allowed to take a noodle to snorkel? Do they sell them on Castaway?

 

[SamFaniam]

Are you allowed to take a noodle to snorkel? Do they sell them on Castaway?

I think pool noodles are actually on the list of items you’re not allowed to take on the cruise with you. You cannot take any tubes or rafts into the snorkeling area. You can wear a life vest, with the bright snorkeling vest over it if you wish.

 

[Donna M]

As someone who swam competitively, I would not recommend you snorkel as a non swimmer at Castaway Cay. The distance is quite deceiving and it gets tiring after awhile. There isn't anything to hold onto when you get tired and you won't be able to stand either. Even rolling onto your back to rest won't help all that much.

Now, if you had your heart set on going out there, stay on the side by the lifeguard and don't go out far, maybe not even past standing depth, but then you won't see much. Swim parallel to the shore so you aren't going even further out.

I don't remember, maybe someone knows, but can a snorkeler wear one of the real life jackets? That would solve all your issues if you are able to wear one.

 

[Junebug1029]

And even swimming to the submarine, when I went, there was not much marine life.

 

[Capt_BJ]

if you are a self declared 'non-swimmer' and go in water deeper than your knees you are foolish. the 'safety vest' is NOT a replacement for basic skills.

Harsh words? YES But I worked in a paid position for some form of water safety from the age of 15 until I retired from 30 years USCG .... I pulled too many folks out of the water to be complacent on the issue.

Please don't!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

My younger toddler is just learning to snorkel. Is there even anything to see in the more shallow waters? Or is it not even worth it?

A few fish make it in close to shore. We had a cabana and saw rays in knee deep water, but that beach is quieter than the family beach. I always see lots of toddlers with goggles in close to shore, not so much with snorkel gear. Not much to see.

 

[mkb3]

So my daughter is 8 and can swim but y'all have me wondering now. We snorkeled in HI but didn't go far out. Will they provide her a life jacket if we bring our own equipment? Is there a charge to snorkel if we bring our own equipment?

 

[adamki]

So my daughter is 8 and can swim but y'all have me wondering now. We snorkeled in HI but didn't go far out. Will they provide her a life jacket if we bring our own equipment? Is there a charge to snorkel if we bring our own equipment?

There's no charge to snorkel with your own equipment. You must wear the snorkel vest/float (pictured above) and they are provided free of charge at the equipment rental stands. You don't have to inflate the vest, but you must wear it.

The life guards will stop you as soon as your toes touch the water in the snorkeling area if you don't have a snorkel vest on. I was told that the bright colored vest helps them see people in the water.