Snorkeling excursion - kickboard allowed?

[jeburrows]

Was wondering anyone knows if kickboard are allowed on the adult snorkeling excursion? There are 4 adults going. One has snorkled several times previously but gets nervous if the water is a little rough & I'm thinking a kickboard might help calm his nerves. Thanks for any info!

 

[LSUfan4444]

Everyone will be required to wear an inflatable life jacket on the excursion.

 

[Dug720]

Never heard of allowing a kickboard. Unless it's changed lately, not ALL places require the vests. I've been with more than one company where it was optional. And even those that require a vest do not all require that it be inflated.

I've seen some operations that have noodles you can float on if you want.

 

[LSUfan4444]

If the excursion is booked through DCL (and it sounds like it is from the OP) everyone will be required wear a life vest as that is DCLs policy. You wouldnt be able to answer whether one would be allowed with an independent company without knowing what company would be used.

OP, DCL will not provide a kickboard but if you wanted to travel with one, bring it on board then bring it on the excursion and use it in the water I don't think there would be an issue with it. I don't think it would be needed but I don't think there would be a problem using one.

 

[Dug720]

If the excursion is booked through DCL (and it sounds like it is from the OP) everyone will be required wear a life vest as that is DCLs policy. You wouldnt be able to answer whether one would be allowed with an independent company without knowing what company would be used.

OP, DCL will not provide a kickboard but if you wanted to travel with one, bring it on board then bring it on the excursion and use it in the water I don't think there would be an issue with it. I don't think it would be needed but I don't think there would be a problem using one.

Since the OP did not specify they are going on a DCL excursion, you also cannot definitively say they MUST wear one. The excursion I did in Nassau was booked through DCL but was a non-DCL company. They had vests but we were not required to wear them.

Even people who do the snorkel trail at CC have said they have to wear the vest but that they did not have to inflate it.

 

[LSUfan4444]

They are required on all DCL snorkeling port excursions. Whether it is enforced or not is a different story but they are required.

 

[gotomu212]

If the excursion is booked through DCL (and it sounds like it is from the OP) everyone will be required wear a life vest as that is DCLs policy. You wouldnt be able to answer whether one would be allowed with an independent company without knowing what company would be used..

It has not been my experience that this was their policy or enforced. In December on both our DCL Cozumel and Grand Caymen excursions we were not required to wear life jackets. They were provided, but optional. We did a lot of free dive snorkeling in Cozumel that would not have been possible with life jackets.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Do you remember the exact excursions you're referring to?

 

[gotomu212]

They are required on all DCL snorkeling port excursions. Whether it is enforced or not is a different story but they are required.

View attachment 236128

This list is even more interesting because I know the Catamaran Fury, Pirate Cruise, and Stingray City excursions did not require us to wear life jackets while the boat was in motion. Neither did our regatta excursion and the pics on DCL website show the regatta underway with no life jackets.

Edited to add I just looked at the catamaran things to know and it doesn't mention snorkeling vests (or life jackets) at all. It looks like it is excursion specific and probably based on the vendors requirements- not Disneys.

 

[Dug720]

Do you remember the exact excursions you're referring to?

Mine was the Catamaran Sail and Snorkel in Nassau.

This list is even more interesting because I know the Cateman Fury, Pirate Cruise, and Stingray City excursions did not require us to wear life jackets while the boat was in motion. Neither did our regatta excursion and the pics on DCL website show the regatta underway with no life jackets.

Don't you love that? There was a horseback riding one I was looking at when I was pondering a Western and though the description said helmets were required, the pictures accompanying the excursion description did NOT show anyone wearing a helmet.

 

[jeburrows]

Yes, we will all wear the snorkel vests, but I just wanted something to give him a little extra peace of mind. We'd bring our own kickboard, since I've never seen any provided on our previous snorkeling excursions. Thanks everyone for the input, much appreciated

 

[LSUfan4444]

Mine was the Catamaran Sail and Snorkel in Nassau

The requirement exists but enforcement is a different story. Its like the alcohol, dress code, etc. policies as well....there are requirements but it doesnt mean they are always enforced.

 

[dcassetta]

I am not sure DCL would permit a kickboard. Does it fit into these prohibited items -

• Kites, balloons, surfboards, wave boards, inflatable floats, pool noodles, inflatable pools and wagons

 

[jeburrows]

I'd think it would - even tho it isn't specifically listed. Is that a list of items not allowed in the pool?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'd think it would - even tho it isn't specifically listed. Is that a list of items not allowed in the pool?

It's on the main list of what's prohibited on the ship and on Castaway Cay: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/list/

 

[jeburrows]

That is very helpful, thank you so much!!!

 

[dzorn]

I think PrincessShmoo has a point I don't think it would be allowed.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think PrincessShmoo has a point I don't think it would be allowed.

Actually, it was dcassetta who pointed it out.

 

[dzorn]

Did not go enough quotes back.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm thinking the kickboard may not be allowed... either in general by DCL's prohibited list but also possibly by the excursion. Life jackets and snorkeling vests are worn on the body, not really an opportunity to lose it. A person could easily lose grip on a kickboard in rough waters or windy conditions could blow it away.

Some comments have mentioned life jackets; it's important to note that inflatable snorkeling vests are not the same as a life jacket. I'm not terribly surprised if life jackets were not required of adults onboard a vessel, though there should be one available for every passenger. I haven't done a snorkeling excursion so can't speak to whether or not inflatable snorkeling vests are optional.

OP -- if the person is that worried about rough waters, would they consider wearing an actual life jacket either in place of or along with the required (or possibly not required) snorkeling vest? It likely would not allow them ability to dive underwater, but would assist with bouyancy to float on the surface. Or if they are truly that worried, maybe observing the excursion or skipping it should be considered.

Enjoy your cruise!