Snorkeling Gear

[dropzone9]

Is it better to rent the snorkeling gear at Castaway Cay or bring your own? How do they sterilize that stuff, do they give out new mouthpieces? Where can I purchase my own snorkel gear at a good price? Does it just consist of a mask and the snorkel? I know I have lots of questions, I just want to be prepared

 

[DVC California]

Hi Dropzone and Welcome to the DIS!

Castaway Cay is a great place for first time snorkelers...very calm water, sunken ships, lots of good resting spots that you can adjust equipment, and lifeguards all along the route. Oh, and some fish too!

I'm not sure how much DCL charges for their gear. I brought my own mask and snorkel but rented flippers, $9.00 all day. They also give out (no charge) inflatable vests that is mandatory for all snorkelers to wear.

I think Costco has seasonal snorkel gear now, about $20-25 bucks for a set. It's a good investment if you decide to do it again.

Hope this helps, Steve

 

[dropzone9]

Thanks Steve!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I got sets for my kids in Wal-Mart, of all places! They're good quality (only tested in the bath tub so far, but still...). I got them each snrkel, mask, and fins, in a mesh carry bag, for $17. Possibly a little more for adult sizes. Make sure you look in sporting goods, not in their summer stuff, where they just had cheapo snorkels and not the whole set. Snorkeling is the most important part of the cruise to Buzz!

 

[prymsu]

If you get hooked on snorkeling like my family has, you are better off to buy your own stuff, and not worry about renting. Number one, you don't have to worry about how it was cleaned, and number two, the cost of inexpensive equipment is covered by the second or third time you use it, and your own equipment will be in much better shape, then something that has been used by hundreds of other folks.

I even had my prescription lens put in my snorkeling mask. I can't wait until October so i can get my fill of snorkeling for a while...

 

[amy1007]

Sue,

Could you elaborate on having your prescription lens put in your mask? I would like to do this for my daughter. How much did it cost and who did it for you?

 

[prymsu]

I bought my own mask, and then to it to the eye doctor, and his office sent it off somewhere to be done. What basically happened was that they cut the lens of my prescription, and glued them inside the mask. Sure makes a huge difference. In fact i always have my mask in my carry on because i would be disappointed if i had to snorkel using a mask that didn't have the prescription lenses. Well worth the money, because we have been snorkeling at least twenty times now.

 

[amy1007]

Thanks, Sue. It sounds great...will definitely do for my daughter!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

About how much did it cost to add the prescritpion glass? I would LOVE to so this for myself--even the "legally blind" snorkels that they rent aren't up to my strentgh ! How long did it take? I was worried I'd be stuck with whatever they had (Is that a stingray? Nope, just my husband!), or worse, not go at all!

 

[prymsu]

but if i remember correctly it was around 54 bucks, and it took about three weeks. Hope this helps.

 

[prymsu]

If you can't afford all the gear, it is easy and cheap enough to rent just fins only, and sometimes we do this when we are limited on packing and space...

 

[juniorbugman]

If you go to WDW area before trip there is a dive shop ( Dive USA I think) on internatuional drive that sells masks and the prescription lenses that you put into the mask. These inserts come in all types of strengths and just glue right in, no waiting.
We will be there next week before our Apr 27 cruise. Hope this helps