Snorkeling in Castaway Cay

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

I've always brought my own so I never noticed what the rental rates were. For that price, just buy your own! They don't take up much room in your luggage

I do the same. A snorkel and a mask does not take up much room or weight in the suitcase. And they'll actually let you use a vest (which is required) for free.

 

[Galactic Hero]

We were just there on Friday. We snorkeled for about 2 hours before lunch (me, DH, DS17 and DS12). The water was cold at first, but it was quite lovely once we got used to it! We did not use our equipment after lunch. I agree that doing the snorkeling in the morning is a good idea, as the water is calmest then. Have a great time!!

 

[Quellman]

I will mention this, make sure you apply ample sunscreen to your back at least 10 minutes before you jump in the water. Your back will be exposed for about an hour and you want to keep the risk of sunburn as low as possible. Nothing worse than a sunburn on the last day of your trip!

 

[DnA2010]

I've always brought my own so I never noticed what the rental rates were. For that price, just buy your own! They don't take up much room in your luggage

Wow1 Those are crazy prices! We brought our own masks and snorkels, don't need fins in most places (we didn't at CC)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So, now I have a follow-up question.

Is there any benefit to reserving the snorkeling gear ahead of time? Or would I be better off just waiting until we get there, and then gauging the kids' level of interest? They may say the water is too cold. They may be too intrigued with other things on the island, since we've never been before. Or they may not all want to go at the same time, and then we wouldn't have any reason to rent 5 sets (we could get away with maybe 3 instead).

I've never (knock on wood) had a problem getting snorkel gear the day of.

We've never had an issue getting equipment once there, also.

 

[truck1]

Rule number 1. Work with the current, not against it. I promise the current will win.
Rule number 2. When in doubt, see rule 1.
Rule number 3. If your not sure, ask the lifeguards which way the current is running and work with the current.

 

[acndis]

I would agree with all the previous posters!

We were there last week. I am a cold water-phobe and CC is always a little chilly for me. I have a shorty dive suit that makes it perfect (even in the morning). Our water was very calm the day we were on the island and the tide was very low (only up to our ankles on the Cabana Beach) so the snorkeling was very nice. However, on our trip to November, it was a tough swim. The current was extremely strong and we had to kick on our backs on the trip back to shore. My son is eight and is on the swim team but we always hold hands while snorkeling and there were times that I was even a little nervous on that November trip.

With that in mind, it's very relaxing and tons of fun! We will be on the Dream on 4/22 so check back in and tell us if the April water was warmer!

 

[CesD]

What made it hard for them? Just lack of familiarity with snorkeling?

The distance made it hard.byou have to swim quite a ways to see the statues. We saw some fish, but not a lot. We've seen more fish in hanauma bay, Hawaii and key Biscayne. FL