snorkeling with kids

[misty9960]

Our kids are 10 & 7. My 10 year old is an excellent swimmer. My 7 year just learned to swim last year. She does good but tires out and I am not sure how long she will last in deep water. What is the best snorkeling excursion for inexperienced swimmers? She is so excited about going snorkeling but, I don't want to go on one that is so hard that she gets discouraged and doesn't enjoy herself.

Also, is snorkeling something you would only do at maybe 1 port or is it so spectacular that you would enjoy doing it more than at one location? Is each snorkeling adventure different?


Thanks,
Misty

 

[denise5374]

Are you on the Eastern or Western?

When my DS was 5 we went snorkeling in the Bahamas and he could swim but got a bit "freaked out" when he got in the water. I think there was just too much of it and he was overwhelmed. Anyway, he stayed in the boat while my DH and DD9 and I snorkeled. even DD got tired quicker so she would go back on board, rest and then get back in the water. So even if your younger child doesn't like it, you could still be in the water. I knew that my DS would not jump in off the side of the boat, he just sat and watched everybody. The crew of the boat was great and if I remember correctly there was another little boy who did the same thing....

 

[misty9960]

We are going on the Western. Thanks for your input

Misty

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

best snorkeling for her is castaway cay. she will live it. nothing but fish to worry about at the family cove. lots and lots of fish to see. our DD didnt want to go out that far last cruise but wants to see the underwater mickey so she wants to go deeper. and she also learned to swim last year. i hope this helps

 

[denise5374]

I would recommend Snorkeling in Grand Cayman. The water there is beautiful and the Stingray City excursion is great. On Stingray City, you are taken by boat to a Sandbar in the middle of the Caribbean and that is where the stingrays are. They are not caged there, they just sort of stay there and you get out of the boat and you can stand on the sandbar and the stingrays swim around you, it is absolutely amazing. On the tour we went on there were two stops, Stingray City and Coral Gardens.

When I was on Grand Cayman it wasn't with a cruise, so I can't answer for anyDCL excursions.

Enjoy your cruise!!!

 

[two4ruff]

My youngest was 7 on our first cruise and a pretty weak swimmer. He loved snorkling though and they are required to wear a snorkle vest (modified life jacket) that allowed him to just float and enjoy the view. He did like to hold hands with mom or dad too, until he felt comfortable.

We brought our own gear (that way we were comfortable with the fit) and the boys enjoyed their own snorkling "tours" at each of our beach stops.

He is now a 9 year old "pro"!

Have fun!