Too many snorkeling choices

[DisneyDarwin]

So, there I am looking at excursions, when it dawns on me my preferences seem to include snorkeling everywhere. We like the water and snorkeling, but that seems excessive. Cozumel, Cayman, KW, CC -- each with snorkeling options aplenty. So, if you've done most or all of them at one time or another, clue me in on which ones are not to be missed. We have been to CC, so I know its snorkeling is weak. It's just another option while on the beach for the day. And, we have snorkeled in the Keys before, although not in KW. It was OK, but I've seen far better in Hawaii. We have never been to Cozumel or the Caymans, so any advice would be appreciated.

 

[mog]

I've been to Cozumel snorkeling 2 times. Have also been snorkeling in the USVI, Curacao and a few others - never Key West. I personally like the snorkeling in the Cozumel area. It seems to be really good. One time we did a drifting reef snorkel excursion there that was really nice. We were just out floating over the reef, barely in sight of land - the boats that brought us there backed off and we were in the water for about an hour. -Not a trip for beginners, but some really good snorkeling! Last time I was there, it wasn't quite that great because the snorkeling was just part of another excursion, but even so it was good.
So, I would recommend trying it in Cozumel!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

We did the Fury Catamaran snorkeling trip at Key West when we were there with the Magic in 2000. I think that they're offering this excursion on the western itinerary. They take you out to sea about 7 miles from the island and anchor near a reef which has a national park designation. The snorkeling is pretty good, I'd say, not great. This was better than at Castaway Cay, but not as good as Tahiti. I've never been to Hawaii, so I couldn't make a comparison there. The overal trip is fun. The crew are really friendly, and there's free soda, beer and wine for the trip back to the island (they won't serve you alcohol until you're finished snorkeling).

 

[hokie5cruiser]

Snorkeling at Cayman 7mile beach was excellent and Cozumel Chankanaab park was very good. See my reply to Beano's question about Cozumel/Cayman excursions. (I'm sorry, but I'm too tired to type it now)

 

[Wavegirl]

Grand Cayman has amazing snorkeling, crystal clear water and tons of marine life. I really like Eden Rock, you can get to it right from shore in George Town at Paradise Bar and Grill. THe dive operators there are ABanks and they even rent gear if you need it. Tarpon, silversides and we even saw a turtle. Visibility is like 200 ft!! You can also snorkel when you do a north sound stingray city trip. Best operator is Red Baron by far, sail there on a sail boat and they stop along the way, you see eels, stingrays of course and so much more. We booked them through Cayman Island Discounts-Activities Discounts its best if you have a group of 6-8 people. They are great with kids, ours loved the trip.

Hope this is usefull info I'm a Cayman Islands regular

 

[goofydadeo]

Grand Cayman is by far the best (we snorkeled in at all 3 port calls) - on Grand Cayman we took an independent tour (Bob Soto's Divers - 3 Stop Snorkel Tour) which was outstanding (and cheaper than Disney plus we could take our DD4 along). They allow you to experience 3 unique snorkel settings - the barrier reef, stingray city and coral gardens. Their guides were very knowledgable and they even take along a professional underwater photographer. At the reef they dive with you in their scuba gear and coax the nurse shark and very shy eel out of the reef for everyone to see. At Stingray city they have a very good intro to the stingrays and teach you how to interact and hand feed the rays correctly. Their tour departs at 9:30 'ish am from the treasure island hotel (a 5 minute ride from the tender terminal). We were back at the hotel by around 1pm with enough time left to take a shuttle bus to the turtle farm and still make it back to the tender well before the 5pm last call. Let me know if you want more info.