Western Cruisers - Anyone tried SNUBA?

[Ursula's Mom]

I am supposed to meet with my family this weekend and I wanted to bring info on Grand Cayman excursions, both Disney and non-Disney. I found this info on SNUBA at

www.aboutcayman.net/guides/caymanadventureguide/grandcayman/georgetown/underwater.cfm

Tethered Scuba Diving
If you're new to underwater adventure, an excellent way to sample the sport of scuba diving is with snuba. This unique adventure combines snorkeling and scuba diving to give even non-swimmers an opportunity to explore life below the surface. Anyone eight years or older can enjoy this safe activity, which can be experienced by handicapped and senior vacationers as well.

The equipment utilized by snuba participants is much like that used by certified scuba divers. Visitors don a weight belt to help achieve neutral buoyancy then add mask, fins, and a snorkel. Regulators are assigned and usually two swimmers share an air tank, which floats on the surface in an inflatable raft pulled by the snuba instructor. Twenty-foot-long tubes connect snuba divers to this air tank. Up to six swimmers can enjoy this experience with each snuba instructor

The experience is similar to a shallow-water dive but without the weight of an air tank on your back. After a short safety and usage course (about 10 to 15 minutes), snuba divers swim out from shore and enjoy the spectacle of marine life found just yards away.

Snuba instructor Mark Regal is one of the top watersports operators we've met in the Caribbean. His instruction is top notch and easy for beginners to understand; his attention to safety is thorough without instilling fear. Mark has taken down non-swimmers, towing them on a rope.
Ticket prices are US $65 per person. Dives are scheduled at 8:30, 10, 11:30, 1, and 2:30 daily. For more information, write Divers Supply, P.O. Box 1995, George Town, Cayman Islands, BWI or (345) 949-4373.

Has anyone out there tried this? Sounds like fun!
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Kathy

 

[ScrapHappyMama]

Kathy,
My dh and I did SNUBA in Hawaii. I absolutely loved it and thought it was one of the highlights of our vacation. My dh was not able to relax enough to breath through the regulator, and went back up to the surface after only going down about 8 feet. He decided snorkeling was good enough for him! Breathing through the regulator does take some getting used to, and in addition to that you experience pressure changes similar to in an airplane.
Hope this helps some,
Linda

 

[Ursula's Mom]

Thanks ScrapHappyMama!

Do you think and older tween and teens will be able to do this? We have a 12, 14 and 16 year old going on this trip and they may want to try this. They are all pretty good swimmers, but only the 14 and 16 your old have snorkeled. Do you really need to be a good snorkler to do well with SNUBA?

Thanks in advance for your help and opinions!

 

[ScrapHappyMama]

My opinion was that it was not THAT much different than snorkeling, although it was a little more difficult to get used to. But DH would not agree. He had no trouble at all snorkeling, but could not get himself to relax enough to breath through the regulator. He said he really felt like he was drowning, and couldn't get any air. Not to scare you, but just to give you his point of view. I don't remember any non-adults of any age being with us on that adventure, so can't help you there either. Sorry!!
Linda

 

[Ursula's Mom]

Thanks Linda - maybe this is something some of the adults should try, while some of the other adults go to one of the beaches with the kids! I appreciate your help!

Kathy

 

[RDT]

I took my teenage kids on a SNUBA excursion when we were on the 7-day last summer (in St. John). It was one of the highlights of the trip.

We all got the hang of the regulator right away, and then were lead on a 45 minute "snuba dive" where we were able to see a lot more--and go a lot deeper--than we have ever been able to do with snorkeling.

We totally loved it, and are looking for opportunities to do it again.

 

[HLFDZN]

I went with my hubby in Cozumel. I will say that it took me a bit of practice to not breath to fast in the regulator. I also remember getting a very very dry throat. If I did it again, I would leave a water bottle on the raft with my airtank. It was so easy, I am heavy so I needed more weight in my weightbelt to sink down LOL. I must say it was the highlight of my trip and has inspired my hubby and I to get certified for Scuba next year when we take our 20th anniversary trip.

Our instructor was great and gave everyone time to get use to the breathing thru the regulator while we were still standing near shore.

After it was over, we were able to buy another tank of air and go around again for cash.

I would say try it.....it was awesome!!!!!

 

[tezb]

Our family did the SNUBA at Coki Beach in St. Thomas. Had an instruction first and then time to SNUBA and they also took underwater pics of them. My youngest son was 9 at the time and did fine. They all loved it and would definitely do it again. I think you had to be at least 8 to try it, probably also because you should be able to follow directions easily.