western excursions

[cgdmom]

I am trying to plan for our july 5th cruise! My husband and I love to snorkle and are not sure whick excursions would be the best. I don't mind going off on our own but sometimes dh prefers to do the ship excursions. Is the snorkling( snorkle, sail, Catamaran)at key west very good? Whick is better on grand cayman--stingraycity or the shipwreck and reef snorkle? Which is the best snorkling on cozumel? ANy suggestions for easy to get to non cruise excursions at any of the ports? THanks so Much!!

 

[csbenedict]

We've reserved Captain Marvin's for Grand Cayman (www.captainmarvins.com). They have different length trips on their website and they were very prompt in responding to our online questions and reservation. They've gotten rave reviews on this board and we can let you know what we think when we get back in May. Their price is less expensive than DCL and they are within walking distance from the pier. We are also going to Chankanaab on our own in Cozumel.

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

If you are interested in a snorkeling excursion I recommend

http://www.eagleraydivers.com

They are the best. We have used them and had a awesome time. My DH dived and I snorkeled. We did a 1/2 day trip and went to 4 different areas. They keep the groups small no more than 6-8 and if too many other charters come around they move to a quieter location. Our guide Raul spoke perfect English. Check out their web site, they also have a jeep tour that is suppose to be great!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

We haven't taken the trip yet but based on their research (which included reading lots of DIS board postings) DH & DS - 15 have decided to try for the Advanced Snorkel Tour which takes you to Columbia and Planacar reefs.

One note, we spoke with a DCL rep about a week ago to check some of the times and this excursion now meets up for departure at 10:15 am rather than the 1:15-1:30 listed on the DCL website and in the Passporter.

According to my guys these reefs are among the most renowned snorkeling reefs in the world. The Chankanaab excursion was their second choice but were leaning towards it in order to be back in time in case DS decided to do the Teen Catamaran in the evening.

DD & I will be horseback riding at this port.

BTW-we will book through DCL for a couple of reasons (yes, we know it can be less expensive to book on own). 1) If we don't make port we don't have to contact an excursion operator to make sure we aren't paying for the excursion. 2) If you're on a DCL excursion which is delayed getting back to the ship DCL knows about it and (at least theoretically) won't leave until the excursion gets back. 3) We've read good reports on the stable DCL uses at Cozumel and this is one thing I am not taking a chance on.

Whatever you decide have fun. We go June 21 so we won't be back early enough to give you a full report in time for early booking of excursions.

Deb

 

[zacsmom]

Our favorite thing to do in Grand Cayman is to go snorkeling on our own at a place called "Eden Rock". When you get off at the dock, take a right hand turn and go down the sidewalk towards the second dive flag, not even a quater of a mile. Go into "Eden Rock" and rent a locker. Throw your stuff in it and lock it, go down the stairs and right into the water. Fabulous and completely free. You can practically snorkel out to some of the cruise ships with a beautiful view. In Mexico, we snorkel at Chankanab by ourselves. Grab a taxi in town and pay the $10.00 at the gate of the park. They also have a fabulous little place on the beach where you can get a great lunch. The conch salad is to die for.

 

[Wavegirl]

The Snorkeling in Grand Cayman is wonderful and the stingray city part is excellent!!

Here are two operators that offer catamaran excursions:

Stingray City Catamaran- 4hrs, $34 for Adults, $20 for kids

Captain Bryans: 2-1/2hrs, $34 adults, $25 kids

There is also a great snorkeling guide offered on the Snorkeling Guide for Shore snorkeling locations ..rent a car and go it alone!!!