snorkling question About This Page:

[Suzie623]

We plan on taking a Disney Cruise in July 2006 and I think we are going to try the snorkling excursion. My daughter will be 8 at that time. Do you think she would enjoy it? Also, I was wondering if we should purchase our own equipment or use theirs? How do they clean the equipment before the next people use it?

[Dave Marx]

Do you mean the Castaway Cay snorkel rentals, or an excursion at one of the other islands you visit?

There are a lot of advantages to the Castaway Cay snorkel rentals if you're unsure of a person's interest. The biggest downside is that if he/she ends up loving it, Castaway Cay is usually the last day of the cruise, so there won't be a second chance to enjoy the activity.

Castaway Cay provides shallow, calm, shark-protected waters for snorkeling. Unlike an excursion, you can call it quits and move onto another activity or return to the ship at any time. The downside of Castaway Cay is there isn't much interesting to see (no coral reef, for example), and the water can get murky because of all the other snorkelers and swimmers in the area.

Note that except at Castaway Cay, all the snorkel excursions are run by independent companies. There's no way to be sure in advance what company will be running your excursion. Still, everyone in the tourist trade does a decent job of sanitizing their equipment between excursions. All the equipment is bathed in a sanitizing wash after it has been used. Most of the cruise lines use the same excursion operators, and most of the lines monitor the performance of those tour operators, so if a problem crops up with a tour operator :::snap::: they've been replaced by another company - it's a very competitive business.

The children who enjoy snorkeling tend to be very experienced swimmers. The more comfortable they are in the water and the more swimming lessons they've had, the more confident they'll be. Still, it's a new experience, and if if a child has never swam in salt water and/or surrounded by fish, seaweed, etc., it's hard to predict whether the child will be fascinated or frightened. It's a safe bet that if a child is normally easily spooked by unexpected animals or sensations, then it may be better to wait a few more years. Also, some snorkel excursions are in calm lagoons, while others are in the open ocean. I don't recommend open ocean snorkeling for beginners - the waves add yet one more challenge to the experience.

If you decide to go, don't bother with buying your own gear. If your family falls in love with the activity, consider buying it for the next trip. Generally, the gear used for excursions is better than the cheaper equipment commonly found in places other than dive shops, and if you have a problem with fit, the excursion will have a variety of alternate sizes at your disposal.

There are several discomfort factors you can address in advance. Most important - waterproof sun block - SPF 30 or better. Snorkelers are on their bellies the entire time, and thanks to the cooling waters won't notice their backs (including the backs of their legs) have burned until it's much too late. Also, bring a bottle of fresh water on your dive, tethered to a strap of some sort. Everyone is going to get at least one mouthful of salt water, and perhaps an eyeful, too. Many kids will want to stop right then and there unless you have a way to "make it better."

[Suzie623]

Thanks for all the pointers (especially the water bottle). I was thinking of doing the snorkling at Nassau (Carribean Queen Snorkling Tour). My daughter is timid of water right now, but is excited about going snorkling and seeing fish. I hope by next year and LOTS of swimming lessons, her timidness will fade.

I just received your WDW book. I had to get that after being so impressed with reading the Disney Cruise Line book. :O) Thanks again! Suzie

[JoanW]

LOTS OF SUNSCREEN! My future son-in-law is sporting the snorkel burn from not enough sunscreen on his back, which looks like a big circle. Burned to a crisp. He loved the snorkeling at Castaway Cay, as it was his first snorkel experience.

We've snorkeled before, so we own our own now and got them through Sam's Club and BJ's. I think they were $40 - $50 a set. They have kids sizes too.

[TESS64]

I agree with Joan. It was overcast and I had no idea how sunburn you can get. My DD 8yr. old got blisters. After 2 weeks she is just now clearing up. Next time my children will wear t-shirts. When you're snorkeling it can take you a couple of hours to get out and come back. You don't realize how your back is out of the water and there you have it, a nice red burn by the end of a wonderful day.

[Suzie623]

I never thought of getting sunburned on your back! I like your idea on wearing a shirt. I have never been on a Disney Cruise and am very open to all the tips and hints you can give me. Thanks so much!!! Suzie

[hktmom]

also consider picking up a rash guard type swim shirt that offers SPF protection. They come in long and short sleeve. You can often find them at Old Navy, Gap, Lands End, Speedo, and any other reputable online surf/swim shop. I buy these each and every year for my son and daughter and they don't know any other way of swimming except with these on. Oh, you can find them at Sports Authority stores too or any other big sports store that carries swim gear. You may be hard pressed to find them now as most of the retail world wants us to know it is officially time to shop for the holidays, but next spring would be a great time to start looking. They should fit snug, each label will give a guide if they are true to size or if you should buy one size bigger or smaller.

And they dry super quick too.

Heather