Never snorkled

[Cathy p]

I have never snorkled and my dh cannot swim. Any chances for us or is my poor dh going to sink like a rock? I quit smoking last year, however, I still don't have much air. Any suggestions?:)

[JaniceB]

There are floatation devices you can use. Where are you cruising and where do you want to snorkel?

[Cathy p]

I am not sure where to go I have read so many wonderful spots on the boards. Any suggestions, Janice?:)

[JaniceB]

Do you have a cruise booked? The first time I snorkeled was Trunk Bay on St. John. We walked in the water from the beach and had to swim a good distance. This is probably not a good idea for your husband. A boat would take you to a good snorkling spot. This is usually deeper water. Would he feel secure with a flotation device? I do not know of any shallow snorkeling areas, but some probably does.

[bluehorizonlover123]

Snorkeling is very easy. You basically float on your stomach and look down. If you are wearing fins it will hellp you to kick forward and move easily. If you plan on going into deeper water a life jacket would be beneficial. You can usually rent these on the ship or at the beaches for about $5. You put the mask on your face. put the snorkel in your mouth and breathe. You don't need alot of oxygen, as long as you can breathe right now you can do it. Go to a sports store and look at a mask, fins and snorkel so you see what it is all about. If you can float you can snorkel. It is not scarey at all. I taught my kids to do it when they were 4 years old. Smoker or not you can do it, it is nothing like scuba diving. The air you breathe comes from about the surface of the water.

[jaguarstyper]

Keep in mind that you are much more boyant in salt water that you are in freshwater. Unless your built like a supermodel, staying afloat is not really much of a problem. The flotation vests made specifically for snorkeling are pretty nice for weak swimmers. Swim fins make moving through the water very easy and effortless. You might have sore legs the next day, however.

Give it a try. I think you'll find its easier than you think.

Tim

[JrMafia90]

You never snorkled?! You have no clue what your missing!

[allen.crawford]

My wife is terrified of placing her face underwater. Her first experience with snorkelling was in Hawaii. It didn't take her long at all to feel comfortable and now, she just can't wait to get the mask, fins, and snorkel on!

One word of advice - don't try to talk while snorkelling!!

ENJOY!

[Cathy p]

Thank's a bunch. No supermodel here so floating no problemo:p My dh said he is willing to try it so I quess we will see. How about Half Moon Cay? I have not rec'd my docs yet. I booked only 10 days ago so I am sure most of the good excursions are probably gone. Thanks again, folks:)

[bepsf]

I'm not a good swimmer and had never snorkeled in my life when we went on the Catamaran Sail and Snorkle excursion in Roatan - it was one of the best experiences of my life!


They gave us all the equipment we needed and took those of us who had never done this before aside where they trained us how to use the inflatable vest, etc.

I was hesitant about jumping in and almost lost my nerve, but there were guides in the water with us and the others were having such a good time that I couldn't not jump in!

The flippers make it easy to get around, the guides were there with us the whole time - helping us to see the coral and fish, etc.

The staff on the boat were lots of fun, very helpful and had nice nibblies ready for us to nosh on when we came out of the water. I wouldn't hesitate to go with them again!

I feel so much more confident now that I'm looking forward to playing w/ the stingrays in Nassau in a couple weeks!

Let us know what you decide to do!

[cal2632]

I was on an excursion once where one woman didn't know how to swim. They put the life ring in the water and let her lay across that so she'd be comfortable in the water. If your husband cannot swim at all, I would be carefull about the boat excursions on Half Moon Cay. In fact, it was the same one where the woman floated on the ring. She had the easiest time, they just hauled on the rope and pulled her in when she was done. The rest of us had to fight a very strong current to return to the boat. I wouldn't want to see a total non-swimmer tackle that. Try a beach snorkel first.

[Time2sail]

Snorkeling is wonderful--relaxing and beautiful reefs and fish to see. Don't know where you are cruising, but I would test the water temperature before renting the equipment. On one trip, it was me and a few brave children who got in the water. I did one inch at a time but finally was able to tolerate the water without heart stoppage. Yes, it was still worth it.

The swim vest is sometimes mandatory for certain places and on some ships. It will hold you up no matter what your weight and you will get used to it rather quickly. No matter if you only go in knee deep, I think you should put on the vest. I personally do not like the fins--it is a personal choice and I do great without them. I like to wear water shoes to protect my feet.

You do not have to be a swimmer or even know how to float to enjoy snorkeling but you will need to let go of a few of your fears such as putting your face in the water, breathing through your mouth with the assistance of the tube and if depths frighten you (if you are not snorkeling from the beach) remember you have a vest that will support you.

You can do it:) Have fun!

[zdude]

Like anything it takes a little practice. However, it is a really easy sport, you'll be at novice level instantly.

It does help to have some experienced guidance.

[Cathy p]

I let my DH read all these reviews and he looked at me and said, "ok I know you want to do this, I'll try." YEA Watch out people here comes the have no clue what we are doing two .:p

[TedC]

There is some Ok but not great snorkeling near the rock jetty at Half Moon Cay where the tenders come in. The water isn't too deep and there were quite a few fish when I was last there in November. You can get there from the beach easily.

I would hope the snorkeling by boat excursion at HMC would have better snorkeling. Paid excursions usually provide the equipment, including vests, and instructions.

Many people like to bring their own snorkel and mask - they know where they've been.