Just back from GT!

[sammynobrains]

Just got home today. Was in GT on Wednesday 2/27. Based on other posts, you already have a good idea of the island. It reminds me a LOT of Costa Maya - pool/band/shops at the pier & good beaches a short taxi ride away. The "stars" of this island are snorkeling, diving, and beaches. This is not an island for shopping, history, or culture.

Carnival's Shorexs:

1) Ultimate Snorkeling - I took this one & highly recommend it. It was awesome. The boat was crowded, but looked new. Built for snorkeling - easy in/out. I was impressed by the staff. They helped those with very little snorkeling experience (including 2 kids who looked like middle-school age) & pointed out sites for those with lots of experience. One or two crew members were in the water with you the entire time. It was windy & the water was choppy, so we went to alternate sites, including the "wall." The drop off was too deep to see much, but there was a turtle & other colorful fish & coral at the ledge. Second stop was called Sandbar Reef. More fish & coral. I saw a large barracuda, and someone else saw a lobster. Beautiful purple/blue fan coral that reminded me of St. John. On the way back to the ship, we saw dolphins. The tour guides actually turned the boat around & circled the dolphins for a great view.

2) A tablemate took the Gibbs Cay & Snorkeling. She loved it.

3) 2-3 couples who took the island bus tour had overwhelmingly negative comments.

4) The dune buggy tour received rave reviews from at least 2 couples.

5) SNUBA got a thumbs down from experienced snorkelers. They said you're at the mercy of the skill level of your group. 4 people share a tank (?) and have to move along at the same speed. For someone who's never been snorkeling, this might be a good tour, but they felt restricted.

6) A tablemate did the horses & gave it a double thumbs down. He was expecting more time on the horses.

7) Beach break - see below

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After my snorkel tour, I wanted to get away from the crowded beach, so I paid $3 (each way pp) for a taxi ride to Governor's Beach. It was spectacular. Soft sand & clear water. It's technically the same strip of sand as the pier beach, but it was substantially quieter & less crowded. Well worth the $6 round trip. There was a little snorkeling here, but IMO, not worth lugging your gear.

The ship shorex was here for $30-odd dollars. Someone posted about this earlier. I got the same chair & same access to the beach bar for free. Chair rental cost seems to be inconsistent. A group of 6 walked to the beach from the pier & were told chair rentals were $5 each. I'm not sure if I lucked out, or if my taxi arrival had to do with the free chair.

Interesting: I met an American who owns a bar & lives on the island. She was shopping for sandals at the pier, because there's absolutely no shopping on the island.

Margaritaville: I only walked by quickly, but those who were there said it was a blast!