Snorkeling

[lexluthor]

We'll be in Cozumel off the Carnival Fantasy on 9/3 and are interested in Snorkeling.

It would be 2 adults (or maybe 4) and 11 year old daughter.

Down below, I copied in a couple of tours that Carnival offers. It's my understanding that I could book something just as easily and way once on shore.

So, what would I need to do mimic these tours once on shore? I'm don't think I'm looking to go completely budget and take a taxi, so I think I'd feel more comfortable with some type of tour.

Also, our 11 year old daughter is relatively small (52", 50lbs). Will we be able to easily get snorkeling gear for her or could that be a problem?

Thanks!


Carnival Tours

Three Reef Snorkeling
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea on this Caribbean sightseeing and snorkel adventure.
On this excursion you will:

• Cruise out from the ship's pier, into the turquoise waters en route to three distinct reef locations where you'll have three varied shipside snorkel adventures.
• Gear up and follow your PADI certified guide through the crystal clear waters and over colorful coral reef formations as you explore exotic fish and marine life and experience the mysterious underwater world.
• Be provided with a ship’s captain & crew, tour guide, snorkel gear, beverages, snacks and beer after snorkeling so sit back relax and enjoy getting to know this Caribbean island paradise.

CHANKANAAB MARINE PARK & MEXICO'S MAGIC
Splash into Cozumel’s underwater world to discover its exotic marine life at Chankanaab Park and explore the rich Mexican culture at Discover Mexico, on this combination tour.

• Your day begins with a taxi ride from the pier to Discover Mexico, a state-of-the-art park that will take you on a journey through time into Mexico’s culture.
• Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and introduce you to the park.
• Open your senses to the audio visual experience, as you admire the popular arts museum featuring award-winning handmade works created by Mexico’s finest artisans.
• Stroll among Mayan/Aztec archaeological sites and colonial buildings represented here in impressive scale models.
• You can purchase snacks and drinks at the “Mercadito Corona” and browse through the gift shop before taking a taxi ride to your next stop.
• Chankanaab Park is a sanctuary for marine flora and fauna and it’s world renown as a snorkeler’s paradise.
• If you choose to snorkel, you will discover a wonderful world of coral reefs and colorful tropical fish that inhabit these crystal clear waters.
• Afterwards, you can let the sand caress your feet while you relax under a palapa admiring the seaside views.
• On your return journey to your ship, there will be an optional drop off in downtown for shopping.

[lexluthor]

So, if I wanted to, say, do a reef snorkeling trip out of Cozumel, is that something I'd easily find on sure and would fit the timing with needing to be back to the ship at a big savings over what the ship charges (something like $70pp).

[bambam2972]

I'd recommend going to Chankanaab via cab. It was $10 each way for the two of us. We didn't get a guided tour, but we walked around and looked ourselves. I can't remember how much admission was (there are different packages when you get there).

The snorkeling there was good and I seem to remember seeing gear for children, but I'm not sure about the sizes, etc. The little guy in my sig was in Chankanaab. If you'd like to see more pictures, click on the photos link beside December 14 and click on "Friday" (you have to scroll through about 15 pics to get to the park).

There are lockers, food, and restrooms nearby.

[MamaParrotHead]

If you do decide on Chankanaab, just take a cab. As stated, it's $10/4 people plus under $10 for adults (less for kids) for admission, versus the $40-$50 pp Carnival is charging for the ride there and back.

[imsailinaway]

I went on the 3 reef snorkeling in dec 08.....I had a great time swimming around and seeing fish, but there was virtually no live healthy reef. most was broken and not nearly as impressive as others. the tour people were absolutely amazing and they made the trip. but snorkeling was def not the best. It is good for beginners because you can experience "snorkeling" and you will see fish! I got really close to a barracuda! I nearly jumped out of the water!!!

[imsailinaway]

oh and I also would recommend taking a cab. Im going to be visiting Playa Uvas with is just north of chankanaab. Im taking a cab and admission there is $7 they also feature an open bar!! which is aditional. they also have kayaks and i have been told they have some good snorkeling too!

[lexluthor]

Originally Posted by imsailinaway

I went on the 3 reef snorkeling in dec 08.....I had a great time swimming around and seeing fish, but there was virtually no live healthy reef. most was broken and not nearly as impressive as others. the tour people were absolutely amazing and they made the trip. but snorkeling was def not the best. It is good for beginners because you can experience "snorkeling" and you will see fish! I got really close to a barracuda! I nearly jumped out of the water!!!

Did you take the ship's tour or where did you book this?

[sappygirl]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

We'll be in Cozumel off the Carnival Fantasy on 9/3 and are interested in Snorkeling.

It would be 2 adults (or maybe 4) and 11 year old daughter.

Down below, I copied in a couple of tours that Carnival offers. It's my understanding that I could book something just as easily and way once on shore.

So, what would I need to do mimic these tours once on shore? I'm don't think I'm looking to go completely budget and take a taxi, so I think I'd feel more comfortable with some type of tour.

Also, our 11 year old daughter is relatively small (52", 50lbs). Will we be able to easily get snorkeling gear for her or could that be a problem?

Thanks!


Carnival Tours

Three Reef Snorkeling
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea on this Caribbean sightseeing and snorkel adventure.
On this excursion you will:

• Cruise out from the ship's pier, into the turquoise waters en route to three distinct reef locations where you'll have three varied shipside snorkel adventures.
• Gear up and follow your PADI certified guide through the crystal clear waters and over colorful coral reef formations as you explore exotic fish and marine life and experience the mysterious underwater world.
• Be provided with a ship’s captain & crew, tour guide, snorkel gear, beverages, snacks and beer after snorkeling so sit back relax and enjoy getting to know this Caribbean island paradise.

CHANKANAAB MARINE PARK & MEXICO'S MAGIC
Splash into Cozumel’s underwater world to discover its exotic marine life at Chankanaab Park and explore the rich Mexican culture at Discover Mexico, on this combination tour.

• Your day begins with a taxi ride from the pier to Discover Mexico, a state-of-the-art park that will take you on a journey through time into Mexico’s culture.
• Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and introduce you to the park.
• Open your senses to the audio visual experience, as you admire the popular arts museum featuring award-winning handmade works created by Mexico’s finest artisans.
• Stroll among Mayan/Aztec archaeological sites and colonial buildings represented here in impressive scale models.
• You can purchase snacks and drinks at the “Mercadito Corona” and browse through the gift shop before taking a taxi ride to your next stop.
• Chankanaab Park is a sanctuary for marine flora and fauna and it’s world renown as a snorkeler’s paradise.
• If you choose to snorkel, you will discover a wonderful world of coral reefs and colorful tropical fish that inhabit these crystal clear waters.
• Afterwards, you can let the sand caress your feet while you relax under a palapa admiring the seaside views.
• On your return journey to your ship, there will be an optional drop off in downtown for shopping.

Going to Chankanaab by taxi is a breeze. Just get a cab at port, tell them where you want to go. There will be taxis waiting to bring you back. The snorkeling is pretty good there and so is the food and drink. It is $16.00 pp to get in. Children a little less. They have a $2.00 off coupon on their website. Just keep track of your time and you will be fine. We left around 1:30 or so from there and had plenty of time to wander around the shops in town. You will be fine.

[lexluthor]

Family and I wound up going to Chankaanab Park off the Carninval Fantasy.

We paid for the combo snorkel (coupon isn't good for that actually) and once we got in, someone was pushing the dolphin encounter. They offered us $70 each for the 2 adults and the 2 kids free. Seeing that Carnival charged $116 each (for kids too) and considering we already paid cab ride there and admission, that seemed like a good deal to me.

We had never done that before. We had an absolute blast. Our guide/trainer was excellent. There were only 5 of us and we got a full 45 minutes in the water with the dolphin.

We then did some snorkeling as well and it was decent. Didn't see too many different types of fish and nothing really exotic, but it was fun.

The park was empty. Pretty much had it to ourselves.

Would definitely recommend it.

[chloes_mom]

Originally Posted by lexluthor

Family and I wound up going to Chankaanab Park off the Carninval Fantasy.

We paid for the combo snorkel (coupon isn't good for that actually) and once we got in, someone was pushing the dolphin encounter. They offered us $70 each for the 2 adults and the 2 kids free. Seeing that Carnival charged $116 each (for kids too) and considering we already paid cab ride there and admission, that seemed like a good deal to me.

We had never done that before. We had an absolute blast. Our guide/trainer was excellent. There were only 5 of us and we got a full 45 minutes in the water with the dolphin.

We then did some snorkeling as well and it was decent. Didn't see too many different types of fish and nothing really exotic, but it was fun.

The park was empty. Pretty much had it to ourselves.

Would definitely recommend it.

Hi! Am going on the Valor on Dec. 6, and am thinking about the swim with dolphins at Chankanaab. Newver done it before, and have 2 girls 4 and 7. Would it be worth it for them? Can they do the snorkeling, or is it too deep? (the 4 year year old can't swim w/o a life jacket). We've been snorkeling many times (my husband and I). Is it worth it for the snorkeling? What else is there to do? Thanks!

[MamaParrotHead]

Originally Posted by chloes_mom

Hi! Am going on the Valor on Dec. 6, and am thinking about the swim with dolphins at Chankanaab. Newver done it before, and have 2 girls 4 and 7. Would it be worth it for them? Can they do the snorkeling, or is it too deep? (the 4 year year old can't swim w/o a life jacket). We've been snorkeling many times (my husband and I). Is it worth it for the snorkeling? What else is there to do? Thanks!

We're taking our kids, ages 4,6 and 10. I think it'd be an ideal place to teach them to snorkel, as it's a gradually graded beach/water depth. The 4YO would also be free with the Dolphin Encounter. I don't know which dolphin program you were looking at, I just figured my 2 (and my nephew) might be a bit intimidated by the deeper water (that you'd be in during the actual "swims") and the size and proximity of the dolphins (I don't know that they're aware of how big the dolphins actually are).

[Edmund DeWinter]

Quick question for those of you who are "in the know" about snorkeling and all.

I have a very strong prescription for my glasses and can't wear contacts at all. I've seen "prescription lens" masks out there for sale, but they're way too expensive for me to really consider since I currently like in Oklahoma and won't be doing *that* much diving.

Is it possible to dive with glasses, providing you don't mind a little leaking here and there? Even if I have to clear my mask every 30 seconds or so, I really don't mind, I just want to be able to see some of the amazing things out there. *grin*

Does anyone have any suggestions as this has to be a problem for some people at least?

[chloes_mom]

Originally Posted by MamaParrotHead

We're taking our kids, ages 4,6 and 10. I think it'd be an ideal place to teach them to snorkel, as it's a gradually graded beach/water depth. The 4YO would also be free with the Dolphin Encounter. I don't know which dolphin program you were looking at, I just figured my 2 (and my nephew) might be a bit intimidated by the deeper water (that you'd be in during the actual "swims") and the size and proximity of the dolphins (I don't know that they're aware of how big the dolphins actually are).

Thanks! I was just looking at the pictures of the snorkeling area, and it just looks like it drops off past the wall, and you go down steps into the water. It doesn't look gradual, and I couldn't tell how deep it was. As for the dolphins, I was looking at the cheapest one, which is the encounter, I think. I was reading on the website, and the other 2 "swims", they have to be at least 8 to even do them. I think they will like the encounter though. Just not sure about the snorkeling.

[pokergirl34]

Originally Posted by Edmund DeWinter

Quick question for those of you who are "in the know" about snorkeling and all.

I have a very strong prescription for my glasses and can't wear contacts at all. I've seen "prescription lens" masks out there for sale, but they're way too expensive for me to really consider since I currently like in Oklahoma and won't be doing *that* much diving.

Is it possible to dive with glasses, providing you don't mind a little leaking here and there? Even if I have to clear my mask every 30 seconds or so, I really don't mind, I just want to be able to see some of the amazing things out there. *grin*

Does anyone have any suggestions as this has to be a problem for some people at least?

You really won't get a seal at all wearing glasses. Some places may have prescription masks for rental, or try ebay. I am not sure what your budget is, but try ebay and email the Cozumel beaches to see what they offer. Cozumel Insider has a list of beaches you can try.

[lexluthor]

Originally Posted by MamaParrotHead

We're taking our kids, ages 4,6 and 10. I think it'd be an ideal place to teach them to snorkel, as it's a gradually graded beach/water depth. The 4YO would also be free with the Dolphin Encounter. I don't know which dolphin program you were looking at, I just figured my 2 (and my nephew) might be a bit intimidated by the deeper water (that you'd be in during the actual "swims") and the size and proximity of the dolphins (I don't know that they're aware of how big the dolphins actually are).

Snorkeling, I don't know for that age. Depends on how active the kids are.

I think anyone any age would enjoy the dolphin encounter. If you saw what I posted before, when we got in, after we paid the admission, there was someone there pushing the dolphin encounter and gave us the kids for free.

You are in water that's about 4' high or maybe a little higher. There's a railing you can hold on to if you can't stand. You are always at the rail unless you are doing something with the dolphin, then you move up a couple of feet and an adult can be behind holding the life vest.

We are very very happy we did this.

[carld]

Originally Posted by Edmund DeWinter

Quick question for those of you who are "in the know" about snorkeling and all.

I have a very strong prescription for my glasses and can't wear contacts at all. I've seen "prescription lens" masks out there for sale, but they're way too expensive for me to really consider since I currently like in Oklahoma and won't be doing *that* much diving.

Is it possible to dive with glasses, providing you don't mind a little leaking here and there? Even if I have to clear my mask every 30 seconds or so, I really don't mind, I just want to be able to see some of the amazing things out there. *grin*

Does anyone have any suggestions as this has to be a problem for some people at least?

I am so badly near sighted I finally broke down and bought the prescription mask. Before that I took an old pair of my prescription glasses and took the sides off, just leaving the frame around the lenses. I fit these in my mask and the mask fit tight enough so I didn’t get any leakage. It wasn’t the best as the frames slid inside the mask, but it was better than nothing. You need kind of an oblong mask to make it work. I did that for years until I finally broke down and got the good mask.

[pmetiv]

Originally Posted by Edmund DeWinter

Quick question for those of you who are "in the know" about snorkeling and all.

I have a very strong prescription for my glasses and can't wear contacts at all. I've seen "prescription lens" masks out there for sale, but they're way too expensive for me to really consider since I currently like in Oklahoma and won't be doing *that* much diving.

Is it possible to dive with glasses, providing you don't mind a little leaking here and there? Even if I have to clear my mask every 30 seconds or so, I really don't mind, I just want to be able to see some of the amazing things out there. *grin*

Does anyone have any suggestions as this has to be a problem for some people at least?

I bought mine here and got great service. It's a bit expensive ($60ish) but really worth it....if you take good care of it, it will last for a long time.

http://www.101snorkel.com/Rx_Snorkel_Mask_s/24.htm

[spny84]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edmund DeWinter

I also have a very strong prescription with astigmatism. I did what a previous poster said about using an old pair of glasses, taking off the earpieces and fitting them into a cheap mask (my first one). This way I had them fitted and snug before going out on the tour boat. This isn't great but it did work. Then I went to a great optician and he played around and found me a pair of soft contacts that I could see out of. Not 20/20 but maybe something like 20/50 or 20/70. When you are underwater, the water magnifies what you are seeing so don't actually need 20/20 to see when snorkeling. The contact visit/testing is something like $70 (in my area) and you don't have to buy a 6 month supply you can just keep the pair they give you. I have to admit my optician has given me several "trial" ones, read free, over the last decade+. Good Luck. Sharon