JeremeT

Sorry, I realized I was signed into 2 different accounts depending on whether I was on my phone or computer. Hopefully did not confuse you!

We did see all the poverty on the drive and our guide told us all about the island.  The roads are a bit crazy with the winding areas and drop offs.  I didn't feel scared during it because the driver was cautious and slow.  I was happy to pay a bit more for the private tour because we read all the good reviews and wanted someone safe.  They even brought us 2 car seats for the babies.  My husband went all the way down the channel with the go pro and got some amazing video.  He took the girls out one at a time and had them kind of ride on his back. They made it about halfway down the channel.  They are younger then your boy though. I did see people snorkeling with cheap blow-up rafts under their chest to help them stay afloat.  I will be bringing some next time. They saw so much without going all the way down the channel.  I think the boat would be great when they are older.  Not sure what would be better for you. Ask them questions. Do they let you hang out on the beach at all or is it just the boat the whole time?  I could see the sun getting too hot to be out in all day.  Make sure you bring long sleeve SPF shirts and lots of sunscreen on the boat. Is there food offered on the boat? I'm sure you will love it no matter what choice you make. Hope you have a great time!

We did buy the day passes for $20 each.  It is only 5-10 more per person then the other resorts.  It was worth it for us to be right next to the best snorkeling area.  We also have a 5, 3 and 1 year old so we needed to be close.  They have a gorgeous pool that you can use and bar with great food you can order. The chairs had plenty of shade in the back rows as well.

We went to infinity at west bay and got some chairs.  The snorkeling site is right in front of the resort.  My 7 and 9 year olds went snorkeling with my husband from the beach in shallow water and saw amazing fish and colorful coral. The beach itself was nice and clear.  It was shallow for a long way out and great for the kids to play in, very little waves.  We had rony's tours pick us up and bring us to the beach and back.  It was about the same a a taxi would have cost because there were 7 of us.  We had a driver and guide and the guide sat next to our things on the chairs when we were in the water.  We had such a great time that we are already planning a cruise to stop there again next year.  It was our favorite port because of West bay snorkeling.