Snorkeling and Seven Mile Beach

[Royal Raynik]

Hello All,

Heading to GC for the first time in Feb. We are a group of 4 adults, no children, looking for a good place to snorkel and relax on the beach. Definitely will be looking for food and drinks as well. We are not interested in the stingrays or turtles. Thank you for any suggestions!

Edited December 8, 2015 by Royal Raynik

[bookbabe]

Do you want the best snorkelling or the best beach? Would you need facilities at the same location or for afterwards? Quieter or more of a social atmosphere? A few more details would be helpful in determining what to recommend...

[mrsfuzzmo]

If BEACH (ie SAND) is required, then dismiss this recommendation. If oceanfront with beautiful views, great snorkeling, excellent food and drink at super prices, I'll recommend Sunset House resort.

 

It's about a mile south of town (just turn right from the docks and head along the road until you reach Sunset House) and few cruise passengers go there. It's a dive resort, but has an awesome big bar - My Bar, and plenty of tables and umbrellas for you to use. There is no sand, though. It's iron shore, so you are basically sitting on on top of the rock (coral?) but that's what makes it great snorkeling.

 

We headed there on a recommendation on a cruise a few years back and absolutely loved it. We spent the day in and out of the water, having some nice cold beer and eating conch fritters and burgers. It was lovely. Uncrowded, plenty of space to spread out, good music, etc. There is a pool and shower there as well as a "natural sea pool" to get into the ocean and get acclimated before heading out for snorkeling.

[Royal Raynik]

Do you want the best snorkelling or the best beach? Would you need facilities at the same location or for afterwards? Quieter or more of a social atmosphere? A few more details would be helpful in determining what to recommend...

 

Ok, we are thinking more of a relaxing beach with facilities and food/drink. Next priority, snorkeling, then beach itself.

[Royal Raynik]

If BEACH (ie SAND) is required, then dismiss this recommendation. If oceanfront with beautiful views, great snorkeling, excellent food and drink at super prices, I'll recommend Sunset House resort.

 

It's about a mile south of town (just turn right from the docks and head along the road until you reach Sunset House) and few cruise passengers go there. It's a dive resort, but has an awesome big bar - My Bar, and plenty of tables and umbrellas for you to use. There is no sand, though. It's iron shore, so you are basically sitting on on top of the rock (coral?) but that's what makes it great snorkeling.

 

We headed there on a recommendation on a cruise a few years back and absolutely loved it. We spent the day in and out of the water, having some nice cold beer and eating conch fritters and burgers. It was lovely. Uncrowded, plenty of space to spread out, good music, etc. There is a pool and shower there as well as a "natural sea pool" to get into the ocean and get acclimated before heading out for snorkeling.

 

Thanks for suggesting Sunset. I will look into it!

[Royal Raynik]

We are thinking about heading to Smith Cove after we get on for a morning swim and snorkel. Afterwards, heading to Sunset/ My Bar for some food, drinks and more snorkeling for the rest of the day. What are recommendations for transportation? Also, where should we rent our snorkeling gear to use for the day?

 

Thanks so much!

[GolfDad007]

So what did you end up doing Royal? Did you rent gear? Also as a side question, Did you enjoy the Liberty of the seas. I am taking the same cruise in October, just starting to do my research.

[Royal Raynik]

So what did you end up doing Royal? Did you rent gear? Also as a side question, Did you enjoy the Liberty of the seas. I am taking the same cruise in October, just starting to do my research.

 

Well, we did end up buying some decent quality snorkeling gear off Amazon. Unfortunately, a front passed through Cayman the day we arrived and the wind was forecast to be pretty bad. The captain ended up skipping the port for safety reasons. Because of that, my wife and I are taking Empress there in June. We will try it all over again then.

 

Liberty was beautiful. We were the third group on her after the shipyard work and you could tell she looked great. Food was good, entertainment was good, very enjoyable overall. We will be on her again April 2017 if not sooner.