Cruise Talk: snorkling in western caribbean

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»	Cruise Talk » Ports of Call and Destinations » snorkling in western caribbean

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Topic: snorkling in western caribbean

rob and cheryl
Just Boarded
Member # 747

posted 08-02-1999 11:48 PM

I will be going on a Western Caribbean cruise onboard the Majesty of the Seas.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken a western caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Labadee and has done some snorkling.
I was wondering if there are any locations easily accessible from shore or beaches nearby wear the ship will dock/
Is is necessary to take a snorkling excursion? This seems to leave very little time to do anything else while in port.
Any tips would be appreciated.

Posts: 2 | From: yarker, ontario, canada | Registered: Jul 99

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 08-03-1999 07:22 AM

Rob and Cheryl

When we were in the Grand Cayman we walked to the right after you got off of the pier where the tender docked and followed the sidewalk/shoreline around the bay until you reach a small open air bar/grill, probably about a five to ten minute walk, and in front of that establishment is where you can go in for some snorkeling. Great colourful fish there in abundance, also some (what looked like) brain coral. The fish come right up to your hand and take the food that you have for them. Get some bread from you waiter. We had rented an underwater camera and got some fabulous shots of our daughters and ourselves feeding the fish. Be careful when you get in and out as the rocks are covered with a very sharp barnacle or coral growth.

Haveawonderfultime :-)

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-03-1999 08:40 AM

It has been many years since we have been to Cozumel (the last time we tendered right into town as a Regent ship had knocked out the dock. Now I understand there is a new dock and if it is in the same spot as the old one I did my first snorkelling here. The hotel at the end of the dock was called LaCiba and you can go in there although it is rocky or go next door to what was a Sheraton hotel and there is a little bay there which is great for first time snorkellers. You can just walk to the hotel along the wall beside the water. The time we tendered we did take a tour from the ship and they took us right to this same spot. The advantage of taking a tour is that they take you there and bring you back and you don't have to look for a taxi to return, i.e. if you tender into town, but if the ship docks at the pier you are right there.
Have only snorkelled with a tour group in Grand Cayman, but CTtrail's suggestion sounds excellent. Never snorkelled in Jamaica, but then I never want to go back there again. Don't think there is much snorkelling there.
Have a great time. It is so much fun.,

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Cruiselvr
First Class Passenger
Member # 96

posted 08-05-1999 02:00 PM

We snorkeled in Jamaica and it was beautiful. I hear there are better things to do there though, so I'm not sure I would recommend snorkeling over everything else. Grand Cayman is one of the best scuba diving spots in the world and the snorkeling there was fantastic. The thing to do in Grand Cayman though is to go to Stingray City and snorkel with the rays. It is an experience you will never forget. Mexico has great snorkeling too, but your decision should be based on what you are interested in doing. Personally I avoid shopping like the plague and would rather spend my time on the beach or in the water, so snorkeling is a given when I travel. Other people love shopping and aren't interested in water sports. No matter what you do, you'll have a great time, and remember, you can always book another cruise and do all the things you missed on the first one!

Posts: 34 | Registered: Apr 99

RLMc
Just Boarded
Member # 380

posted 08-06-1999 09:01 PM

Rob & Cheryl,
We just returned from the same cruise a month ago. We snorkeled in Labadee, Jamaica,and Grand Cayman. Not enough time to snorkel and visit the ruins in Cozumel. You can actually snorkel anywhere from shore. We did excursions. I would not recommend the island cruise/snorkel at Labadee - overbooked and more cruise than snorkeling. I would recommend the snorkeling excursion in Jamaica. Only about 20 people on the boat and they take you to the reef. Good time!! In Grand Cayman, we snorkeled from shore but had a swim of a couple hundred yards out to the reef at the point where we went which was from a dive shop probably 2 miles from the dock. Don't know when you are going but RCL will not be stoppin in Grand Cayman in 2000. Hope this helps.

Posts: 1 | From: Ashburn, VA, USA | Registered: Aug 99

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