PinkIce26

On 10/31/2021 at 7:45 PM, Birdnutty said:

I have also posted this in “Ports of call” under private islands, but not all people think of going there. This was a very important topic to me when I was researching our cruise under tight time restraints, so I decided to help others.  

 

Before our cruise, I went crazy trying to find info on the snorkeling here, and was never able to get a complete answer.  I was concerned that the re-work of the island had changed it significantly from the snorkeling perspective.  This way, you can hopefully concentrate on planning your cruise rather than chasing questions down blind alleys.

 

We brought our own gear. Having snorkeled there many years ago, we didn’t know if we could still access the areas we used to go to.

 

1). The snorkel area is the same.  Off Chill Beach.  There are three “rocky” areas at Chill Beach. The one in the center has the best selection of fish behind it.  

2)  GO EARLY!  The sand is so fine there that vision is severely impeded by suspended particles from people swimming, walking, hanging out in the water, etc.  Visibility by lunch time is quite bad. 

3) There’s no significant coral there anywhere, so set your expectations low and just be happy to see the fish

4). We saw mostly the usual suspects, including Sargent Majors, jacks, parrotfish, needlefish, clownfish, tangs, some butterfly fish. Some pretty big ones (over two feet) that I couldn’t identify and a bunch of all different sizes that I also couldn’t ID.  We saw a school just hanging there, right next to the rocks that had to have at least 200 fish in it, about 8” long.  

5) When we were there, the roped off area did not include the area that housed the sunken plane.  Maybe with the reduced amount of pax they find it easier to keep track of everyone in a smaller section. When you go, ask a lifeguard if the airplane is within the ropes or not.  Save yourself some time.  

 

Not everyone had a vest.  They didn’t seem to be monitoring it, either.  

 

If you have questions ABOUT SNORKELING THERE that I did not answer, feel free to ask!

Do they provide a vest if you bring your own gear?

20 hours ago, OZ. said:

 

 

I guess I should have stated that it was gold plated. I’m aware of that and was just wanting some to make a mask holder. I don’t think anywhere does anyone call real gold “gold by the inch”. At least not that I’m aware of. 

Try Amazon. They have a lot of mask holders in silver, gold and beaded.  

Walgreens and CVS do testing. Go on their websites and make appointments.  You have. To book about 10 days out. Find one near your hotel.  You can also try the City of Tampa website. They have 2 places that do testing.

We just booked our casino offer. 5 nights and paying $195 for taxes and port charges.  That’s $40 per day!  Can’t beat that!

40 minutes ago, erinsmom03 said:

 

It is a good deal, but we found that we often used 2-3 punches for a specialty coffee, so the card didn't go as far as we expected. We are getting the refreshment package next time for $20 per day. That includes a refillable mug, soda, specialty coffees and teas, bottled water, sparkling water, mocktails, and fresh squeezed juice. 

What do you mean that you used 2-3 punches for a specialty coffee?  I thought you get 15 specialty coffees? 

Has anyone purchased the Coffee Card that gives you 15 specialty coffees?  Can you use the card in the Starbucks on the ship?  Is there another coffee shop where it is good?  Trying to figure out where it can be used and is it worth it?

What rewards/perks do you receive on board for a 4 day cruise?   TIA

23 hours ago, TravellingBritNY said:

Define "tourist trap", please.

 

Opinions are quite divided on the Turtle Centre, previously known as the "Turtle Farm" - some see it is a preservation work to breed and release turtles, others see it as a way to raise the traditional turtle meat that has been common on the island since it was first inhabited, still others see it as a captive sealife experience like dolphin experiences, and so on.

 

A lot of people have their own opinions on this, and some are very willing and eager to come on to Internet forums and propound them.

 

Bottom line is, it's really up to you - a lot of people really enjoy it, some have issues.  I don't think there is one right answer...

By tourist trap I meant they charge you $35 and everything is old and falling apart and   there are no turtles to swim with.  

Has anyone visited the Cayman Turtle Center? There are so many conflicting reviews on Trip Advisor.  Is it a tourist trap? Taking a 5 year old boy who loves dinosaurs.  Thought this might interest him. 

Anybody ever use Turtle Tours/Boathouse Rentals in Simpson Bay? They have 11 foot and 16 foot boats for rent. They seem reasonably priced.