Caymans - Kayak Safari vs Shipwreck/Reef Snorkeling

[deannad]

Tried this question on the Cayman board, but no one answered....

 

We were about to book the "Grand Cayman Kayak Safari", but I've been reading that snorkeling is not great. Would the "Shipwreck & Reef Snorkeling" excursion be a lot better?

[airlink diva]

Tried this question on the Cayman board, but no one answered....

 

We were about to book the "Grand Cayman Kayak Safari", but I've been reading that snorkeling is not great. Would the "Shipwreck & Reef Snorkeling" excursion be a lot better?

 

I did the Shipwreck & Reef Snorkeling excursion with Carnival on my last visit to the Grand Caymans. Since I've been to the Caymans several times, I just wanted to do something just to get off the boat for awhile.

If this is the same tour, the snorkeling is a short walk from where the tenders land at. I booked the 8:30 a.m. tour. After everyone arrived (about 20 people) we were escorted to the dive shop.

Once we arrived, the tour guides gave us a brief overview on what we were going to see, how deep the water, and basic island info. They then ask each person if we ever snorkle before, knew how to swim,etc. This help them split us up to three groups. The group with the least knowledge of snorkling had more than one guide. I know also there was a couple where the wife could snorkle and the husband couldn't and she elected to stay with his group.

The wreak wasn't far from the shore and the guides (they were both in the water and a small boat) around. We were not rushed during the excursion and the wreak was quite visable. The reefs was ok and I saw alot of fish.

When we were done, the people at the shop were glad to suggest food places and other spots to enjoy.

I normally don't book ship tours,but this one was a rather good one.

I hope this info helps!

[deannad]

Just answering my own post to help future readers. We did the Kayak Safari and it was really excellent. We travelled down the coast a little and the guide gave lots of info about the various plant life and the islands in general. Then we headed out to a platform next to a decent piece of coral. The fish were all around and we had perfect views. Then we moved to the other side of the platform for more viewing. Again, Jay, the guide, picking up sea urchins so we could see/photograph. His assistant, Harrison, was the "spotter". He herded a stingray over so my kids could get a good look.

 

This is a great excursion for anyone who wants something a little "different". The kayaking was fun though I don't recommend it for married couples. There were a FEW differences of opinions during the paddling :-).