Snorkeling- life vest required?

[patterson3]

Good afternoon everyone!

 

I'll be in Barbados in February and was hoping to do a snorkel with turtles/shipwreck excursion but I wanted to know which companies, if any, do NOT require you to wear a life vest/snorkel vest?

 

Any help is appreciated.

[capriccio]

They are available on Calabaza but are not required. I highly recommend them - we had a great time with them in October.

[Cornishpastyman1]

I think they are always available but not mandatory to wear for near-the-boat snorkelling/swimming. Our boat operators seemed fairly relaxed about the whole thing. If you are going to ride a banana boat or Big Mabel like on the first bit of this

they might insist, as there's a theoretical chance that you could fall off and be detached from the towboat for a few seconds.

 

Turtles/snorkelling/wreck-viewing is a super experience and I'm sure you'll love it.

[patterson3]

Thank you both very much. I had contacted a couple operators including Ocean Adventure and was told they were required, so I was getting worried.

 

Good to know I have other options!

[Cruiser733380]

Good afternoon everyone!

 

I'll be in Barbados in February and was hoping to do a snorkel with turtles/shipwreck excursion but I wanted to know which companies, if any, do NOT require you to wear a life vest/snorkel vest?

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

They aren't required, but I like to wear one when snorkeling on my own. Easier for boats to see you.