Best Snorkeling?

[mctennismom]

We as a family love to snorkel , need advise as to best place to snorkel. Which tour? Prefer to do private and not cruiseline excursions. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Going on the Dream is 2 weeks!!

Thanks

[crewsweeper]

Upchaya has a good rep and good snorkeling excursion at places not heavily populated by cruisers. But they are limited in the numbers they take. Contact them at http://www.upachaya.com/snorkeltour/

 

 

However, if you grab a cab to West Bay, say Banarama or Half Moon Bay Beach, you can rent snorkel gear and swim 20 yards to the reef. If you have your own snorkel gear, the cost of the cab and any fees to use facilities would certianly be less than the Carnival excursion to Tabayana next door. You might also look into the Island Marketing excursion to Fantasy Island (see the thread here) which at $38 pp would be less than ship excursions. The site has long been used by divers on extended stays but the day excursion for cruisers is something new.

 

By all means do not fall for any snorkeling at Mahogany Bay, you will be disappointed, albeit with your own gear, it'll be very, very cheap.

[TOgal65]

We were on the Dream 11/27/10 and made arrangements though Bananara Dive Resort Cruise Shipper Pkg. Round trip taxi, beach lounger & 1 drink for $30 pp. It was my understanding that taxi fare alone would have been as much.

 

Snorkeling off the beach ok but a short walk farther down the beach (to the west) near the rock outcroppings was amazing.

 

I would suggest arriving early as the beach does get busy mid-day.

[Will in sunny FL]

We rarely do ships tours but do take the Carnival trip to Tayabana Beach for a painless & carefree day there, which we feel is some of the very best snorkeling available from a beach anywhere. Cost is like $38 PP which includes a large beach chair, water & lemonade & small shopping. We pack a lunch from the ship, & avoid the loooong walk to the private tour people.

Enjoy !

[Cayoooga]

We as a family love to snorkel , need advise as to best place to snorkel. Which tour? Prefer to do private and not cruiseline excursions. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Going on the Dream is 2 weeks!!

Thanks

I would recommend spending the day at Fantasy Island there is also great snorkelling from their beach by the gazebo. Also check out Upachaya we've been out with them 2x.

 

We've done Tabayana, West End area and Half Moon Bar Resort.

I don't like snorkelling with 100's of beginner cruise ship snorkellers.

[rlse9]

West Bay Beach, far left side when looking towards the water. The coral is amazing, it's really shallow, lots of fish, and no need for an excursion or going by boat, just walk in from the beach. If you don't have your own gear with you, you can get it on the beach for $10.