Snorkeling....excursion vs. on own?

[Dannie138]

My husband and I are going to Bermuda...first cruise, first time in Bermuda. I really want to go snorkeling. I am a great swimmer, grew up on the swim team. My husband, on the other hand, from what he tells me is not the best swimmer. He is a little apprehensive about snorkeling for that reason and the fact that he has heard a lot recently about people getting attacked in the ocean.

 

In everyone's opinion...would I be better off doing an excursion together or on my own? My husband honestly doesn't seem that thrilled about doing it, but I really want to. I think deep water frightens him....he said he would do it in shallower water. I don't want to do an excursion and then have him not participate....and if I go to a beach, I could leave him on the beach and go out myself. (which he would have the option to go out and explore in more comfortable water or if he got nervous go in) What experience do you all have? What do you think? Thanks!

[michmike]

I would do an excursion, but one that you book on your own. Relatively certain that if you go to the Bermuda discussion board here that you can find info on private operators in bermuda who do snorkel trips. The advantage of this over anything you would do thru the cruise line is that there will be far less people involved and it will likely be cheaper.

 

Even if it isn't cheaper, you will get more personalized attention in a smaller group. Additionally reassure your husband that folks are much more bouyant in salt water and the folks who take you out will surely have inflatable snorkel vests as well. Also , the folks who run these trips have LOTS of experiences with novices and making them comfortable and ensuring that they have a good experience.

 

Wife and I went snorkeling off a boat for the first time in Key Largo, prior to a cruise, last Nov. We had gone from the beach a number of times, but it can't begin to compare with what you can see from a boat. We both have bad knees (mid 50s and are not the skinniest folks in the world, nor expert swimmers). But we jumped off into 35 feet of water and had a BALL. Can't wait to go again. We had a private charter scheduled in Tortola but it was cancelled due to weather.

 

So talk him into going with you and enjoy!! He won't regret it. BTW, we saw nurse sharks and barracuda but had no problems w/ either, the guides just cautioned us not to crowd them or try to touch them. Seemed pretty common sense to us, but you know SOME folks.

[michmike]

I did a quick search of the boards for you re snorkel operators and came up with one that some folks have used and seemed happy with. Take a look at http://www.jessiejames.bm They offer 3 hr trips, stopping at 3 different sites for $60 per person and their website specifically talks about offering hands on instruction, with a crew member in the water with you, at a shallow site as a first stop.