Snorkel Excursion - Should I Choose Intermediate or Advanced??

[danams2017]

I have booked a snorkeling excursion for our time in Belize. Once we arrive, they will break us into three groups: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I have snorkeled several times and would choose the advanced group if it was just me, but my kids are 8 and 10 and this will be only their second time snorkeling. They are both very strong swimmers and standouts on our local swim team, but I'm not sure how that will translate to snorkeling. Thoughts??

[SadieN]

Better to err on the side of caution. Do intermediate.

They're referencing Adult levels.

[danams2017]

Got it. Thanks.

 

 

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[easyboy]

Suggest the intermediate. Leave the Advanced as something for them to aspire the next time

 

 

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[Beachdude]

In my experience:

Beginner - requires floatation device and a staff person nearby to assist and/or train the swimmer.

Intermediate - requires floatation device while swimming, but no assistance. My wife fits in the category because while she snorkels well, she isn't a strong swimmer.

Expert - does not require floatation device while swimming. Expert snorkelers typically are skilled enough to submerge underwater, so a floatation device would restrict their experience.

 

I never brag about my snorkeling skills, but I do inform the operators that I like to swim under the waters, so I would rather not use a floatation device. I let them figure out my category.

 

Burt

[Wayfairers]

Talk to the guides that day being very honest about everyone's abilities and experience. They don't want to have a problem and they are more familiar than anyone on these boards with that day's water conditions - they will be honest with you. Water does change each day.

 

 

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[zqvol]

If they are competitive swimmers, they can do they advanced snorkel probably easier than the OP. I can assure you that breathing through a snorkel is not going to be an issue for them, and they will likely out swim 90% of the adults.