Snorkeling at great stirrup cay

[zry900402]

I have never been to a cruise line private island before, and we will be at GSC next month on the Escape. We are experienced snorkelers and plan to bring our own snorkeling gear to the island. I have heard that NCL requires everyone to pay to rent a snorkeling vest even if you bring our own snorkeling gear, and that no one is allowed to snorkel without a vest on GSC. Anyone has personal experience that can verify if that is true? We never snorkel with a vest, not even in the open ocean from a boat. Any advise is appreciated. 

[Noelly]

We brought our own last year and had a great time.  We were not charged additional fees. 

[LinnieRed]

No vest, no fee. Had a great time with my own gear.  

[wwwfla]

I always snorkel there with own gear including vest.  I’ve always been told they require a vest. It is really not a great snorkeling area. They have made a small snorkeling trail with rock piles and statues but nothing spectacular. I usually go out through the pass and around the island. I’ve never seen much of anything on those trips.  Two weeks ago the water was stirred up and visibility was about 5 feet.

[ready2cruzagain]

Snorkeled there at least 6 times and never been told I had to pay for a vest.  Most people don't even have a vest on.

[NikkiDee-Canada]

Snorkeled there last December with my own gear, right from the beach where the snorkle rental building was. Zero issue. Had an amazing experience following a giant sea turtle around with the kids!

[lindseylu8]

We've been there twice and brought out own snorkel gear both times. No vests and no one said anything. We experienced great snorkeling. In fact, BOTH times we saw a sea turtle and the usual fish, etc. We bring our own floats too and dont spend anything all day. Great cheap beach day. 

[trumpetfish55]

We went December 2017, brought vests but did not have to use them.  If you snorkel further I recommend travel fins to make it easier, going between the areas had some current. We saw the usual fish, nothing spectacular but easy from the beach. 

Edited October 26, 2018 by trumpetfish55
Updated year