Snorkling in F Lauderdale and renting equipment

[mips]

Anyone have any recomendations on where to rent some equipment in Miami or Fort Lauderdale? DH needs a strong script mask we found it east to rent in Hawaii so hoping that we can here too. If not suggestions on where to buy a reasonably priced script mask would be great too, we only get to snorkle once or twice a year we live on top of a mountain and that there lake is too cold to swim in!

 

We have 4 clear days before our cruise and would like to snorkle in the area we are stying Fort Lauderdale but have a car and can travel so where would your must do place be?

 

We will be visiting Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman and would like tips on the best snorkling place and tour, we will probably only be able to make one boat trip but is there any good snorkling to be had from beaches at these places?

 

Thanks

[John Y]

Check out Scuba Toys http://www.scubatoys.com/ They have a number of masks which can have prescription lenses. If the web site does not list your favorite mask or lenses strong enough for you (remember that because of water magnification you can go down a couple of steps) give them a call - they might be able to get them for you. A quick check of the site shows a Tusa Splendive II for $44.65 and lenses for $29.95 each.

 

A prescription mask has made the world of difference for me. My eyes are about -10. With the -8 lenses things are clear and the diving is easy.

 

A number of people on another board recommended Underwater Explorers. Call Kevin (561)577-3326 and he'll set you up. Tell him what you want to do and he'll suggest sites for you.

 

Also http://www.seaxp.com/index.html and Force-E have been recommended.

[BIG_Steve]

Since you have time, and wheels, may I suggest:

 

http://www.pennekamppark.com/

[Host Star]

Anyone have any recomendations on where to rent some equipment in Miami or Fort Lauderdale? DH needs a strong script mask we found it east to rent in Hawaii so hoping that we can here too. If not suggestions on where to buy a reasonably priced script mask would be great too, we only get to snorkle once or twice a year we live on top of a mountain and that there lake is too cold to swim in!

 

We have 4 clear days before our cruise and would like to snorkle in the area we are stying Fort Lauderdale but have a car and can travel so where would your must do place be?

 

We will be visiting Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman and would like tips on the best snorkling place and tour, we will probably only be able to make one boat trip but is there any good snorkling to be had from beaches at these places?

 

Thanks

 

you have great snorkeling at your ports of call.. belize, cozumel and grand caymen are all good.. in cozumel you can snorkel from shore at Chankanaab park.. in grand cayman from Eden rock or cemetary beach.. in belize i would suggest a boat excursion to the reefs.

 

I would cross off fort lauderdale as a snorkeling destination.. however driving to the keys would be ok.. or just enjoy the beach in fort lauderdale and save the snorkeling for your cruise..

[scubaran]

Since you have time, and wheels, may I suggest:

 

http://www.pennekamppark.com/

 

Second vote, go to Key Largo and snorkel there (all highway, hour or so drive from Ft. L). MUCH better than anything you'll find on the eastern side (though Ft. L. is improving on it's off-shore diving).

 

Randall

[Islandbear]

If you have 4 days definately drive out to Key Largo and Snorkel John Pennekamp. The dive shop in the park has script Masks to rent for the day. The dive boat does fill up so try and get reservations the night before you go or get there early. After the trip out to the reef. relax at the small beach off the parking lot and check out the man made reef they have there. The fish are very tame and it is a totally different experience. Lots of fun.

 

If you would consider an over night on the Keys try and do a snorkel at Loose Key one day and John Pennecamp the next. Both require a boat ride but both are worth the effort & wonderful. This section of Coral Reef is part of the first National Marine Park in the US of A! More people need to dive it and appriciate America's Mainland Reef!

[Genghis Khan]

We visited Divers Discount before our cruise out of Ft Lauderdale and would recommend them to anyone. Great service and they took lots of time to help a couple novices pick out the right gear for our budget. It's near the port and they are open on Saturdays.

 

http://www.diversdiscountflorida.com/store.cfm