Snorkeling at Paradise Beach

[mylof]

Paradise Beach is looking good.

 

Is the snorkeling good there?

 

I know the $12 pass includes snorkeling gear. Is the gear acceptable quality? Is an inflatable vest included?

 

Thanks!

[runner15km]

Snorkeling will be poor. On the way to PB stop at The Money bar for very good snorkeling.

[mylof]

Would the Money Bar be good for kids?

 

Is it easy to pickup a taxi at the Money bar (and for that matter Paradise beach)?

 

Thanks

[runner15km]

There is no true beach at the Money bar, there is a sandy area for sun bathing.

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

[thescot123]

It is easy to get a taxi. When you get outside the pier you will see a board that displays the fixed prices to Paradise Beach and Money Bar (Dzul Ha).

 

I have been to both places. Paradise Beach is more friendly for kids as the beach is sandy but does not have good snorkeling. They don't have much in the way of coral to see. If you like to see fish/coral then go to "the Money Bar". It is rocky but does have a reef right off the shore. This is the place where some snorkel boats snorkel at.

 

Last year, the current was very strong at the money bar. How old our your kids? Would not recommend Money Bar for small kids due to current and rocks.

 

Below are some of my pictures

 

Paradise Beach

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_1417.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_1423.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_1430.jpg

 

The Money Bar

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2359.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2336.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2363.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2377.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2352.jpg

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/thescot1234/IMG_2335.jpg

[Cheeseliz]

Thank you for all the great photos - It really helped me get a better idea of the two places! I heard in one post though that they thought the inflatables, etc at paradise Beach were still not for the smaller ones - I have an almost 6 year old boy that isn't the strongest swimmer, but would love the stuff! Any thoughts?

[thescot123]

Thank you for all the great photos - It really helped me get a better idea of the two places! I heard in one post though that they thought the inflatables, etc at paradise Beach were still not for the smaller ones - I have an almost 6 year old boy that isn't the strongest swimmer, but would love the stuff! Any thoughts?

 

I don't have kids some don't know what to recommend that is safe. Anyhow, Paradise Beach has a more safer beach that say "the Money Bar" and even "Chankanaab Park". At Paradise Beach, I don't remember any currents that can cause issues with weak swimmers. Also it is very sandy which is better for kids as less chance at getting legs cut and falling over. It is very shallow and does not drop off too quickly which is also good for small kids. Both Chakannaab and Paradise have pools so you could always take your kids there.

[mylof]

Thanks everybody!

 

Our youngest is 9, so I'm leaning toward heading to Paradise Beach.

[thescot123]

You have picked a good place. Enjoy your vacation. It is a safe place for a 9 year old.

[Colorado Kat]

When a beach is sandy, and good for swimming, it is usually not good for snorkling. The best snorkling is in a rocky area. The corals attach to the rocks. The fish come to the corals.

[luvtovaca]

Paradise Beach is great for kids. Clean, fun, good food, etc. That being said, we've been there twice, first time our kids were 13, 13, 10, second time they were 15, 15, 12. First time, the 10 yo had some difficulty climbing the inflatables and the water was over her head, so we had her wear one of their lifejackets and she did OK, still had fun, but couldn't keep up with her older brothers and climb the iceberg (and she has incredible upper body strength and is quite athletic) just wasn't quite tall enough to reach certain rungs to climb, etc. Second time they all did great and had a blast!!! My biggest concern would be the older kids (and some party going adults) that are out in the water being very adventurous and not looking out for the littler ones. Our first time there we all got the wrist bands and DH or I were always right with/near our youngest. This past time we did not buy the wrist bands for ourselves, only the kids, but they are all older, stronger and excellent swimmers. I would go, you'll have a blast, just proceed with caution as I'm sure you do with your kids anyway!

[mysparky]

It's very true that the snorkeling isn't great at Paradise Beach, but there are definitely fish to see under the dock. We were just there last week and saw enough to keep my kids (novice snorkelers) happy - a few large angel fish, 2 small sting rays, several schools of fish, etc, etc. If your kids have been snorkeling at some of the other islands, they won't be impressed, but it is very easy snorkeling as the water is calm, there are no coral heads to watch out for, and entry is down the dock ladder. Snorkels and inflatable vests are included in the $12 pass.

 

Paradise Beach works well for us w/ our kids because of the variety of activities - kayaking, floats & water trampolines, new large pool, etc. Yeah, it can be tough to climb some of the things and teens seem to do better with these, but the variety of activities, good drinks & service, reasonable price and relative close proximity to the pier (International pier) is what has made us repeat visitors.