mylof Posted July 26, 2011 #1 Share Posted July 26, 2011 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runner15km Posted July 26, 2011 #2 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Snorkeling will be poor. On the way to PB stop at The Money bar for very good snorkeling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mylof Posted July 26, 2011 Author #3 Share Posted July 26, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runner15km Posted July 26, 2011 #4 Share Posted July 26, 2011 There is no true beach at the Money bar, there is a sandy area for sun bathing. http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescot123 Posted July 27, 2011 #5 Share Posted July 27, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeseliz Posted July 27, 2011 #6 Share Posted July 27, 2011 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescot123 Posted July 28, 2011 #7 Share Posted July 28, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mylof Posted July 29, 2011 Author #8 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Thanks everybody! Our youngest is 9, so I'm leaning toward heading to Paradise Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescot123 Posted July 29, 2011 #9 Share Posted July 29, 2011 You have picked a good place. Enjoy your vacation. It is a safe place for a 9 year old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Kat Posted August 7, 2011 #10 Share Posted August 7, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtovaca Posted August 8, 2011 #11 Share Posted August 8, 2011 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mysparky Posted August 15, 2011 #12 Share Posted August 15, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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