Nassau, Bahamas, Snorkeling Excursion

[prwjr]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good snorkeling shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, for Saturday, November 17, 2007? I am taking my two teenage daughters and would like to see if I should book the excursion with Carnival, in advance, or wait until we get off the ship and get sucked into some kind of 'locals' deal...

 

Thanks for any help or previous experience.

[Jeanne B]

I highly recommend Stuart Cove's!!

 

http://www.snorkelbahamas.com/

[StellaBella]

Here is a wonderful excursion that I"m sure you will all love, hope they still have space, they book up quickly:

 

Snorkeling and Sailing Trip in Nassau

 

My family and I did this trip while in Nassau and had a wonderful time. The captain and crew did an outstanding job! I highly recommend it.

[aldaoust]

Stuart Cove is the best!

 

When we went We did 3 stops!

 

1. Feeding tropical fish

2. Huge reef

3. Swim with sharks!

 

How many times in your lifetime will you get to swim with sharks!

[kirbmeister]

Definitely Stuart Coves. Check out the pics in my webshots link below

[prwjr]

Thank you all for your replies and recommendations...it seems as if Stuart Cove's is a very popular excursion.

 

It's getting closer to cruise date...can't wait!!!!

 

Thanks again to everyone.

[prwjr]

Stuart Cove is the best!

 

When we went We did 3 stops!

 

1. Feeding tropical fish

2. Huge reef

3. Swim with sharks!

 

How many times in your lifetime will you get to swim with sharks!

 

Stuart Cove's was definately AWESOME!!! My daughters and I loved it. The snorkeling stops were outstanding...especially with the sharks!!! The crew was very friendly and informative and did not hound for tips at all...which I tipped them anyway because they deserve it.

 

Far better than my snorkeling trip in Cozumel.

 

I highly recommend Stuart Coves.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Jeanne B]

You're welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed it!!:) It was definitely one of the highlights of our cruise. We're spending 2 nights in Nassau next month and I wish we had time to do Stuart Cove's again but we're only going to have one full day and we're spending it at Atlantis.

[prwjr]

You're welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed it!!:) It was definitely one of the highlights of our cruise. We're spending 2 nights in Nassau next month and I wish we had time to do Stuart Cove's again but we're only going to have one full day and we're spending it at Atlantis.

 

There are so many things I would have liked to have done in Nassau...but given a short stay...Atlantis would certainly be one that I would like to see. Nassau 'closes' up quite early in the evening. I was surprised that there was virtually nothing open after 6 PM. Senor Frog's was open...and we had a great time there nonetheless.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!! and enjoy your upcoming trip.

[Jeanne B]

There are so many things I would have liked to have done in Nassau

 

Same here, we've been to Nassau twice on Disney cruises, the first time doing Stuart Cove and the second time we spent the day at Atlantis but there are still other things we would like to do so I always find it interesting that there are so many people who dislike Nassau and prefer to stay on the ships. I'm looking forward to spending 2 nights there and not being limited to the hours the cruiseships are docked. DH hasn't been to Atlantis (last time was a girls-only trip) so we'll spend at least half a day of our day and half at Atlantis but I'm looking forward to doing the historical walking tour of Nassau which there hasn't been time for on the last two trips and maybe Ardastra Gardens.

 

BTW you mentioned about everything closing up early which is true but you can usually get into the Atlantis digs and aquarium after 6 or 7 pm for free (assuming security has left for the evening). In summer months I'm guessing it would be a little later.

[prwjr]

Same here, we've been to Nassau twice on Disney cruises, the first time doing Stuart Cove and the second time we spent the day at Atlantis

 

I would definately consider flying to Nassau to be able to spend more time actually being there. Not that I mind the cruise experience at all but it restricts the amount of time spent at your destination. I hope you enjoy your trip in 14 days and look forward to hearing from you about it.

 

Paul from NJ

[viciouslysh]

There's a big price difference in the two. Is it because lunch is served on one and not the other?

[prwjr]

There's a big price difference in the two. Is it because lunch is served on one and not the other?

 

The snorkeling excusion we went on with Stuart Cove's served neither lunch or beverages (except water was available in a water cooler), however, we were more interested in snorkeling with the tropical fish and Caribbean sharks. Food and beverages are available dockside before and after the excursion.

 

Food and beverages abound on the cruise ship...so that was not really an issue for us.

 

Enjoy your trip!!! No matter which you choose.

[StellaBella]

StellaBella this is our first cruise so I'm a little hesitant about booking but this catamaran trip sounds really nice. I have a 5 year old, would you think it would be safe for them? How as the lunch? Did you do the full or half day trip?

 

We did the full day sail. Its not a catamaran, its a sail boat. The lunch was teriffic, ribs, chicken, coleslaw. What I liked about this trip for our children was we sailed to a private island & we could play with them on the beach in the sand. My husband and I took turns snorkeling. It was a lovely day.

[sealovers]

Definitely Stuart Coves. Check out the pics in my webshots link below

 

Great photos. Please tell me that no one was in the water when the sharks were being fed! I love to snorkel, my favorite place so far, was in the B.V.I. - - but there were no sharks, just beautiful fish and underwater landscapes.

[prwjr]

Great photos. Please tell me that no one was in the water when the sharks were being fed! I love to snorkel, my favorite place so far, was in the B.V.I. - - but there were no sharks, just beautiful fish and underwater landscapes.

 

Yes you do actually snorkel with the sharks. The sharks are attracted to a feeding pot below and kept occupied while the snorkelers are at the surface. I was in the water myself with my two daughters. The Carribean Reef Shark is primarily interested in dead or distressed fishes and were quite close to us. No one was in the water during the feeding frenzy. It was quite an impressive sight!!!

[lnnh]

I am cruising end of Dec. (Carnival Fascination) Will the water in Nassau be too cold to snorkel? The ship excursion is from 9 AM till 1PM. It is to Blackbeards Treasure Island with Carnival. I see many advise to go to Stuart Cove. How would I find this?

Can I make the decision the day we dock at Nassau or should I plan this ahead? I do have a concern that I will book this, then find out it is too cold to spend the morning at the beach.

 

What else is there to do in Nassau with one 50 yr. old and 5- 20 somethings who do not drink or go to casinos. We have a day at sea, so I would like to spend this day off of the ship.

Thanks for your help.

[prwjr]

I am cruising end of Dec. (Carnival Fascination) Will the water in Nassau be too cold to snorkel? The ship excursion is from 9 AM till 1PM. It is to Blackbeards Treasure Island with Carnival. I see many advise to go to Stuart Cove. How would I find this?

Can I make the decision the day we dock at Nassau or should I plan this ahead? I do have a concern that I will book this, then find out it is too cold to spend the morning at the beach.

 

What else is there to do in Nassau with one 50 yr. old and 5- 20 somethings who do not drink or go to casinos. We have a day at sea, so I would like to spend this day off of the ship.

Thanks for your help.

 

I will say that the water was a bit chillier in Nassau, in mid November than I expected or experienced in my earlier snorkeling adventure in early September in Cozumel, also aboard M/S Fascination. But it was not a problem after hopping in the water. I suppose it will be a bit chillier yet, at the end of December. For Stuart Cove's go to http://www.stuartcove.com .

 

Stuart Cove's came highly recommended to me, and my daughter's and I were not disappointed and moreover impressed. I would check the local climate and water temperature, to make sure it is to your liking before making a decision.

 

The Atlantis Resort is highly recommended by many, although I didn't have the opportunity to make it there. Bear in mind that your stay in Nassau will be from Saturday at 8 AM until Sunday 5 AM, but Nassau, directly outside the pier closes up at around 6 PM so there is little to do, that I know of, outside of bars.

 

I will be glad to send you photos of my recent trip, if you like.

 

You will enjoy yourself.

 

Take care and Happy Holidays!!!

 

Paul

[travelgarn]

Ok, just made reservations for Stuart's Cove snorkeling trip. Not for myself, of course...not a big fan of swimming in the deep, open waters!:( But my DH, and 2 DS's are. My FIL is going with them too! I hope they have a blast!!!

 

DJ

[prwjr]

Ok, just made reservations for Stuart's Cove snorkeling trip. Not for myself, of course...not a big fan of swimming in the deep, open waters!:( But my DH, and 2 DS's are. My FIL is going with them too! I hope they have a blast!!!

 

DJ

 

Good for you!!! Your husband, sons, and father in law should enjoy the adventure. The water is not that deep though...only 15 - 40 feet...you can see the bottom the whole time. Write to Bob Kay at www.stuartcove.com and tell him how your snorkeling excursion was. He will appreciate your input.

 

Enjoy your trip and Happy Holidays!!!

 

Paul from New Jersey

Pwainwrightjr@comcast.net

[saltmom1]

I have booked the catamaran snorkel in Nassau through Carnival for my cruise. It says it goes on a catamaran or a mono hulled dive boat. Has anybody tried this and is it worth it. I am really into marine life.

If you don't think it's worth it, what wuld you suggest. I don't want to go to Atlantis and I would rathjer stay with a Carnival tour. First time cruiser.

[travelgarn]

Good for you!!! Your husband, sons, and father in law should enjoy the adventure. The water is not that deep though...only 15 - 40 feet...you can see the bottom the whole time. Write to Bob Kay at www.stuartcove.com and tell him how your snorkeling excursion was. He will appreciate your input.

 

Enjoy your trip and Happy Holidays!!!

 

Paul from New Jersey

Pwainwrightjr@comcast.net

 

 

Thanks!! I will definitely write back!

 

DJ

[minnow81]

I am cruising end of Dec. (Carnival Fascination) Will the water in Nassau be too cold to snorkel? The ship excursion is from 9 AM till 1PM. It is to Blackbeards Treasure Island with Carnival. I see many advise to go to Stuart Cove. How would I find this?

Can I make the decision the day we dock at Nassau or should I plan this ahead? I do have a concern that I will book this, then find out it is too cold to spend the morning at the beach.

 

What else is there to do in Nassau with one 50 yr. old and 5- 20 somethings who do not drink or go to casinos. We have a day at sea, so I would like to spend this day off of the ship.

Thanks for your help.

 

My boyfriend and I took our first trip to Nassau in November and we did the clear kayaks and just walked around. We loved it there and are going back the beginning of February on a cruise, a little Christmas present to the both of us. :>) We saw people riding on ATV's and it looked really fun so we decided to do that when we go back. We just used google and typed in "Nassau ATV Excursions" and a site comes up. Good luck and have a wonderful trip! :>)

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to try some authentic food? We have a whole day at port...thanks!

[prwjr]

Thanks!! I will definitely write back!

 

DJ

 

Thank you and once again, enjoy your cruise. I am anxiously awaiting my next cruise on my son's Aircraft Carrier this coming Sunday. I leave for Virginia early in the morning on Saturday, then onto Florida, for the 'Tiger Cruise" back to Virginia.

 

I look forward to your reply.

 

Paul

[prwjr]

I have booked the catamaran snorkel in Nassau through Carnival for my cruise. It says it goes on a catamaran or a mono hulled dive boat. Has anybody tried this and is it worth it. I am really into marine life.

If you don't think it's worth it, what wuld you suggest. I don't want to go to Atlantis and I would rathjer stay with a Carnival tour. First time cruiser.

 

As you may have previously read, I booked my snorkeling excursion directly through Stuart Cove's. I had read negative reviews about the Blackbeard's Cay snorkeling excursion and rave reviews about Stuart Cove's. My daughters and I were not disappointed in the least in our snorkeling excursion.

 

Bear in mind that Nassau shuts down early...like 6 PM...and the snorkeling adventure will consume approx. 4 hours.

 

Enjoy your trip no matter what you decide to do.

 

Paul from New Jersey