hobgob Posted March 15, 2009 #1 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Hi everyone We are going to the carribean in Jan 2010 and I just wondered if it was worth taking our own masks./snorkels and fins or just going on organised trips as I guess they provide equipment? As we are travelling from europe ,probably with limited luggage allowance,not sure whats best? We are doing the ultimate carribean trip on celebrity equinox. Anyone been on any of the snorkel trips advertised ?we go to Grand Cayman ,Cozumel,Port Limon,Panama etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce-r Posted March 15, 2009 #2 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Are you talking about scuba diving or mearly snorkeling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobgob Posted March 15, 2009 Author #3 Share Posted March 15, 2009 Are you talking about scuba diving or mearly snorkeling? Just snorkling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce-r Posted March 15, 2009 #4 Share Posted March 15, 2009 In that case, I'd still bring my own mask and snorkel but either use the fins provided by any excursion or just rent fins there. Mask fit is important and I personally wouldn't care to share something that I put in my mouth, like a snorkel or toothbrush, with a stranger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searoses Posted March 16, 2009 #5 Share Posted March 16, 2009 eeewww.ditto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG_Steve Posted March 16, 2009 #6 Share Posted March 16, 2009 In that case, I'd still bring my own mask and snorkel but either use the fins provided by any excursion or just rent fins there. Mask fit is important and I personally wouldn't care to share something that I put in my mouth, like a snorkel or toothbrush, with a stranger. As I was checking out some excursions a few months ago, I noticed a few boats included a new, packaged snorkel in their excursion price. You could keep it or throw it away after you're done. BUT, I don't remember who was doing that. Something to ask before you book, I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelite Posted March 19, 2009 #7 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hi everyone We are going to the carribean in Jan 2010 and I just wondered if it was worth taking our own masks./snorkels and fins or just going on organised trips as I guess they provide equipment? As we are travelling from europe ,probably with limited luggage allowance,not sure whats best? We are doing the ultimate carribean trip on celebrity equinox. Anyone been on any of the snorkel trips advertised ?we go to Grand Cayman ,Cozumel,Port Limon,Panama etc.. I always bring my mask and snorkel in my carry on piece. The mask fit is important and the snorkel is no bother to bring. I try to fit the fins in my luggage whenever possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voldemort Posted March 20, 2009 #8 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I think the better way are bring you own mask and snorkel.(If you luggage is big enough) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themons Posted March 20, 2009 #9 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I'd say definitely bring our own mask, snorkle, and fins. They make these new short fins now which are good enough for snorkling, but take up a lot less space than regular fins. If you have to rent fins everywhere, you will have to wait in line at the facility or on the ship to get them and return them. You also have to worry about losing them and getting them back in time. The quality and fit can be an issue as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevesan Posted March 21, 2009 #10 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Hi everyone We are going to the carribean in Jan 2010 and I just wondered if it was worth taking our own masks./snorkels and fins or just going on organised trips as I guess they provide equipment? As we are travelling from europe ,probably with limited luggage allowance,not sure whats best? We are doing the ultimate carribean trip on celebrity equinox. Anyone been on any of the snorkel trips advertised ?we go to Grand Cayman ,Cozumel,Port Limon,Panama etc.. GC and Coz both have first rate snorkeling. There are a number of excellent independent snorkel trips on offer. You can book independent snorkel trips with confidence at both these ports. They have vast experience with cruise ship passengers. I would have complete trust in the sanitation of the two I suggest using. However, if your mask/snorkel don't take up too much of your allowance, bring them along and use the boat's fins. In GC: http://www.captainmarvins.com/ Be sure to book the"full Day" excursion. Another popular, but I haven't personal experience: http://www.cayman.org/captainbryan/ If you prefer, there is very good shore snorkeling within a short walking distance of the tender docks. They have rental lockers and equipment.: http://www.edenrockdive.com/ In Coz, I use Eagle Ray. For the best off shore snorkel reefs, book the "Three Reef" trip. The shorter two reef trip only goes to the near shore reefs. http://www.eagleraydivers.com/ Manta Ray is popular, too,: http://www.xaac.com/mantaray/id20.htm Here's a good guide for Cozumel: http://cozumelinsider.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistergq Posted March 21, 2009 #11 Share Posted March 21, 2009 we bring our own mask and snorkel. We are considering bringing our own fins because we are snorkeling on our own and not on an excursion. One of the major advantages of having your own mask is if you wear glasses or contacts, you buy masks with your prescription. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlumpGal Posted March 23, 2009 #12 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Where do you purchase your snorkel mask by perscription? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistergq Posted March 23, 2009 #13 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Where do you purchase your snorkel mask by perscription? Thanks. went to a local dive shop with the prescription. They first fit you for the mask. If I remember correctly, you pick up the mask about a week later when it comes in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themons Posted March 24, 2009 #14 Share Posted March 24, 2009 The other option that you have for prescription lenses is to use a mask like the Tusa Liberator. These masks allow you to exchange the glass lenses for separate lenses with different prescriptions while you are in the store. Unless you have an unusual prescription or spacing between your pupils, they should be good enough for normal use. If your prescription changes, you just put in new lenses. I have 2 sets of Tusa Liberators and 1 regular mask with lenses. When I scuba dive, I use the Liberators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygirlj Posted April 9, 2009 #15 Share Posted April 9, 2009 For snorkeling gear, we don't want to spend a ton, but after a while renting adds up. Where do you suggest purchasing gear? How about for kids? Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelite Posted April 13, 2009 #16 Share Posted April 13, 2009 For snorkeling gear, we don't want to spend a ton, but after a while renting adds up. Where do you suggest purchasing gear? How about for kids? Thank you. Costco -- they have both adult and kid packages at a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macdons Posted April 15, 2009 #17 Share Posted April 15, 2009 For snorkeling gear, we don't want to spend a ton, but after a while renting adds up. Where do you suggest purchasing gear? How about for kids? Thank you. We have had very good luck with snorkelmart.com. They have package deals for adults and kids. we need the prescription goggles and have used the masks from them with very good luck. Also having your own gear frees you up to go snorkeling on your own from beaches and eliminate the price of a tour. We do that all through the islands with good luck. You have to do some research first to find out where the spots are but it is well worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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