Snorkeling in Saint Maarten

[rtsinon]

Is it better to snorkel with an excursion or to go off on your own?
Royal Caribbean offers a Kayak and Snorkeling excursion. They also offer a Shipwreck Snorkeling Adventure. I got Frommer's Ports of Call from the library. They say to go to Dawn Beach and rent your own gear. Any advice? I'm twenty-seven years old and a friend of mine who is the same age will be snorkeling with me.
Thanks,
-Ryan

[TrvlPro]

It's cheaper to do on your own. The companies the cruiselines use are screened better and sometimes worth the difference. The biggie to be sure of is that you're back to the ship on time if you do one outside. If your transportation is late or some other glitch happens you're on your own. The ship is moving on schedule with or without you. Just be careful of time.

Cheers, Neil

[penny3333]

Hi rtsinon, welcome to Cruise-chat. I do hope you're going to another port besides St. Maarten, the snorkeling there is not that great. It is snorkeling, though and I love it. We snorkel in every port, but only twice in St. Maarten and gave up trying to find good places there. The last time we went, we did the America's Cup Yacht racing, that was a hoot! A bunch of tourists crewing a racing yacht. If you're going to do Dawn Beach on your own, you will save money, which will be a good thing since the snorkeling isn't that great there. Best wishes!