Champagne Snorkel Excursion

[jayasesh]

Hi,
I am going on a cruise for the first time to Southern Caribbgeans.
Am planning on the shore excursions now.

Would like to do snorkeling and looking at Champagne Snorkel Excursion.
From the forum, looks like lots of people recommend it.

My qn is if I have to do thro the ship or can I do book it myself? If I can book myself, Which company can I look at?

Also, do I have to be a rellay good swimmer to do this? I swim ok.. Last time I did, I did wearing a life jacket. Can I do here with the life Jacket on? pls advise..

Thanks.

[Jim C.]

Champagne reef is something you could do on your own. We just got off the ship and hired a taxi/tour guide to take us there (you negotiate the price for the travel to Champagne reef) They have a place you can rent snorkel equipment from there and you can even tip a snorkel guide to show you around (although its not really needed). This is a beach access and you are snorkeling within 20 yards of the beach. You can have a life vest on if you wish. It might be easier to just book something through the cruiseline. Unless you want to see other sights, just booking a tour guide to take you to the reef alone might be more expensive than booking a tour there. AND if you book a tour through the ship, then you know how much you are going to spend before getting there. It been a couple of years since we have gone so I can't give you a price.

[f-mattox]

If you book through the ship, like Jim says, you'll know how much you're going to spend, you know you'll get back to the ship in time, and they will insist you wear a floatation device, which is a good idea.

[penny3333]

I highly recommend the one through the ship. You will be in a catamaran to the reef. You will have snorkel guides with you to make sure you are safe. You don't have to be a good swimmer to snorkel, however, if the currents are strong that day, it's a good idea to at least know how to kick. As Jim said, you can do it on your own. We did the first time there, and would not do it again. It's much easier access from a catamaran than from the shore.