Do I need water shoes?

[michelle028]

Hi everyone,

its my 1st time going to the following ports: ochos rios, cozumel, grand cayman and Labadee.

How are the beaches? This may seem like a silly q, but do I need watershoes? (just planning to relax in warm waters the whole day)

[Jim1012]

Unless you have leather for soles, I would say "yes". Beaches at those stops are nice, but they do not have as sandy a beach bottom as most here in the states, and are a combination of sand and lava rock. After Labadee, on our first cruise, I spent the money for shoes on board. Turned out to be a great diea.

[Dwayne]

You will definitely need them if you plan on climbing Dunn' Falls in Ochos Rios. Of the beaches listed, Grand Cayman would probably be the least likely you would need them. Seven Mile beach anyway. I always take mine so I don't have to worry as much about stepping on a Sea Urchin again. Ouch! Plus the rocks are not too friendly either.

Dwayne

[Dave Knott]

I skinned a few toes and cut my feet in the water at most western caribbean beaches.

[Berick1234]

I always wear Crocs on the ship....and off the ship...they work just great...

Happy Sailing...

Bob E

[penny3333]

I love my water shoes. I wear them on board and off. They work a lot better than tennis shoes for me.

[Sandy]

Penny, I feel the same way about my Keens. Very comfortable, protective, surefooted way to walk on land or sea.

[cruzsnob]

I always bring my higher end, sports-type sandles. They have a number of velcro straps that really keep the sandles on no matter WHAT you are doing, have great grip, made to be comfortable and provide support for long hikes, and are waterproof. They cost a bit upfront ($70-80), but they are really so versitle and each pair lasts me at least 3-4 years and I certainly put them through the ringer. Also cuts down on shoes when packing as I only bring them and a pair of dress sandles when I travel.

[7thSon]

I always take a pair of water shoes after stepping on a sea urchin. It felt like I was stepping on a broken glass bottle. I was fortunate that I was able to pull back before putting all of my weight on that foot. It was also toward the end of our trip so I wasn't affected that much. It was still painful. You never know what is along the bottom.

They are also good for wearing around the pool on board ship.

[7thSon]

Originally posted by cruzsnob:
I always bring my higher end, sports-type sandles. They have a number of velcro straps that really keep the sandles on no matter WHAT you are doing, have great grip, made to be comfortable and provide support for long hikes, and are waterproof. They cost a bit upfront ($70-80), but they are really so versitle and each pair lasts me at least 3-4 years and I certainly put them through the ringer. Also cuts down on shoes when packing as I only bring them and a pair of dress sandles when I travel.

I had a pair of Echo Sandals, paid around $100. Made the mistake of wearing them in the water. The water deteriorated the glue that was used to attach the straps.