Snorkeling

[suicideking]

I've been snorkeling a few times while on vacation and have had mixed results. First time was in Maui. Paid for a snorkeling trip. Went on a boat to a reef about an hour away (Molokini?) and had a great time. Lots of cool colorful fish to see. The boat crew made burgers and served drinks. So far, that was really the only great snorkeling trip I've paid for.

2. Went on my honeymoon with my wife in 2006 of the coast of Kaui. We ended up on the boat for a few hours captive. The crew decided it was too murky and we were never allowed in the water. Wife got very sea sick. Awful trip, got our money back.

3. Trip in Carribean off the coast of St. Thomas. This one was just ok. Myself, wife, and 3 kids went. Wife took dramamine, two of my 3 kids got sick. Me and my oldest son had a good time, though it was a bit sketchy lol. The water was pretty choppy. Some cool fish, sting rays, turtle, but a large bunch of Barracudas creeping us out gathering close to the boat. No issues, but still creepy. The boat crew was concerned, but didn't make us get back in the boat, but kept hearing them talk about it.

4. Later on the Carribean trip, off Coco Kay island, just went off the beach with a mask and snorkel. This was more fun than going on the boat. Go for as long as I wanted, take a rest, then go back out. Kids joined in a bit when they wanted, or just relax on the beach. Sting rays, some small sharks, lots of fish and some Baracudas.

5. Recent Maui trip. Paid again for a boat trip for myself and oldest son. 'Too windy to go to the reef'. So the boat went parralel to the shore. Stopped and one spot and the 'boat tie down was broken' in the backup spot. Went to another spot that was pretty mediocre. Wasn't really impressed.

6. Same trip to Maui, went to a cove somewhat near Laihani and rented gear with my oldest son. Lots of cool fish, turtles, had a great time.

So now thinking I should skip the paid trips on boats and just research where to go. If you like to go snorkeling, curious about trips you've taken and if you've come to the same conclusion. I don't mind paying for a trip if they go somewhere good. Just don't want to waste my time and money if I can just drive to an area and just rent the gear.

 

[Zorba]

Tried it once, it didn't turn out well.

 

[B1Toad]

My son took me to San Carlos MX. (near Guaymas) about 10 years ago and we went out on one of Gary's Dive Boats and went fishing and snorkeling, it was great. The water was crystal clear and we could see all the way to the bottom. While we were snorkeling the crew cleaned all the fish and had fish tacos cooking when we got back on board. One of the best times of my life.

 

[Rubiconned]

I've snorkeled in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Key West, but my favorite has been Dry Tortugas:

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Tokashiki Island near Okinawa. Tough to find anything better in the world short of the Great Barrier Reef. I could help plan a dope trip. Bonus points for the entire place looking like it's a movie set (because so beautiful.)

 

[suicideking]

I've snorkeled in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Key West, but my favorite has been Dry Tortugas:

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We're going on a cruise next summer that stops in Cozumel, Honduras, Costa Maya.

Key West was up for discussion, but not next time around.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

https://visitokinawajapan.com/destinations/kerama-islands/tokashiki-island/

 

[Rubiconned]

We're going on a cruise next summer that stops in Cozumel, Honduras, Costa Maya.

Key West was up for discussion, but not next time around.

Although I didn't snorkel it while I was there I heard there is a famous reef wall in Cozumel. The main attraction in Costa Maya are the pyramids, they're worth seeing. If ever going to Key West: Key West is OK, not great. KW is really bad for snorkeling if the water is cloudy from rains, but hey, the crew provides food. Also in KW, if you've never done it parasailing is pretty cool. Too bad you'll be on a cruise because 4 hours by catamaran from KW is Dry Tortugas.

 

[BlueC]

Key West is OK, not great.. Too bad you'll be on a cruise because 4 hours by catamaran from KW is Dry Tortugas.

I agree about KW. I've been snorkeling throughout the Florida Keys, both paid trips and just walking off the beach, and it's always been a nice time. I've been to Fort Jefferson once and loved it. I've since learned SCUBA and want to go back to dive. I've also been to Aruba and did a paid snorkel trip that took us to this shipwreck that is surface to 60-80' deep.

Wreck diver was one of my diver specialty classes, I want to go back and see what's inside.

 

[Henry Vasquez]

I've been snorkeling a few times while on vacation and have had mixed results. First time was in Maui. Paid for a snorkeling trip. Went on a boat to a reef about an hour away (Molokini?) and had a great time. Lots of cool colorful fish to see. The boat crew made burgers and served drinks. So far, that was really the only great snorkeling trip I've paid for.

2. Went on my honeymoon with my wife in 2006 of the coast of Kaui. We ended up on the boat for a few hours captive. The crew decided it was too murky and we were never allowed in the water. Wife got very sea sick. Awful trip, got our money back.

3. Trip in Carribean off the coast of St. Thomas. This one was just ok. Myself, wife, and 3 kids went. Wife took dramamine, two of my 3 kids got sick. Me and my oldest son had a good time, though it was a bit sketchy lol. The water was pretty choppy. Some cool fish, sting rays, turtle, but a large bunch of Barracudas creeping us out gathering close to the boat. No issues, but still creepy. The boat crew was concerned, but didn't make us get back in the boat, but kept hearing them talk about it.

4. Later on the Carribean trip, off Coco Kay island, just went off the beach with a mask and snorkel. This was more fun than going on the boat. Go for as long as I wanted, take a rest, then go back out. Kids joined in a bit when they wanted, or just relax on the beach. Sting rays, some small sharks, lots of fish and some Baracudas.

5. Recent Maui trip. Paid again for a boat trip for myself and oldest son. 'Too windy to go to the reef'. So the boat went parralel to the shore. Stopped and one spot and the 'boat tie down was broken' in the backup spot. Went to another spot that was pretty mediocre. Wasn't really impressed.

6. Same trip to Maui, went to a cove somewhat near Laihani and rented gear with my oldest son. Lots of cool fish, turtles, had a great time.

So now thinking I should skip the paid trips on boats and just research where to go. If you like to go snorkeling, curious about trips you've taken and if you've come to the same conclusion. I don't mind paying for a trip if they go somewhere good. Just don't want to waste my time and money if I can just drive to an area and just rent the gear.

I totally get why you're thinking of skipping the paid boat trips. It sounds like you've had more success and fun snorkeling from the beach or shore. Renting gear and going on your own can be a more flexible and cost-effective way to go. Plus, you can avoid the risks of bad weather or mediocre snorkeling spots. Have you considered trying snorkeling in other locations, like the Florida Keys or Hawaii's Big Island?

 

[cparker249]

I've snorkeled in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Key West, but my favorite has been Dry Tortugas:

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Looks amazing! It piques my interest.

 

[suicideking]

I totally get why you're thinking of skipping the paid boat trips. It sounds like you've had more success and fun snorkeling from the beach or shore. Renting gear and going on your own can be a more flexible and cost-effective way to go. Plus, you can avoid the risks of bad weather or mediocre snorkeling spots. Have you considered trying snorkeling in other locations, like the Florida Keys or Hawaii's Big Island?

I'd like to try lots of locations, am leaning towards skipping the boat trips and just go off the beach.

We did go to Oahu two years ago. Again, a mediocre trip. Went on a boat trip, we had light rain off and on. We went to a sand bar off the NE shore. Didn't see much and it was cold. This time had the whole family. Most didn't stay in the water long because they got cold fast. So yeah, also a good example where it would be better to play it by ear and not go during that weather.

 

[Mhass]

I'm with BlueC-go for your SCUBA cert and relax while you're looking at the underwater scenery. But to answer your original question and make it cheap for you:
Right near you in Carlsbad, Cardiff, Torrey Pines, and La Jolla are some decent snorkeling/dive spots. Also if you're up for a nice daytrip, Catalina is nice. If you know someone with a nice boat, it's a fantastic trip for a long weekend.
The gear for snorkeling is pretty cheap. If you're going locally, it would probably pay to hit up craigslist or FB marketplace in your area. SCUBA gear is fairly reasonable around you also. I very much prefer my own gear over rental stuff when possible. It cuts down on the air line parting at the tank while you're 30' down.
Wrecks are really cool. I've been to a few off Hawaii and the Philippines.
Recertifying this summer and heading to Roatan in October.