New to snorkeling - with kids - Turks and Caicos

[lmirante]

Hi,

We're new to snorkeling and include a 12 yo and an 8 yo. We'll be in Turks and Caicos toward the end of July and are looking for any tips or recommendations for family friendly snorkeling guides. We'll be staying in Provo at Grace Bay.

We have our own stuff (masks, snorkels and fins).

I'm kind of hoping the kids love it because I've been wanting to try scuba for a while and when the little one is 10 we can start.


Thanks.

Lisa

 

[David Wilson]

I can't give you first-hand advice about the Turks and Caicos Islands, but if you're new to snorkelling, enjoy it first for what it is, a fulfilling activity in itself:

Snorkelling is a wonderfully spontaneous pursuit which doesn't require expensive equipment or intensive training. It's also so much more than the ground floor in an express elevator to scuba or free diving. I've found it completely absorbing for over half a century and I've never been tempted to free or scuba dive. You have at least two options when snorkelling, swimming across the surface with fins, masks and snorkels, just like European swimtrekkers do, as well as diving below the surface. By all means plan your eventual entry to the world of scuba, but don't push your still young children to follow suit unless and until they're ready. They might prove to be perfectly happy having fun "just" snorkelling.

Returning to your Caribbean snorkelling destination, why not re-post your question on one of Scubaboard's "Regional Travel" forums? Somebody there will provide you with the local information you're after.

 

[Testudo]

Try the Coral Gardens snorkeling spot near the Coral Gardens and Alexandra Resorts on Grace Bay. Lots to see and easy to reach.

 

[marine9]

Agree, it's some very nice snorkling.

Just be careful of the Fire Coral - it's
well marked, so you shouldn't have any trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[spectrum]

Hi,


I'm kind of hoping the kids love it because I've been wanting to try scuba for a while and when the little one is 10 we can start.


Thanks.

Lisa

I can't say enough good things about snorkeling/skin diving as a gateway to scuba


Do you have skins or suits to manage sun exposure?

With respect to getting started as a diving family you might consider getting a head start so you can be rescue certified before diving with your youngsters.

Have fun, sorry I don't have an destination info.

Pete