Snorkel Grand Cayman or Costa Maya?

[jakubson]

Non-diving friends are taking a Carnival cruise starting July 3. They asked me about snorkeling at Grand Cayman or Costa Maya. I have only been diving at Grand Cayman, so I thought I'd ask the board for help. Specifically,

1. Is the "typical" cruise ship snorkeling excursion any good for these two ports?
2. For those who have been both places, if you had to pick one for snorkeling, which would it be?

Thanks for your help!

 

[BurBunny]

Non-diving friends are taking a Carnival cruise starting July 3. They asked me about snorkeling at Grand Cayman or Costa Maya. I have only been diving at Grand Cayman, so I thought I'd ask the board for help. Specifically,

1. Is the "typical" cruise ship snorkeling excursion any good for these two ports?
2. For those who have been both places, if you had to pick one for snorkeling, which would it be?

Thanks for your help!

I'd recommend snorkeling on Grand Cayman, combined with a trip over to Stingray City. I'd not go with the cruise line excursion, but instead book with Capt. Marvins or Nativeway Sports (more snorkeling with Capt. Marvin).

The snorkeling in Costa Maya through the cruise ship is good (if they do the boat snorkel), just when you add in the stingrays in GC, it's a blast.

Of course, in GC they can also snorkel on their own at Eden Rock or Cemetary Beach. Wouldn't recommend beach snorkeling in CM.

 

[lackingcreativity]

Non-diving friends are taking a Carnival cruise starting July 3. They asked me about snorkeling at Grand Cayman or Costa Maya. I have only been diving at Grand Cayman, so I thought I'd ask the board for help. Specifically,

1. Is the "typical" cruise ship snorkeling excursion any good for these two ports?
2. For those who have been both places, if you had to pick one for snorkeling, which would it be?

Thanks for your help!

On the cayman islands wesite you can order a snorkling guide to the island.

 

[richhagelin]

I'll second the recommendation for Capt Marvin's at Grand Cayman.

Last cruise with non=divers they had a blast at stingray city with Capt Marvin.

Rich Hagelin

 

[jakubson]

I'll second the recommendation for Capt Marvin's at Grand Cayman.

Last cruise with non=divers they had a blast at stingray city with Capt Marvin.

Rich Hagelin

Thanks, everyone. I'll pass this along. They are leaving July 3, so if anyone else has an opinion, it's not too late