As we left Port of Canaveral I had the opportunity to quickly interview the co-stars of this adventure. Bryn, Victoria, and Alexander all chime in regarding their expectations of the coming week…
The next morning we were already at Coco Cay in the Bahamas…
While we intended to just spend the day lounging on the beach and swimming in the colorful multi-shade blue water, Victoria and Alexander decided that it would be fun to learn how to snorkel. We got them all equipped and they spent hours in the water looking at the fish swimming around a variety of underwater “attractions.”
Little did we realize that snorkeling would become the theme event of the entire cruise. How awesome it was that they learned how to snorkel at the very friendly and leisurely Coco Cay.
A few days later at St. Thomas, we decided to do the kayak, hike, and snorkel adventure. This would have been our first snorkel opportunity if we had not let the kids try it at Coco Cay. When we attempted to make reservations for this outing we learned that this excursion was already sold out! We did not have a plan B. It was suggested that we try later to see if anyone cancelled.
We went to sit in the cafe and develop a few other options. Every choice we considered had to include snorkeling! When we returned to the registration desk, one of the employees recognized us and had 4 tickets matching our original plans. They had been returned by someone who had double-booked. Awesome!
When we met up with the bus to take us we realized how small of a group was going on this particular eco-tour. We were lucky to get in.
The adventure started with kayaking along the mangroves to a small island beach. We had hermit crab races and hiked to a natural blow hole. Then back to the beach for snorkeling along a reef. We saw a sea cucumber and many colorful fish. I saw a nurse shark and a blow fish too.
For our last island experience we went on a catamaran adventure on St. Maarten. After removing our shoes we hopped aboard the catamaran for a trip out to another great snorkeling area. The water was a bit choppy, but that didn’t slow anything down.
When the boat stopped, Victoria and Alexander were immediately in the water seeing what they could see. Each of the three snorkeling adventures were completely different from one another. What a great experience!
Then we were back on the catamaran for some sightseeing on the water.