Sharing an underwater adventure with a grandchild has the potential to create a special bond that will live in family lore. Your grandchild will never forget the wonder of spotting his or her first sea turtle or seahorse as you snorkel together. And neither will you.
Part of the trick to creating a magical encounter is knowing where to go. You can choose the predictable, the popular site where just about everyone else wants to swim. Or you can head somewhere a bit more “adventurous,” more potentially thrilling. Read on to discover some insider snorkel secrets of some famously family-friendly islands.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
THE OBVIOUS: The shallow waters of the northwest corner of Grand Cayman’s North Sound boast one of the world’s best-known dive sites — Stingray City. Everyone wants to snorkel this iconic place where dozens of wild Southern Atlantic Stingrays cavort around the visiting swimmers like a pack of adorable underwater puppies. In fact, it’s so popular that you can expect to be equally surrounded by large crowds of fellow snorkelers, especially on days when cruise ships are in port.
THE ADVENTUROUS: Over on Cayman Brac (Grand Cayman’s little sister island, a short commuter flight away) a mysterious “city” lies quietly under about 30 feet of water, waiting for you to “discover” it. Created by a sculptor with a dream, this “Lost City of Atlantis” is being assembled, stately pillar by massive monument, just off one of the island’s northwest beaches. It’s pure fantasy, of course, yet its paved “streets” and distinctively individual “citizens” evoke endless imaginary scenarios. What better way to use a fun adventure for stirring up some storytelling back on shore.
Also populating this “city” is a rich marine community of stingrays, flounders, cleaner shrimps, conch, snappers, eagle rays, and angel fish. Don’t miss the pair of groupers who live under the sundial.
HAWAII
THE OBVIOUS: On the island of Maui, most snorkelers head out to Molokini, a croissant-shaped island just off the south coast. Because this sliver of an extinct volcanic crater is designated a marine reserve, it is teaming with fish. However, the fish-rich waters also team with boatloads of snorkelers.
THE ADVENTUROUS: You can avoid the crowds and still enjoy Maui’s underwater treasures by snorkeling the protected and virtually undiscovered Ahihi Kinau Reserve on the Makena Coast. The waters of this rock-bound bay are home to lots of sea turtles as well as rainbows of tropical fish. The absence of crowds lets you feel you’re snorkeling a private paradise. Be aware, however, that this privacy means no facilities — there are no lifeguards or snack shops. Not even a sandy beach, but this lack of sand makes for silt-free waters and better visibility. Also, there is very little current and few waves, so the little ones can enjoy calm snorkeling.
FLORIDA
THE OBVIOUS: Without a doubt the Sunshine State’s top snorkel site is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The marine park is famous not only for its aquatic life, but also for the underwater statue “Christ of the Deep.” But, once again, the most popular place is also the most crowded.
THE ADVENTUROUS: Instead, turn your goggles toward some of Florida’s more bizarre creatures — the placid manatees. These gentle 1,000-pound giants congregate in the Crystal River, a spring-fed waterway located about a two-hour drive north of Orlando. Quite a few local outfitters offer snorkel tours that let you swim with these huge aquatic critters. Looking at their immense girth, it’s hard to imagine that sailors once confused them with mermaids. Clearly they had been at sea too long!
A typical tour involves a boat trip to Kings Bay, a 600-acre site along the river where most of the manatees hang out. After gearing up in a full wet suit (the water temps hover in the high 60s-low 70s), snorkelers must be swim-savvy enough to be able to float calmly and not splash around (which frightens the manatees). Generally, outfitters recommend children be at least 8 years old.
BERMUDA
THE OBVIOUS: Most snorkelers who visit this mid-Atlantic island head straight for Snorkel Park in the Royal Naval Dockyard, a family-friendly site located just a fin-kick or two from the cruise ship docks. This beachy site is just one of literally hundreds of pink sand beauties all along Bermuda’s shores.
THE ADVENTUROUS: But while you’re in Bermuda, take the time to explore the island’s truly unique underwater sights — shipwrecks. Although there are several outfitters offering snorkeling tours, we like Jessie James Cruises because it has high-speed boats that make it possible to see three wrecks in a single trip. Imagine the possibilities.
You and your grandchild (age 8 and up) may view an array of underwater history that includes the “Constellation,” a four-masted wooden schooner pressed into military service during World War II; “Montana,” a paddlewheel steamer that ran the blockades during the Civil War; and “The Darlington,” an iron-hulled steamer built in 1881. All these wrecks lie in water shallow enough (20 to 30 feet) for ideal snorkeling. You might want to bone up on your naval history beforehand as there are bound to be lots of questions following this amazing snorkeling adventure.
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