Today’s plan was to do a catamaran cruise with Shasa. The email directions said to walk through the shop area, go outside and someone will be there to meet us at at 9:30. At exactly 9:30 a van pulled up and off we went. There were two other couples from the ship with us in the van…and one other couple who was staying on the island that met us at the beach…a total of 12.
The van driver gave us a mini-tour on the way to the beach where we were to get on the catamaran. Here is our group waiting on the catamaran to pull up to the beach.
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| Can you believe the color of that water! |
Within just a few minutes, the catamaran arrived…
Julian…the first mate…waded into shore and had us all remove our shoes and put them in a basket. To get on the boat we had to wade out a few feet and then “jump” up onto the back of the catamaran. The boat was bobbing up and down with the waves and by timing your jump to when the boat dropped, it wasn’t as hard to get on as I had anticipated.
The front part of the catamaran was shaded so I was glad I was the first to board. The six of us in our group took up the bench seats in the front of the boat along with one other couple. The other four sat…or rather laid…on the back of the catamaran in the sun.
The front part of the catamaran was shaded so I was glad I was the first to board. The six of us in our group took up the bench seats in the front of the boat along with one other couple. The other four sat…or rather laid…on the back of the catamaran in the sun.
In order to not waste any time getting to where we would snorkel with the sea turtles, Jason (the captain) used the motor on the catamaran. As soon as we were on the way, Jason offered drinks to any who wanted something…pop, beer, water, or rum punch. When we arrived there were only one or two other small boats in the area. Our group had our own snorkel equipment, but there was equipment available for those that needed it. Jason also had snorkeling vests which one of the other couples used.
The depth of the water where we snorkeled was maybe 15 feet…I have a hard time judging distance. In my mind it doesn’t matter if it is 6 feet or 60 feet…either way the water would be over my head! It amazes me how buoyant salt water makes a person (especially those of us with our own built in flotation devices…fat!) Even without a snorkel vest I was able to float with no effort at all.
Julian got into the water with us and as he chummed the water, more and more turtles showed up. They had no fear of us and were just interested in getting the food that Julian was throwing out. I was behind Kim and she actually had her foot on one of the turtles at one point! She said it surprised her because she knew the water was deep but yet was surprised that she could touch the bottom…not realizing that she was actually stepping on the turtle!
I am sorry that I didn’t take my Canon D10 camera in the water to get some photos of the turtles…I just wanted to enjoy the experience and not worry about the camera. Lowell had a disposable, but the photos aren't great.
Jason had put a ladder on the side of the boat and climbing it to get back in was just a bit of a challenge. (Remember I am an out of shape 50+ something lady.) If a person has any type of mobility issues this would be something to consider.
By the time we had finished snorkeling with the turtles quite a few other boats had showed up. In this photo you can see the Calabaza catamaran and others.
I had checked into Calabaza prior to booking with Shasa. You can probably see from the photo that their catamaran is much larger and they still only take 12 guests. In the end the cost was what swayed me to book with Shasa…$80 each instead of $110.
For the extra $30 each you would get more space, a nicer catamaran, steps into the water instead of a ladder, and nicer bathroom facilities I’m sure. (Jason had a marine toilet that required climbing down into one of the pontoons and closing the top over your head…this was very cramped and dark.) Having said that…we all enjoyed our day with Shasa very much and would book with them again.
Here is Jim going "down" to use the potty!
For the extra $30 each you would get more space, a nicer catamaran, steps into the water instead of a ladder, and nicer bathroom facilities I’m sure. (Jason had a marine toilet that required climbing down into one of the pontoons and closing the top over your head…this was very cramped and dark.) Having said that…we all enjoyed our day with Shasa very much and would book with them again.
Here is Jim going "down" to use the potty!
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| Julian and Jason |
After leaving the turtles, Jason took us to a place where we could swim over a reef…and then circle back to swim over a ship wreck.
He stayed on the boat and Julian once again got in the water and swam with us…chumming the water which attracted a LOT of fish.
It was a windy day and Nancy became sick from all of the bobbing up and down. I won’t begin to describe what happens when someone throws up in the water full of fish <yikes>
but you can probably imagine. Poor Nancy. Julian came to her aid right away and helped her get back to the boat.
Nancy back on the catamaran...
He stayed on the boat and Julian once again got in the water and swam with us…chumming the water which attracted a LOT of fish.
It was a windy day and Nancy became sick from all of the bobbing up and down. I won’t begin to describe what happens when someone throws up in the water full of fish <yikes>
but you can probably imagine. Poor Nancy. Julian came to her aid right away and helped her get back to the boat. Nancy back on the catamaran...
While the rest of us continued our swim, Jason looked after Nancy…even giving her sea bands to wear to help the nausea. The swim turned out to be quite a long distance…especially in the rough water…but fun and interesting.
One of the couples had just booked the 3 hour snorkel trip…the rest of us had booked the 5 hour trip that included lunch. Jason put up the sails as he made his way back to the beach to drop them off. Along the way he showed us the hotel where Tiger Woods had gotten married.
One of the couples had just booked the 3 hour snorkel trip…the rest of us had booked the 5 hour trip that included lunch. Jason put up the sails as he made his way back to the beach to drop them off. Along the way he showed us the hotel where Tiger Woods had gotten married.
Back at the beach, Julian helped the couple get off and then returned with an insulated bag. From there we sailed to a small beach and Jason anchored the catamaran. From Julian’s bag, they set out a small feast! Our meal included salad, cole slaw, macaroni pie, rice, flying fish, and chicken…all of it absolutely delicious!! With lunch and throughout the day Jason was constantly asking if anyone needed anything to drink. The rum punch was so good…
After eating, Jason gave us a chance to get into the water and swim…or just wander down the beach. Snowy Minnesota seemed a million miles away as we enjoyed paradise!
Our day ended back at the beach where a van was waiting to take us back to the ship. (All transportation was included in the price.)
The evening went pretty much as I described in a previous post…showers, nap, dinner, show, casino, etc. Here is a photo of Remesto entertaining us at dinner that night…
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