HALF-DAY SNORKELING ADVENTURE

You will truly enjoy this great “three for the price of one” snorkeling adventure. First, in just three to 10 feet of water is the magnificent 10,000 year-old-reef, “The Aquarium,” replete with a plethora of colorful fishes and living coral.

Next, in some 25 feet of clear, warm Pacific Ocean water rests the 300-foot-long shipwreck San Luciano, the casualty of a 1959 hurricane. There are compartments galore in this old wreck to satisfy your exploratory appetites.

Roca Elefante (translate that to “Elephant Rock”) is the third and final stop on this three-hour snorkeling smorgasbord. This unique underwater wonder boasts a booming, surging blow hole, tunnels and arches, and lots of fine fishes, all in 10-25 feet of water. A highlight at Elephant Rock is the feeding of hundreds of King Angels. The tour continues on up the coast to the “Elevator,” which surges 2 stories high and 2 stories down, just like its name.

All skill levels are welcome. This trip features equipment especially for beginners and children, including snorkel vests, exposure suits for warmth and protection, and snorkeling rafts with special viewing windows. A 30-foot open-bowed fiberglass boat with a canvas cover moves you from adventure to adventure. There is dry storage on the boat for personal belongings, and it is equipped with life jackets and a ladder for easy egress from the water.

An English-speaking guide is in the water with you. Snorkeling equipment included, as is a refresher course if you feel the need for one. A cooler on board is stocked with water and soda. You may purchase beer at the store next door to the scuba shop if you wish some on the tour. Sorry, Underworld Scuba’s insurance carrier does not allow them to buy alcoholic beverages for clients.

After your snorkel trip, you are welcome to purchase lunch and use the facilities of a nearby restaurant, including rentals of jet skis, kayaks and boogie boards. There are also vendors of souvenirs, ice cream, mangos and other treats on the beach, as well as exciting “banana” boat rides. When you're ready to leave, the restaurant staff will be happy to call a taxi (at your expense) for your return to your cruise ship or hotel. Approximate cost back to the hotel is $8 and to the ship is $12 per taxi for up to 4 people.

Departures (Local Manzanillo Time)

08:30 AM (3.5 hrs)
Cruise ship passengers: Please leave the pier by 8:30, need to be at Scuba Shack office by 9:00 unless other arrangements are made due to difference in docking time.

11:00 AM (3.5 hrs)
For NCL Star passengers. Minimum of 4 people required.

Hotel guests: Scuba Shack can pick up clients within hotel zone if advance arrangements are made. Pick-up time 8:45.

Note: Due to deteriorating water conditions, it is not possible to do afternoon trips.

Taxi Instructions (show to taxi)

La Cabaña del Buceo/Scuba Shack, Km. 15 Blvd. Costero Miguel de la Madrid, en frente del panteón de Santiago, 2 cuadras norte Juanito’s restaurante.

Special Instructions

Bring a towel, sun block and a dry T-shirt.  Other items to consider: Hat, sunglasses, sandals, money if you want to shop, eat, kayak, body surf, or take a banana boat ride. The restaurant at La Boquita takes U.S. dollars. Some vendors will accept dollars, but not all. Canadian deollars are not accepted. If you wish to exchange money, check with Scuba Shack before you leave the store.

After the snorkel trip, if you choose to stay and have lunch on the beach, the restaurant staff will call a taxi for your return back to the cruise pier or your hotel. Approximate cost back to the ship is $12 per taxi for up to 4 people.  Phone 333-3678 when in Manzanillo.

Restrictions

Minimum of 4 people required for the 9 or 11:00 departure. NCL Star guests please exit your ship as soon as possible for your excursion. Boat holds maximum of 12 people to 14 people, depending on boat used. This tour is not recommended for the morbidly obese.

Traveler Reviews 11/8/2005  P. Demmer, travel agent : We were picked up promptly in a classic dive shop van. Shorty wetsuits were available at no charge - which we were glad for with water temps in the mid-70s. My friend and I felt very much at home at the shop with rescued animals and free internet access! And their focus on reef education and care is important.

The choice of snorkel sites is similar to the cruise ships, but by going with just 6 others in a small boat instead of 30 on a party barge was sooo much better. There is very little coral in this part of the pacific, but a good variety of fishes. I finally saw a yellow boxfish - boy are they ugly! The divemaster was friendly and helpful. He was watchful of the kids and a novice snorkeler while pointing out interesting things. Both he and boat driver pointed out the interesting land features on our route.

I noticed they were good dive boat pros and did not hustle us for tips like the cattle excursions. We appreciated that they told off the jetskiers oblivious to us snorkeling by the shallow wreck. The beach restaurant we ended at had wonderful fresh fish. We had other plans, but it looked like a great spot to spend the afternoon.