Ahoy there, Teela! Welcome aboard planDisney!
Ah, snorkeling at
Disney Castaway Cay. From super clear water to the "sunken treasures" you'll search for out in the snorkeling lagoon, it's an experience that's unlike any other!
My wife and I are both strong swimmers, and we've always found the waters at Castaway Cay to be very calm and accommodating (when the weather isn't super windy, that is), which makes sense as there's a large breakwater protecting all of the swimming areas of the island!
If you are concerned about your swimming abilities though, I'm happy to report there are actually two different "snorkeling trails" - one for beginners and one for "discoverers!" I should also note that all snorkelers, regardless of skill level, are required to wear a snorkel vest, which can be inflated slightly to help you while you swim! These aren't proper lifevests, however, so they do only provide what I'd call an assisting amount of buoyancy!
My opinion is as long as you are comfortable swimming around four laps at a pool and can tread water, you should feel confident while in the lagoon - especially on the beginner snorkel trail, where there is still plenty to see! Of course, you know your crew's abilities best, but I do recommend you give it a try to see how you like it! The fins also help a bit, too!
If you decide you'd like to stay a bit dryer and still take a look "under the sea," definitely consider the
Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage Port Adventure if it is offered on your sailing. It's a fun way to spend an hour exploring "beyond the reef" but not quite at the line where the sky meets the sea, we'll leave that to the
ships of the Disney Cruise Line fleet!
I hope that helps you decide how to spend at least a part of your day at Disney Castaway Cay, Teela! Thank you for your question, and if any others surface while you continue planning, please drop another message in a bottle here at planDisney!
Happy planning, and SEA ya real soon!
Andrew