FAQ's
Copyright 2012 Grenada Seafaris
What should I bring?
Appropriate sunscreen, sunglasses and hats and a towel if you wish. Soft soled, flat shoes (no high heels please).
Shorts/trousers/swimsuits are most suitable for sitting on the jockey seats. Sunscreen - We recommend high factor 40+ sunscreen
and please put it on at least 30 minutes before getting on the boat. This gives it chance to properly soak in and reduces the amount
that gets washed off in the water as it can be detrimental to the fish and coral. We use Banana Boat Ultramist factor 50 or 85. It is a
spray and goes on very easily unlike the old fashion gloop of traditional high factor sun blocks.
Is it for all ages?
Absolutely! Our youngest guest was 2 years old and our eldest was 89!! We do ask that children under 16 be accompanied by an
adult. We have a bench seat which may be reserved for small children or anyone who feels the jockey seat may not be suitable for
them. Children from about 4-5 are normally ok on the jockey seats.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
If you have your own mask, snorkel and fins then feel free to bring them but we do have the latest equipment available on board. We
also have snorkel vests and swim floats for those who aren't so confident in the water.
What if I've never snorkelled before?
We have a fully qualified PADI Scuba instructor on board who can give instruction if required. You will be shown how to use the
equipment and a guide will accompany you to make sure you are safe and to ensure you don't miss anything. It is always a good
idea to have a practice first if you get chance, hotels often have a water sports desk you can borrow equipment from and practicing
in the swimming pool will boost your confidence and allow you to spend more time enjoying the experience.
What if I don't want to snorkel?
That's OK too, we have water and soft drinks on board and your captain will be staying with you on the boat. So relax, listen to some
music, listen to the captain's tales of how Greanda became his home. You'll be amazed by the numbers of hungry fish which always
appear when our boat arrives. Or maybe just jump in and have a swim if you feel like it. The captain will also brief you about what the
others are looking at and give you some stories and history to keep you occupied.
Will I get sea sick?
We aim to leave the dock quickly and when the boat is moving it is very unlikely you will be affected. If you still feel worried then
eating a light meal and avoiding alcohol before departure will also help to prevent symptoms. Various anti-motion sickness tablets
are available over the counter at chemists.
Is this trip right for me?
You should be in good health, with no previous serious neck or back injuries, and should be able to maintain your balance whilst
seated. This tour is not for pregnant women, and may not be suitable for some disabled or wheelchair participants. Passengers over
275lb/125kg in weight are advised that the trips may not be suitable. If you have concerns please contact us. If we can make it
happen we will!
Will we get bashed about on the boat?
Our tour is not a "white knuckle ride" The conditions on the West coast of the island are normally very calm as this side of the island
is protected from the prevailing wind and so generally the ride is very smooth. Obviously out on the sea we may get the odd bump
but this is not your average speedboat, the hull is designed for rough weather and most people are amazed how smooth the ride is.
Is it safe?
Rest easy, our tour is fully insured and has been assessed and approved by all of the local tour operators in Grenada, many of the
global operators such as Virgin Holidays and most of the cruise ships. Our boat is designed to handle the roughest of seas but our
passengers are not, so we assess the weather constantly and monitor any changes very closely. As we have no control of the
weather (the sun dance does not always work) and conditions are felt to be unsuitable we may cancel the tour and try to work on
getting you on board another day. If this proves impossible then we do refund any monies paid.
I'm worried about Sharks and Barracuda
It would be wrong to say there are no sharks here in Grenada, but in reality they are not found where we snorkel. Sharks do not have
us on their menu and as their regular food is found several miles offshore this is where they stay. We have never seen anything
dangerous at our snorkel sites. Barracuda and the like are on the menu for local fishermen, the clever ones stay in deeper water, the
brave ones end up as dinner.
How clear is the water?
The water in the area where we snorkel is normally very clear, when we arrive we can normally look over the side and see the bottom
and the reef as we pass over it very clearly. The water depth ranges from about 10-25 ft. Sometimes we will get a few days of poor
visibility and we try to work around this as much as we can by changing snorkel site and very occasionally the water might not be
suitable for snorkelling at all. We have a couple of back up plans if the need arises, with maybe a beach stop or by extending the
adventure tour. We will advise you if this is the case.
Other general advice...
If you are already on holiday then please watch the sun as you can get burnt very quickly. 1/2 hr without sunscreen can be enough to
ruin several days of your holiday. So make sure you slip, slap slop the sun cream on! Also beware of the rum punch and other
cocktails, the waiters are very liberal with the measures and the rums can be 70% alcohol and so are very strong...... generally a boat
is not where you want to be with a hangover or sunburn and you just know everyone else will come back and tell you what a great
time you missed........so don't over do it.
Other important information...
As with any boat the Captain is in charge of the vessel and is responsible for the safety of the boat and all of the passengers. In the
interests of your own safety and the enjoyment of our other passengers the Captain has the right to refuse to carry any passenger he
feels is unsuitable for the tour. The Captain will refuse to carry anyone who may appear intoxicated or under the influence of any
other substance that may affect you adversely.
“Great excursion!” - April 19, 2012
My buddy and I thoroughly enjoyed a trip on the
powerboat