Wind and Snorkeling

Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

There is a lot of wind forecast for next week. How is the shore snorkeling affected? Along with a snorkel trip, we hope to snorkel Cemetary Beach, Smith Cove, Eden Rock, 7 mile near Aqua Bay and the reef off of Macabuca. Are any areas more likely than others to be affected by windy conditions? If these areas are not good, are there East side places that might be better?

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

The wind typically blows from the East so 7 mile beach is usually calm ... the North Sound can get a bit choppy with the wind but unless it gets excessive you should be OK for your snorkel trip.

If there a is a Nor' Western sending wind and waves from the West then the East Side and South Side will be calm.....

you should have no problem finding calm water as long as you have a car ...

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

Jack is 100% correct. Unless there is a tropical depression or nor'wester (both highly unlikely next week), snorkeling conditions on the west and either the north or south sides should be ideal. Even if a minor tropical system starts to develop, there is usually at least one side of the island that is calm. If all else fails, the snorkel conditions at Boatswain's Beach are consistently spectacular and across the street, weather permitting, Turtle Reef at the Cracked Conch generally offers superb snorkeling, with the added bonus of a beachside Tiki Bar, Macabuca, serving drinks and sensational food directly on the water.

Be sure to look for snorkeling related discounts in Activity Guide when you arrive. Wink

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject:

I did see in the ten day forecast that it's supposed to be a bit windy during the second half of next week. It says it's coming out of the Northeast, so, as Jack and Joe just told you, it should be fine in all the places you asked about.

I will give you a couple of hints, though.....I have often noticed that when Smith Cove is all churned up, don't discount other spots along 7 Mile Beach. That's often when the Cemetary Beach will be calm. It seems to be protected by a hook in the island right there.

When you ask about wind, I assume what you are really concerned about is sand being kicked up and affecting your visibility......if so, another thing to keep in mind is that Smith Cove, Cemetary Beach....and all places along the 7 Mile Beach, have sandy bottoms, so sand could be more of a problem there in windy/wavy conditions. Eden Rock and Turtle Reef (up at Macabuca) are ironshore, with no sand, so no problems there.

Current can sometimes be a concern up at Turtle Reef, but if you call ahead, they'll advise you about that.

Have fun!

Char

Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

Thanks for the help. If the current is too strong at Macabuca, where exactly is Boatswains Beach? Also, how early does Macabuca serve drinks?

Native Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 2035 Location: Illinois

Hi DanS1

this map might help you

Click here for map

You head north from SMB and this is the map that shows West Bay.

Have a great time

Shelly :-)

Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

I see rough seas and small craft warnings posted for this week. Will this affect trips to Stingray City? Which part of the island is currently having the high seas?

Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Maryland

Apparently, there was a norwester when I was on the island. Stingray City had high surf. I ate at Macabuca, and they were not using the entrance to Turtle reef due to the high surf. Water was crashing on the deck at Macabuca. The north end of 7 mile beach and Cemetary Beach had nice, calm water, and snorkeling was good there. Smith cove was a little rough.

	Cayman Activity Guide Forum Index -> General Questions
Page 1 of 1