#81129 - 06/18/09 09:32 AM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: holte]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2302
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I agree with holte (we were never charged for snorkelling equipment in FP and a leaky mask is awful when you're trying to experience the best snorkelling in the world). The first time we went, dh took Vaseline to put on his mustache, figuring he could get a good, tight seal that way. No go. The second time, just kept shaving the top of his mustache lower and lower (and, no, I didn't tell him how funny it looked, LOL!) until he got a good seal. He couldn't believe how much fun snorkelling was by the time we got to Fakarava. Until then, he'd spent hours trying to get the water out of his mask and very little time looking at the fish or coral. In between trips, we went to St. Lucia and snorkelled there and I took the leaky mask and hated snorkelling with it. Fins, no big deal. We both have normal-sized/shaped feet so resort fins are fine, but we did buy our own for our pension stays.
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#81130 - 06/18/09 09:36 AM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: holte]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1368
Loc: Florida
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When I was last at the Hilton 1 year ago (Sheraton at the time), they were not charging for snorkeling equipment rental.
I agree with Holte, to me, snorkeling is an important part of the trip. I travel with a dry snorkel and mask in my backpack which I take as a carry-on together with my camera and valuables. A leaky mask is one of the most annoying things for anyone who remotely enjoys spending some time in the water snorkeling.
The sterilization is not the main issue for me, I've taken many trips in the past where I have used supplied equipment (and as an aside, it takes more than a wash to get rid of many of the organisms transferred to the snorkel). For me, the more important issue is the fit and comfort.
I think you can do without fins if you plan to snorkel close to the hotel and motus as the water is shallow enough that the fins are a nuisance and current is typically not an issue. However, if you plan to spend a good amount of time in the water and you enjoy snorkeling, it might be worthwhile to get a mask and dry snorkel. If you don't plan on doing much snorkeling and have no intention of doing it again soon, take the chance on the hotel equipment.
P.S. I don't bring my own silverware but I do bring my own toothbrush - how about you David?
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#81131 - 06/18/09 09:47 AM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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DenverJoe
Expert Advisor
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 1849
Loc: Denver, Co.
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Good response Ryan. I agree. I don't want to take a chance that some hotel employee got lazy and just threw the snorkel in a tub of cold water, then put it back on the rack for the next person to use.
And I bring my own toothbrush also.
_________________________
Nothing better than a Hinano in hand and toes in the sand.
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#81133 - 06/18/09 10:16 AM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: holte]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2376
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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David, so far as I know, none of the resorts in FP charge for gear rental. Maybe some of the smaller pensions do, but not the resrots.
I'm sure the quality varies from place to place...I would hope the nicer hotels supply good quality gear...but you never know for sure until you get there....why risk it? I have been on numerous snorkling trips in FP on various islands and the quality of the gear offered on the boats varies greatly...with much of it being of the cheap, well used, crappy version. The snorkeling is just to great to risk have inferior gear. I want to know that my mask fits properly, doesn't leak, and my snorkle works well.
A mask and snorkle are quite light take up very little room in your luggage. I actually use the space of the mask face to pack things. It's very easy to bring your own and still pack very light.
As for the fork/spoon analogy...well...that is true to a point...but I do not have the fork in my mouth sucking on it for a couple hours. And...how can we be sure the gear has been thoroughly washed? You certainly can't tell by just looking at it. I personally do not want to be sucking on a snorkle that has been in who knows how many mouths....I don't even like sharing my husbands. I use my gear, he uses his. To me, it'd be like using someone elses toothbrush...even if it has been cleaned thoroughly...it's just yucky!!!
Overall, I do not think it's out of line to suggest people bring their own. Ultimately it's the individuals decision.
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#81136 - 06/18/09 02:14 PM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: Patti.]
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davidb
Junior Member
Registered: 08/06/04
Posts: 25
Loc: Carlsbad CA
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[quote]David, so far as I know, none of the resorts in FP charge for gear rental.[/quote]
Oh, that's good. I didn't realize that. I've only been to one, the Pearl and didn't remember. They always charged in the caribbean.
Yeah I was just kidding about the fork and spoon. Just pointing out that different people have very different things they think are OK, or not OK.
But you do point out one thing that I think is important. A resort might have some gear, but your size is all out the day you need it. I had that happen once and so I don't leave it to chance. I agree with you, snorkelling is too important a thing. :)
David
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#81144 - 06/19/09 12:00 AM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: holte]
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rodjune
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/08/03
Posts: 1726
Loc: Kalama Valley, HI
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When it used to be the Sheraton, the snorkel equipment was free to use if you were a guest. You just sign out at the activities desk. Since Hilton took over, I can't say what they do now.
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#81392 - 07/07/09 04:30 PM
Re: Snorkeling Gear at Hilton
[Re: rodjune]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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When you're spending this much on a trip, don't skimp on the gear for one of the main activities offered there. Taking your chances on the gear would be like bringing 30 year old clubs to St. Andrew's in Scotland.
Bring you own, and if you're not a strong swimmer I'd recommend the dry snorkel even more. It will keep you from swallowing water. Mine is an Oceanmaster dry snorkel and worth every cent of the $50 I paid for it.
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