Definitely the highlight of the trip. We started by making our way to the Westin Marina. Check-in went fairly well, and soon we were sitting on deck of one of the two Danger schooners.
After a brief safety review by a obviously cheery crew, we were underway. As soon as we got out of the harbor, we began to sail.
There were no more than sixteen or seventeen of us on the boat which was seventy or so feet long. The crew, Christie and Don, were amazing. I mean, AMAZING! They knew everything! They did a brief talk explaing the history of the area followed by a trey of fresh-cut tropical fruits. (BTW, everyone had already been served sodas or bottled waters.)
At no time at all, we were at out destination. After a quick course in kayaking, the captain - Haig - put everyone in two-person kayaks. One group went with Christie, and we went with Don.
It was like going through a zoo without cages. A HUGE pair of spotted stingrays swept underneath our kayaks, at the same time as an osprey hawk flew overhead with a live fish in its talons. We wound up circumnavigating the entire island, and it was as lovely as as if it were kayaying in a swimming pool - light breeze, no waves, and the water was about one to two feet deep. We could see it all!
Back at the Danger boat, the other group arrived back at the same time as we did - they kayaked with several live sharks! Everyone was obviously pleased.
The crew passed out beverages to everyone again, and then lifted anchor, and we set sail for our next destination - sailing to go snorkeling!
At our snorkel spot, equipment was passed out, and Christie gave a snorkel instruction that was hilarious! But informative. Within ten minutes, we we in the water!
And what water it was! I mean so warm, it was like a light spa. And clear. Lobsters, hundreds (at least) of fish, eels, more lobsters, live sponges, and a live four-foot nurse shark! We swam and snorkled for about an hour. The crew took turns swimming in the water with us, and pointing and describing - in detail - the amazing features. We would look at something, not see anything, and then Don or Christie would come by, and all of a sudden it turns into some sort of creature you have never even seen on television!
After snorkeling, everyone got back on board the Danger, and the bar opened! Beers and wine for us all! (Well, everyone who wanted it and was of age - we did and were!!)
And then we sailed back. On the way, Christie broke out chips, salsa, and home-made hummus for everyone to snack on. It was delicious and perfect for after the activities. And with the beer! ;)
And then we were back. The crew thanked everyone, everyone gathered our belongings, everyone said there good-byes to new-found friends, and that was the trip.
There is also a full-day trip. We did the morning half-day, but the next time we are doing Danger's full-day. I couldn't recommend it more if I worked there myself - BTW DREAM JOB!!!