Has anyone used the kids program at the Plaza Resort? We are heading there at the end of september and we would like some feedback on the program or other things for girls who swim well, age 5 & 7. Any other recommendations around the island? We've been there twice before but this is the first time with kids. Thanx

You can always take the water taxi over to Klein for the day . The kids will love the beach . Lots of soft sand .

Please let me know how your experience is it kids! My husband and I went about 3 yrs ago solo - we're thinking about returning w/ the kids. Don't know if we should stay at the Plaza again or get a house w/ a pool and ocean access.

Ms. Caren from Sea & Discover has a program for kids and she is really great with kids. My son has really enjoyed her over the years!

Caren has a fantastic program. Check out her site at www.seandiscover.com. She is just magical with kids and adults too.

My 15 yr old went through her program at 8 yrs old and is still talking about it!

We've used the Aquakids program for 4 years for my now 9-year old son. He loves it. Christie taught him to snorkel when he was 5 yr old (almost 6). This year he IDed over 75 fish. He knows the small differences in species when I just refer to "that nice blue fish". Send me an email if you want more details.

My daughter did AquaKids on her first year, just after her 10th birthday (the next year she did her complete certification course with Toucan). Christie was able to keep both of them happy and not bothering each other, which is a big accomplishment. My daughter was a competative swimmer at that time & Christie is able to work with kids of all swimming levels.

The only problems I have seen her have is with kids who have fear of the water - this is a problem, as most of the entire morning is spent in the water. I also knew she had problems a few years ago with a boy who wasn't good in groups.

My son did Sea & Discover last year when he was 7 (almost 8) and didn't like it as much as AquaKids. He made the comparison that AquaKids was more like camp and S&D was more like school.

Sue, your son is right in his comparasion, as my son said the same thing, but thought S&D was much more individual attention due to limiting how many kids she takes and she controls the kids better. When he went with Ms. Christie, he had a very young girl in the group keep taking his mask and throwing it in the water. He didn't like the lack of control she had with the students in that regard. They had taken a boat trip over to Klein that day and kids were out of control during that session. He did not enjoy it. Maybe it was an off day for them, not sure, but each to their own. I have heard good things about both programs and am very glad there are such programs available for young folks. I think they are two very different programs and it all depends on the individual child which one is best. My son has learned so much with Ms. Caren, has identified over 137 Fish and was top in his age group this past year. His wanting to learn as much as he can about the sea, coral and fish behavior makes him keep going back to S&D.

Debbie, my son was in AquaKids the same time Brandon was a few years ago. He enjoyed himself on that same trip - those 2 sisters had lots lots of energy & Michael had been with them the whole week. I don't think it was a control issue with Christie.

AquaKids builds up to the Thursday trip to Klein, so it's best to be in the program the entire week and not just cherry-pick that day. Since the kids have been together for several, friendships have been formed. I think it's tough for kids to jump in for one day unless they make new friends easily and adapt quickly.