Hey jim,
It dosn't mean that the whole ocean floor is covered with coral or sea grass for that matter. There are places that do have those types of bottoms. I have swam from shore and never had a problem. The Reef system is about a hundreds yards or so from the shore line and the turtle grass can be any where.But I do have to agree with Canuk-diver it is better to be safe than sorry, I always where them. Have a great trip and if you use your aqua shoes you are sure not to let your trip it get ruined from stepping on something sharp or posionis

love like you've never been hurt, work like you don't need the money,dance like no one is watching