Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to snorkeling, the Caribbean is one of the best places in the world to do it. The coral reefs are full of colorful fish and plants, and are home to a variety of marine life. You don’t need any special equipment or training to get started, but there are some safety tips you should be aware of. For instance, you should always be with a buddy when snorkeling, as well as stay within your skill level.
There are many places in the Caribbean that offer snorkeling tours and excursions, often through local companies at hotels or resorts. These tend to be more expensive than just renting gear yourself and going out on your own. But if you’re new to snorkeling or just looking for some reassurance while in unfamiliar waters, they’re worth considering!
Here are eight great places throughout the Caribbean where you can go get up close with sea life by donning a mask and diving into tropical waters:
Barbados
If you’re looking for a small island with beautiful beaches and tons of underwater life, Barbados might be your jam. The island is just 1,000 square miles in size, which means there are few options when it comes to where you can snorkel. However, the waters surrounding Barbados are home to some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean so if this is what you’re after, then look no further than this little gem.
While snorkeling isn’t exactly a major industry on this tiny island (there are only two places that offer guided tours), there are plenty of other activities to enjoy while visiting: horseback riding through sugar cane fields or hiking up Harrison’s Cave might be right up your alley!
Grand Cayman
If you’re a snorkeler and you want to go somewhere that will give you the best experience, Grand Cayman should be at the top of your list. There are many brilliant spots to explore and enjoy when visiting this island. It has a wide array of locations that cater to snorkelers as well as non-snorkelers alike.
If you want something quieter than Seven Mile Beach, try out Central District Park or West Bay Beach Park. These beaches have calm waters with little waves and easy access from land—perfect for newbies! Central District Park has coral reefs nearby (but not near enough for them to be visible from shore) which makes it a great place for experienced divers who might need some practice before heading out into open water again after spending time underwater with their equipment on their backside instead up front where they belong). West Bay Beach Park also has its own coral reef off shore so if there isn’t anything happening under water nearby at Central District then head over there instead!
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a great place to snorkel. There are many snorkeling sites on the island, including some of the best shipwrecks in the world. You will also find some gorgeous reefs here, many of which are home to various species of tropical fish and other marine life.
If you’re looking for an adventure that involves exploring shipwrecks and tropical reefs, then Puerto Rico might just be your ideal vacation spot!
Bonaire
Bonaire is also a great place to go snorkeling. The coral reef is very healthy and the water is very clear, so it’s easy to see all of the fish that populate the waters. You can also see anemones, starfish and sea urchins on your trip.
The snorkeling in Bonaire is very safe—the area has been well-protected since 1990 when it was declared a National Park and Marine Park Reserve of Bonaire. The water temperature ranges between 80˚F and 85˚F, which makes this ideal for beginners or anyone with children who are new to snorkeling (because kids tend not be as comfortable in cold water).
Curaçao
Curaçao is the largest of the Dutch islands and is home to a great variety of snorkeling locations.
The north coast offers several spots where you can explore coral reefs and other marine life in peace. The most popular among them are Jan Thiel Beach, Kontiki Beach, Boca Grandi and Piscadera Bay.
If you want more adventure than just floating on your back then you should head for Westpunt for some serious action! This place has some of the best diving sites in the world such as Devil’s Throat Cave or Infinity Reef.
St. Thomas
If you want to take the plunge, then St. Thomas is a great snorkel spot for you. The best time of year to do this is in November when there’s less chance of encountering rough waves and water visibility is greater. It’s also fun for beginners because it has a calm beach and shallow waters that are good for swimming as well as snorkeling.
St. John has some more unique diving spots than St. Thomas—like Red Beds Reef and Salt Pond Bay—making it an awesome choice if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten path while exploring the Virgin Islands’ underwater world!
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
If you’re looking for a place to snorkel in the Caribbean, look no further than Belize. The country’s barrier reef is the second largest in the world, stretching over 100 miles and home to over 600 species of fish. In 1983 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its rich marine life and abundance of seabed diversity.
If you want to explore this amazing ocean ecosystem, there are many options available from shore or boat tours where you can see everything from sharks and dolphins to jellyfish and corals (and much more).
Roatan, Honduras
Roatan is a beautiful island in the Caribbean. It’s surrounded by coral reefs, which means you can snorkel during almost any time of day or night. The water is clear and warm, and there are plenty of fish to see—including large schools of parrotfish, angelfish and blue tangs! There are also many different types of coral in the area, such as brain coral (sometimes called “brain” or “head” corals), star corals and barrel sponges. You’ll find sea turtles too! And if you’re lucky enough to spot an octopus or two while you’re snorkeling? That’ll make for good photos later on when all your friends ask about your trip!
Roatan’s coastlines contain over 13 different species of hard corals including table corals (Acropora palmata), stagshorn worms (Stylonectes philippinensis) and barrel sponges (Euplectella).
Conclusion
Now that you know all of these great places to snorkel, why not explore them? The Caribbean is a great place to do it, with stunning beaches and plenty of sunshine. And did we mention how delicious the food is? This list of snorkeling spots should give you some ideas for your next trip—and we’re sure you’ll find plenty more amazing reefs once you get out there.
