snorkel the Caribbean
The Caribbean Sea is one of the best places to enjoy crystal blue waters and incredible island life and activities. It is located between Mexico, Central America and the north coast of South America and is filled with the Caribbean Islands. It is estimated to have 26,000 km2 of coral reef surface. It contains the world’s second largest barrier reef the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. These areas are fantastic for snorkeling. Here are some of the top-rated reefs in the Caribbean.
Belize
The Mesoamerican Reef makes up the beautiful reefs you can explore in Belize. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve located off of Ambergris Caye and includes Shark Alley where you can get see nurse sharks and stingrays. Glover’s Reef lies roughly 30 miles off the coast of Belize, forming a large, protected link in the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The reserve encompasses the entire atoll, with its 80-square-mile lagoon inside home to some 700 coral patch reefs that offer endless snorkeling opportunities with common sightings of rays, sharks and turtles. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Another very unique place to snorkel is Blue Hole.
Bonaire
Bonaire is the second largest island of the Dutch Caribbean and it boasts incredible biodiversity and snorkeling from both the beach and by boat. Some of the best spots include: Sorobon Beach, 1000 steps and Klein Bonaire.
Curaçao
The best-known snorkeling sites, in the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, stretch for 20km (12 miles) along Curaçao’s southern coastline but there are so many incredible sites. From coral to amazing fish to turtles to sunken ships- you can find it all here. For a more isolated setting you can set off on a trip to Klein Curaçao and check out some turtles.
Dominica
Champagne Reef is a unique spot in Dominica. Dominica boasts some of the best unspoiled natural beauty in the Caribbean. It has hot springs, incredible hiking, and waterfalls. Champagne reef is so unique because it feels like swimming through champagne since it is filled with small little bubbles that seep up through tiny cracks on the sea floor. Some other awesome spots to check out are Salisbury Marine Reserve or the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve.
Dominican Republic
Silver Bank is one of the few places you can snorkel along humpback whales between December and April which is an awesome experience. You can off beach snorkel at Playa Bahahibe, Playa Rincon, Playa Sosua but you can also consider boat trips to Isla Catalina or Isla Saona.
Grand Caymen
Stringray City is a great place to be surrounded by these beautiful animals. You can also see incredible coral and fish at Eden Rock and Rum Point. Turtle Reef is a popular dive spot but also good for snorkeling.
Honduras
Utila is a backpacker island has some of the best diving and snorkeling adventures. Roatan does boast more resorts and incredible snorkel and dive spots as well. The reefs here are a part of the Mesoamerican Reef which is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the best snorkel spots include Moon Hole, Airport Caves, Coral View, Water Cay and Neptunes on Utila. Great spots on Roatan include: West Bay, Half Moon Bay and Pigeon Cay.
Mexico
Cozumel an island and common cruise stop off of Mexico’s coast. Chankanaab Park is very popular as it is very close to the cruise port. You can also check out Villa Blanca or Punta Sur Eco Beach. If you would like a boat tour, some popular stops include El Cielo, Columbia Reef and Palancar Reef. With beautiful clear waters you will be sure to see colorful fish, turtles and more. Isla Mujeres, an island very close to Cancun, is also very popular for snorkeling and here you can swim with whale sharks between May and August.
St. Martin
The best snorkeling on the island lies on the French side. In these calm waters, you will see tons of brilliantly colored fish. Find a tiny cove and explore the shallow reefs along its shores, especially in the northeastern underwater nature reserve.
Turks and Caicos
While snorkeling in these turquoise waters, you can see an abundance of coral and sea life. Definitely check out Bight Reef, Smith’s Reef or Malcolm’s beach. You can also do boat tours to various beautiful reefs. When I snorkeled at Grand Turk, I got see a bunch of nurse sharks. Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef are free and easily accessible straight from the beach.
US Virgin Islands
Here one of the top places to snorkel is in Trunk Bay which is in the Virgin Islands National Park. Because of its popularity, it can get crowded. If visiting St. Croix, you can visit Buck Island which is the only underwater national monument. While on St. Thomas you can check out Coki Point Beach for easy snorkeling straight from your beach chair. We also checked out Honeymoon beach and Salomon Beach on St. John and loved being able to see fish and turtles right from the shore.
