toaddad

We have visited St. John and the BVI numerous times, and enjoy the excellent snorkeling and access to reefs from the beaches. We are looking for another location in the caribbean to visit. Many tout the great snorkling, but they require boat trips out to the reefs. I don't expect to find another St. John, but I would appreciate comments on successful beach reef snorkling. Thanks!

RoamsAround

Many snorkeling afficiandos will tell you Bonaire has the best "off beach" snorkeling in the Caribbean.

You can also find some very good (but a limited amount) off beach snorkeling on Providenciales (Turks & Caicos) and on most of the Bahamas Out Islands. You'll also find some good (but again limited) off beach snorkeling on Anguilla.

Of course, as you've said you already know off beach snorkeling abounds throughout the USVI's and the BVI's so I won't go into specific details about the islands in those chains.

We've also found decent off beach snorkeling around Barbuda, Barbados, Bequia, Barbuda, Canouan, Mustique, Petit St. Vincent and to a lesser extent St. Lucia.

For what it is worth, islands with below average or non-existent off beach snorkeling include St. Martin, St. Eustatia, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba (because it has no beaches), Antigua, St. Vincent and Grenada.

toaddad

Thanks, RoamsAround. We have not visited St. Croix in the USVI. Worth a visit for my interests?
Thanks

RoamsAround

Never been to St. Croix but friends tell me the best snorkeling there is around Buck Island - you need a boat to get there.

KVR

Grand Cayman has good off shore snorkeling as well as boat snorkeling. You can rent a car and get a map and go around to all the off shore snorkel spots. Also do take a boat trip out to swim with the sting rays. They offer to snorkel stops also. Rum Point also has good off beach snorkeling.

We enjoy Cozumel also. Most of the beaches contain iron shore and rocks, which makes the snorkeling there very good. Chankanaab Park and the many beach clubs are good also.

Much prefer the snorkeling at those 2 destinations than the USVI's or T & C.

virginia

agree with kvr that grand cayman offers very good walk-in snorkeling opportunities. gc is easy to fly to, has plenty of resorts and dining options. the water has excellent clarity.
tons of resorts on gorgeous seven mile beach. away from the hubbub (about 45 min drive) on the east end of the island is the reef resort. it's nice and has a good beach of it's own and good snorkeling.
this web site describes several of the best known spots.
http://caymanislandsdiscounts.com/Of...Snorkeling.htm
i'd advise renting a car to be able to access the most spots.

TPAYT

Another great place is www.secretharbourvi.com

Condos with a beach bar and a good restaurant. The walk-in snorkeling is superb. Very similar to St. John's snorkeling.

Otherwise I agree with Roamsaround.