snorkle choices in Antigua

Old Oct 16th, 2014, 06:22 PM
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snorkle choices in Antigua

We'll be in Antigua for one day as a cruise stop. We spent a day there years ago and focused on the historical sights. This time we'd like to kayak and snorkel.

I've looked at several websites and it seems that for some, the snorkeling is at Bird Island, and for others it is at Cades Reef. Any recommendations of one over the other?

Any eco-tour operators you've liked (or not) for this sort of trip?

Thanks!
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Old Oct 18th, 2014, 06:29 AM
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In general, Antigua is not the best snorkel destination--I personally would drive to Darkwood Beach--gorgeous beach, amazing drive (thru hills with palm trees, gorgeous)
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Old Oct 18th, 2014, 08:29 PM
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Interesting--on some website, it was listed a one of the best spots to snorkel.
Other than snorkeling, we're not beach people, but I'm sure we can find something else to do. We visited the historical sights last time.
We'll also be stopping at Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Barts, St Kitts, St Martin, and Tortola--which of those would you recommend for snorkeling?
Thanks!
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Old Oct 19th, 2014, 02:25 AM
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Without a doubt, Tortola is the only one in that group with true snorkeling (and might have to "day trip " for it excursion.

The other destinations are just average smirking.

Ads always make something sound like the best-- which is relative. Might be best in Antigua, but overall Antigua is not a snorkeling place in my opinion.

Just go to Shirley Hights or downtown this time.

Shame you're not into beaches (why cruise in Caribbean I gotta ask? That's the best part!). Dark wood Beach and Bottom Bay in Barbados are problaby the your grouping of islands. (although day trip from Tortola would blow them all away in my opinion-- Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.). virgin Gorda has great snorkeling and scenery.
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Old Oct 19th, 2014, 04:27 AM
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Islands that are not billed on Fodor's as excellent snorkelling islands doesn't mean that there isn't anything to see underwater. Antigua has a stingray city similar to the one on Grand Cayman. Martinique has snorkelling around Anse Noire and Anse d'Arlet. I haven't been to Dominica but would expect there to be good snorkelling.
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Old Oct 19th, 2014, 05:31 AM
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We've been on several Caribbean cruises (although none since celebrating my parents' 60th anniversary with one in 2006), and have always found enough to do/see on each island without spending days at the beach.
The reason we're going: early in the year, DH said that he thought we weren't going on enough vacations in 2014. That despite plans for 6 weeks in Colorado to ski, a theater weekend in NYC, a safari in Tanzania, visiting DS & family in Alaska, Phoenix for a family event weekend.
He didn't want me to have the work of planning an extensive road trip; with a cruise, all I have to plan are day trips. We're sailing on our favorite cruise line (Oceania), which is always a treat for us.
Thanks to all for the help!
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