Karoni

Hi all. I'm looking for some advice on where to go to snorkel. We are avid snorkelers and have been to St, Thomas, Grand Cayman and Bonaire. We plan where to go in the Caribbean based on where the snorkeling is reputed to be the best (not St. Thomas; that was our first trip where I discovered snorkeling). We're looking at St. John and Curacao, but would be open to other suggestions. I'd love to hear opinions of those two islands. Beach snorkeling is strongly preferred but boat snorkeling would be okay, too. Preferably not strong currents. We would love to see healthy coral but fish diversity is what really floats our boat. My husband doesn't like the idea of Central America or Mexico at the present moment (I'm hoping to change his mind), so that would leave out Belize, Honduras or Mexico. Thanks for any replies!

RoamsAround

Belize has some very good snorkeling (the second longest reef system in the world) but you've ruled that out.

St. John and Virgin Gorda have very good to excellent snorkeling (both walk-in and boat access). Several other islands in the BVI chain have good snorkeling.

Providenciales (Turks & Caicos) has some very good snorkeling, most of which is boat access but there is some "walk-in around the island).

The Tobago Cays have the best snorkeling in the Grenadines but they are accessible only by boat. The best way to see it all is to charter a sailboat and stay for a few days.

We found some excellent boat access snorkeling off of Long Island in the Bahamas.

Sorry, can't comment about snorkeling around Curacao.

Bassguy66

Belize was excellent, We stayed on Ambergris Caye (BUT) a boat is required for the good areas as the reef is about a 1/2 mile off shore.

St John was one of my favorites. Lot's of different small (uncrowded) beaches, with all kinds of different snorkel spots all around the island. The key is getting away from the more popular areas, and you will find some amazing snorkeling opps.

Haven't been to Virgin Gorda (yet), but it is on my short list as I have heard that the shore snorkeling there is outstanding.

Too bad you are ruling out Mexico. Akumal has some fantastic snorkeling, especially if you like turtles.

I still think Grand Cayman had some of the best shore snorkeling around...visibility was awesome.

KVR

We've been to many of the top snorkel destinations in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman is still the front runner with Mexico still better than any of the other choices we have been to in the Caribbean (IMHO). Too bad you ruled it out. Akumal, Ya-Kul Lagoon, The Ka'an Sian Biosphere, Maroma Beach and Pureto Morelos are some of the best snorkeling out there. Cozumel is one of the best diving sites also.

Many people recommend St. John, T & C and Curacao, but we found those destinations lacking compared to GC and Mexico. We did do the scuba dive in Curacao at the Aquarium. No certification is required. That was a great experience. We didn't find any walk-in snorkeling, but take a catamaran out to the tug boat and we did a West End beach hopping and snorkel tour.

If you are interested I have many snorkel pics on our picture site. It might help you make a decision.

https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/5

Mazey

I found the snorkeling to be fantastic in Curacao, no need to take a boat anywhere. There is great snorkeling right off of the beach at the Marriott Hotel/Hilton Hotel (they are adjacent) where we stayed. Little Knip Beach, Playa Kaliki, Playa Jeremi to name a few...at some of these, the actual reef is a little further out but if fish diversity is your thing, these spots are perfect. We really enjoyed being able to walk in from the beach to snorkel without having to bother paying for a boat or being held to the tour operator's schedule.

Karoni

Thanks, everyone. My husband is in security and feels pretty strongly about not going to Mexico or Central America, as I mentioned. Hopefully someday....

It's a tough choice! Thanks for the input.