Best place to snorkel
 

I am planning a Caribbean holiday for myself, my husband and another couple sometime in February 2005. I read that Grenada is a wonderful place to go that isn't too touristy. We want someplace that we can snorkel, shop, great beaches, and hiking. We are not looking for an all inclusive but would like a smaller resort or small inn on the beach or in St. George's. We don't want something too expensive; something that makes you feel that you are in the Caribbean. I would appreciate any suggestions on snorkling destinations in the Caribbean, accommodations and any other suggestions.

By far the best snorkling destination in the Caribbean we've found is in St. John. The beaches are all beautiful & varied with the best snorkling in our experience. The island also has great hiking & nature oriented activities. There's some shopping in Cruz Bay, but nothing fabulous. Restaurants are good as well. I've been to Grenada, but only to board a Windjammer cruise ship, so not too familiar with the snorkling there. Many small islands in the Grenadines nearby are good though. IMO, STJ is still better.

Cozumel is another destination you may want to consider. The snorkeling is great & getting there/lodging is inexpensive. You can also explore the island or take the ferry to Playa del Carmen & shop.

Hi
I've snorkeled all over and found some of the best snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos. It's not touristy at all (even to the point that we had some problems finding restaurants, and would probably go all-inclusive next time) but the snorkeling was top notch. I like to think it's because the fish aren't afraid of people yet, because there's so few of us that have ventured there. We saw a wide variety of fish, coral, also sharks, lobster, turtles, plenty of barracuda etc. The water is incredibly clear and the beaches are beautiful. We stayed at the Ocean Club (which has two bedroom condos, perfect for two couples). The Caymans are also good for snorkeling (with beachfront snorkeling), as is Cozumel, Mexico.

LM3682: I'd love to hear where you went snorkeling on Provo, as I'll be there next June. Did you try anyplace besides what is off the beach at Coral Gardens? Did you take any excursions? Thanks!

ejcrowe: I wish I could be more helpful, but it's been two years and I don't remember the name of the tours we took. I know we took a tour with just our family and one other on a small boat. Despite the small tour size, we didn't pay a ton- we're a family of four and rarely go more than $80pp for a tour. We stopped on an island that has all these huge iguanas, then continued on to a deserted cay (with a stunning beach spit) and snorkeled both from that beach and also further out with the boat. Our guide's name was Brian. Despite my lack of memory in the tour company, I would definitely recommend taking a boat tour-that particular trip is one of our most memorable of all time.

Turks and Caicos no good for snorkeling whatsoever--UNLESS you don't mind taking a boat out every time. The water is nice-- nice color-- but the snorkeling is poor if you want lovely off-the-beach snorkeling. Cayman is ok (esp. at the "cemetery" and eden rocks)-- but Cayman is not at all a handsome island. Grenadines are great if you're snorkeling off a boat, sailing around the various islands. Bonaire is fairly good-- but nothing in our experience compares with St John (well, Great Barrier Reef was pretty wonderful also!) On St. John there's a great variety of beaches to go to, with terrific snorkeling right off shore-- no baots necessary (tho there's lots of opportunity to hire a boat and explore other wonderful reefs). St. John also has good hiking (tho it's often very hot), ok shopping (plus you'll be flying into St Thomas which is a fun place to shop), PLUS the island is very very handsome. Check out Caneel Bay (for best beaches and great variety of snorkeling put-ins) or, if you're interested in a condo, Gallows Point. Gallows has no beach, but has ok snorkeling, great views, very nice condos, and is a quick 5 min walk into town and many many restaurants and shops. And you can get a taxi or rent a car to go to Caneel or to the many other snorkeling spots around the island.

Madly, Unfortunately Grenada got hit hard with Ivan and travel there right now impossible. Truly a wonderful island, when things are back up and running....but could be a while. Even though Tobago was affected as well but not nearly and things back to normal pretty quick I highly recommend Tobago. Same nice real Caribbean feel as Grenada and is inexpensive. Also good snorkeling is Virgin Gorda. I agree as well with recommendation for St. John.

However, Poss you couldn't be more wrong about snorkeling in Turks and Caicos and Caymans, both are top notch and access from beach abound, not sure where you went which island(s) but apparently not enough to even qualify for a comment. You are correct however for island beauty they do lack as being flat salt spits. Bonaire is far better snorkeling than St. John. Great Barrier reef is not even a comparison. I sense from your post that you really haven't been to most of these places except St. John.

FYI: We've been to Bonaire once (12 days), Cayman 3 times (7-8 days each time), St John 5 times, sailing and snorkeling in BVIs twice (Virgin Gorda, etc), Grenadines once (sailing 2 weeks), Great Barrier once (5 days), Tobago twice, T&C once. On every island we rent a car and virtually all we do all day is snorkel-- we're passionate about it Tobago (where we spent our honeymoon and then went back for our 25th anniversary) is wonderful-- a handsome and interesting island. But the snorkeling is NOT particularly good (in front of the former Arnos Vale is best-- too bad that wonderful place went downhill). St John is the clear winner for snorkeling, hands down-- tho you may find it a bit touristy (but all the islands are....) In Cruz Bay, by the way (St John town), you will definitely feel like you're in the Caribbean (chickens walking around the streets, etc) It's a funky town, lots of "natives," but also always full of tourists (and some decent shopping) Have a lovely vacation Madly!

We are also thinking of where to go this February. We also like to snorkel. After trying many Caribbean islands we think the Virgin Isles are best. Grand Cayman is good, but Island not as pretty as Virgins. We have been to Caneel twice and loved it, but it is very expensive. Thought we might try another place for a change.
The Fodor Guide says the snorkeling on north shore of Saint Croix is good. No one on these chat groups seem to mention St. Croix. Is there someting the matter there?
Does anyone have any comments to make on St. Croix in general, snorkeling spots, or specific hotels on St. Croix?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

We love STX. Spend a couple of weeks there each December. We used to snorkel, but now prefer to scubadive. We also travel to STJ. The snorkeling is MUCH better in STJ. However, if you do decide on STX, the best snorkeling from the shore is near Cane Bay.

I think the snorkeling off the beach in Provo, T&C is good/great. We saw tons of fish, turtles, etc. at Bight Reef (in front of Coral Gardens) and some neat fish actually right off the beach at Beaches. And if you walk up and down Grace Bay you are bound to see clusters of star fish about 4-5 feet out from shore. Yes, you see amazing things by taking a boat out but for the average Joe, snorkeling in Provo can be a great time.

I've heard that Bonaire is also great for snorkeling.

If you want off shore snorkeling, there is none better in the Caribbean than Bonaire. The beaches are coral, and there are no major hotels, the town is small with very little night life. But the snorkeling is unlimited. There are more than 80 places to snorkel from shore, all marked and drivable within 10 minutes. Every resort has snorkeling right off their beach.