We are copnsidering going to Raffles on Caracoun and know about (actually were there 14 years ago)Tobago Key. but are there several other excellent snorkel sites near the island that we can access with a guide/driver/boat that is within 30 minutes of the island??
We are really looking for quality snorkeling and have gone to St. John 5-6 times and the B.V.I.'s 2-3 times and are looking for comparable sites where there are reefs, a wide variety of different corals, sea fans, fish and sea anenomies in waters that have 50 ft. visibity.
Andros is out because the one resort we wanted now has raised their rates to an a level that, in our opinion, has priced itself out of the market for 99% of the travelers. we do not want stars or starlets but fish, coral, etc. Thanks!!

Sorry that I can't help what you're looking for, but something in your post caught my eye and I had to ask: are you saying there's a resort on Andros that is more expensive than Raffles on Canouan, if you're considering one but not the other? What is it?

You might want to do a search for Owa's trip report for that region. I recall that she stayed on Union and took snorkel trips on the dive boats, but I'm not sure if she just did the Tobago Cays or went elsewhere...

The resort is Kamalalae Caye (spelling?0 and it raised its rates to $1300/day for a bedroom and sitting area cottage at beach. That was not the most expensive either for they had 1 bedroom villas for $2000/day. It is all-inclusive except for liquor, 7% tax and $30/day/person gratuity. So a 3 night stay is about $5000.In my opinion, if you go that far from NYC area, with a good part of a day coming and going, you really have 2 full days for $5000. Raffles is under $1000/for 2 with FAP with taxes/service for an ocean front room when last I checked.

ahh, yes. I hadn't realized that that private island was a part of Andros.

Well, good luck getting the info you're looking for. Canouan looks ruggedly beautiful, and the spa at Raffles looks amazing!

Stan,
I've been reading your posts about trying to get a great snorkel vacation. I've not been to Andros - but have looked into it- have you checked out Emerald Palms? It gets great reviews on Trip Advisor, I think their emphasis may be more on flyfishing - but they do have AC and are close to the reefs.

Most of your post seem to focus on Caribbean - but wonder if you have looked into Akumal/Tulum in Mexico - south of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Outside of Hawaii, I did some of my best off shore snorkeling here.

Thanks for the info. we have snorkeled at Akhumal twice 7-8 years ago as well as Isle De Mujeres. Both were quite good but not as good, in my opinion, as St. John, B.V.I's or Maui.Also we want to gey to a place in 5-6 hours after departure from the NYC area. We will look into Emerald Palms.

Have ou checked out Small Hope Bay on Andros? Great scuba & snorkeling, and all inclusive, including all drinks. Not 5 star by any means, but definately "away from it all" - no TV's, phones, newspapers, etc.

The Tobago Cays, off the coast of Mayreau, are definitely within reach of Canouan. They're one of the world's great snorkeling spots, though I'm not sure they meet the 30-minute limit, but they aren't too far.

My concern is after a day trip to Tobago Key are there other reef spots within 30-60 minutes (not hung up on 30 minutes for it took 45+ minutes to Tobago when we stayed at Petit St. Vincent Resort 14 or so years ago). But are there other reef spots to go to from Raffles-Canouan that are first rate?? I am not expecting them to equal Tobago Key but to be fairly close in quality of underwater pleasure but with different types of coral, sea fans and fish and 50 ft. visibilty down to about 20 ft. depths..Anyone have experience elsewhere off or around Canaoun?