We want to go somewhere romantic and quiet, where you can snorkel right off the beach. Someone recommended Jamaica Inn. I've looked on the website, but I don't see any evidence of a reef nearby. How/s the snorkeling there?
Thanks.

we were there 2 years ago in May and Jamaica Inn will not be good for snorkel right off the beach. Do not go to Jamaica Inn for snorkeling. If you are looking for peace and quiet then go to JI.

There is an OK snorkeling area if you swim out from the beach and go around the rock outcropping to your left (basically the area facing the west wing rooms). There are a few small coral heads here with some fish but the visibility is not good due to freshwater run-off mixing with the salt water.

There's a reef directly in front of the resort farther from shore. We kayaked out here and the water looked much clearer but we did not snorkel. You can also swim here from the beach (longish swim) but be very careful as some boats and motorized watercraft from the neighboring resorts do cross in this area.

Thanks to both of you for the information. It's my impression that if snorkeling is all that important to us, we should choose another destination. Any suggestions? (We only have 4 nights, and we fly out of Dallas.)

Virgo,
Snorkeling is all that important to you then you should choose another destination. We were in JI last year and JI doesn't have a good snorkleing reef area and also visibility of the water is not clear.

Outside of Port Antonio, the North Coast of Jamaica's not known for good snorkelling, tho there's a marine park in MoBay. Sunny Isle, 2.5 miles off
the South Coast's Treasure Beach area, and for divers, Alligator Hole, might be more promising for you. There are a couple of romantic inns to stay at there such as Mar Blue and Jake's. If you real snorkel buffs and that #1 on the list, head for Turks & Caicos instead. JI is a sweet romantic hotel to stay in, btw...