Instead of going to one of the Atlantic coast beaches for our "beach fix" this summer, we hope to hop over to the Bahamas instead. (We live in MD) But if we're going to give up the great surf (love body surfing!), our hope is to find great snorkeling (our other passion).
So: Is any of the snorkeling in the Bahamas as good as St John, for instance? And is there a place where the snorkeling is excellent AND where there's a fine place to stay-- either villa or upscale resort? Thank you!

Bahamas snorkeling is not as good as St. John's.
You may want to look into Turks and Caicos. It's very calm water, but great snorkeling, and on a map, everyone thinks it belongs to the Bahamas.
Good flights from DC area to there too.

Thanks for reply. We visited T&C once (don't remember where-- it was abt 15 years ago) and didn't think much of the snorkeling. There may be great snorkeling that one gets to by boat, but not awfully much right off-beach, the kind we enjoy. There seemed to be only a few spots-- T&C just didn't have the reefs close to the beach that made for great snorkeling. Again, tho-- may be that we just didn't know where to go.

The Abacos have fairly good snorkeling with some good areas off beaches. Scan thread of Abaco Islands-Snorkeling.
But, I agree, that you cannot beat St. John for snorkeling and if you can handle the room rates you will find Caneel Bay Resort with 7 beaches all of which have off the beach snorkeling plus a few moderately priced 1/2 day trips to reef areas.There is coral bleaching in the Virgin Islands but you have to get there in next 1-2 years or you'll have to go to Belize or Honduras for good snorkeling.

There is some GREAT snorkling off Eleuthera and Harbour Island, so don't write off the Bahamas as a choice. There are several nice places to stay that won't break the bank and you can even snorkle from the beach or take a water taxi out to a small cay and have the whole ocean to yourselves for the day.

The Rock House on Harbour Island might be just what you are looking for, it's on the leeward side of the island, but overlooks the harbour and Eleuthera. Great food there and lovely rooms. Also close to the dock for off island adventure.

You might try some of these websites for more info.
www.eleu.net
www.myharbourisland.com
www.rockhousebahamas.com
www.runawayhill.com
www.coralsands.com
www.islandoutpost.com
www.where2stay.com

Have a great time wherever your travels take you.