Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

Snorkeling in Caribbean

Search

Snorkeling in Caribbean

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 16th, 2024 | 03:27 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Snorkeling in Caribbean

Hi everyone! The best beaches for snorkeling in Caribbean. Any recommendations?
Amyy_11 is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2024 | 05:48 AM
  #2  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,082
Likes: 0
There are literally hundreds of beaches in the Caribbean that have good snorkeling and everyone has their particular favorites. You should be aware, that while a particular beach on a particular island may have very good snorkeling it is possible it could be the only location on that island that has decent snorkeling. Some islands are noted for having very good "walk-in" snorkeling off of a number of different beaches while others have little or even no snorkeling and still others might have only one or two very good snorkeling spots (some "walk-in" and some requiring access by boat) and lastly there are islands that completely lack snorkeling.

I see you tagged this thread with the "British Virgin Islands". If that's your main point of focus, you might want to look at Virgin Gorda. The island has a number of beaches with close in reef systems with very good snorkeling as well as nearby islands and cays you can boat to with good snorkeling. There are several of other islands in the chain that can be reached by ferry, water taxi or private charter that have good snorkeling.

Bonaire is another island noted for having very good snorkeling but the beaches themselves are not the best in the Caribbean. St. John, in the USVI's has good snorkeling off many of its beaches. You'll also find some good snorkeling throughout the Grenadines, however, getting to the individual island sites would require logistical planning. NOTE: Some of the islands in the chain were recently devastated by Hurricane Beryl so best to do some thorough research if you plan on visiting in the near future. There's some good snorkeling throughout the Bahamas Out-Islands and Grand Cayman has some beaches with decent snorkeling.

Last hint: As a general rule of thumb, low lying coral and limestone based island tend to have good near shore reef systems that provide good snorkeling while the more mountainous volcanic based island usually lack or have limited snorkeling.

RoamsAround is offline  
Old Aug 3rd, 2024 | 07:33 AM
  #3  
 
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
The Dutch Island of Bonaire has some amazing diving and snorkeling.
bangkokexpat3048 is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2024 | 03:18 PM
  #4  
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Curacao - Playa Kalki (alice in wonderland), Blue Bay, and Tugboat - so many great off shore snorkel spots!
Dominican Republic - Isla Catalina
BVI - The Indians, The Baths (you have to go here anyway just simply one of the most beautiful places!) and Mahoe Bay.
Aruba - Not a lot of coral but for swimming with Turtles Tres Trapi
Anguilla - Crocus Bay
places_with_palms is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2024 | 03:18 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
yes and curacao
places_with_palms is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2025 | 04:51 AM
  #6  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
We’ll be in Bonaire the first time in January, does anyone have any recommendations for particular locations for snorkeling? TIA

Last edited by azuregirl62; Sep 27th, 2025 at 04:57 AM.
azuregirl62 is offline  
Old Sep 27th, 2025 | 06:31 AM
  #7  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,082
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by azuregirl62
We’ll be in Bonaire the first time in January, does anyone have any recommendations for particular locations for snorkeling? TIA
There are dozens upon dozens of great snorkeling locations in Bonaire and everyone has their personal favorites. Most reefs are a short distance from shore and are easily accessible. One site is not necessarily better than another, they are just different locations. In fact, the waters surrounding the entire island have been designated a National Underwater Park sand great efforts are being made by the locals to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the surrounding reefs. Check out the following websites for descriptions of the most popular spots:

https://enrichingpursuits.com/ultima...rkeling-guide/

https://coralnomad.com/best-snorkeli...redible-spots/
RoamsAround is offline  
Old Sep 30th, 2025 | 08:15 PM
  #8  
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Amyy_11
Hi everyone! The best beaches for snorkeling in Caribbean. Any recommendations?
You can try Trunk Bay in USVI , it’s one of the top snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean
kendrick612 is offline  
Old Oct 6th, 2025 | 07:08 PM
  #9  
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bangkokexpat3048
The Dutch Island of Bonaire has some amazing diving and snorkeling.
Is Bonaire a good spot for beginner snorkelers too, or is it more suited for experienced divers?
allisonshule2471 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mariasky
Australia & the Pacific
1
May 24th, 2015 09:32 PM
Helen_in_Hawaii
Caribbean Islands
4
Nov 7th, 2007 04:50 AM
bodhijack
United States
8
Mar 3rd, 2007 03:52 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -